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Saskatoon Transit awards contract to Masabi to deliver next generation mobile and account-based ticketing solution

August 19, 2020 - 9:15 am

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Saskatoon and New York — Saskatoon Transit announced today that, following a competitive bidding process, it has chosen Masabi, the global leader in mobile ticketing to deliver its next generation fare payment system. Masabi provides Fare Payments-as-a-Service (FPaaS) to public transit. Saskatoon Transit plans to launch the new system in 2021 following a comprehensive fare review.  

 

In today’s world, riders are keen to ensure that unnecessary interactions with cash, machines and infrastructure is kept to a minimum, and this is just one of the huge advantages of Masabi’s Justride platform,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “As we bring our city’s transit network into the 21st century, we are excited to be deploying a world-leading mobile and account-based ticketing system that will best serve our customers and allow us to grow and improve for years to come.”  

 

The ground-breaking new mobile ticketing and account-based ticketing solution will transform the passenger experienceRiders will control a single mobility account and ride across the city safely and seamlessly by tapping their mobile phones or smartcard to travel. Riders will be able to pre-purchase tickets and passes from their phones or add money to a new stored value account system, while the Justride platform automatically calculates and deducts the correct fare from riders’ accounts, applying best-fare policies where appropriate. 

 

“Now more than ever, the focus of transit agencies is on providing their customers with a simple, contactless and above all, safe system by which to travel, and by deploying Masabi’s fare payments as a service platform Justride, Saskatoon is doing just that,” says Brian Zanghi, CEO of Masabi. “In years gone by, this level of functionality and convenience took years to develop and deploy and would have been out of reach to all but the largest agencies. Today we can deliver market-leading technology to forward-thinking cities by providing FPaaS in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost. We do this using a platform which is constantly updating with new features and functionality, helping agencies keep up with the pace of technology change. We are delighted to have been selected to provide this system and look forward to working with Saskatoon Transit in the years to come.”  

 

Using Masabi’s Justride Software Development Kit (SDK), mobile ticketing will also be integrated into the Transit app, enabling a Mobility-as-a-Service experience. This will allow riders to plan their journeys, get real-time updates, pay their fares, and connect Saskatoon Transit with complementary transportation options, all in a single app. Masabi will also be working with partner Trapeze who provide Intelligent Transportation Systems (CAD/AVL)Mobility Planning and Scheduling, Workforce Management, Business Intelligence, and Traveler Experience solutions for Saskatoon Transit.   

 

“Integrating Saskatoon Transit’s new fare payments solution into the Transit app is a key step in giving riders a top-notch experience when they ride public transit,” said David Block-Schachter, Transit’s Chief Business Officer. “With this new, flexible fare payment system seamlessly connected to real-time information and trip planning in the Transit app, Saskatoon Transit is pulling to the head of the pack among transit operators in North America.” 

Saskatoon Transit selected as finalist for Canada’s Safest Employers Awards 2020

August 10, 2020 - 2:30 pm

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Saskatoon Transit has been selected as a finalist for Canada’s Safest Public Transportation Employer in the 10th annual Canada’s Safest Employers Awards, presented by Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine. 

Canada’s Safest Employers Awards celebrate companies across the nation for their exceptional safety culture and wellness practices. 

Finalists were selected following an open call for nominations to COS magazine’s nationwide readership of 14,000 safety professionals. 

Winners will be selected by an esteemed independent judging panel and revealed during a virtual awards gala on October 22. 

This has been an incredibly challenging year for safety professionals and for businesses everywhereIt’s an honour to be acknowledged among the other finalists.  

For the full list of finalists, visit: www.safestemployers.com.       

Saskatoon Transit selected as finalist for Canada’s Safest Employers Awards 2020

August 10, 2020 - 2:30 pm

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Saskatoon Transit has been selected as a finalist for Canada’s Safest Public Transportation Employer in the 10th annual Canada’s Safest Employers Awards, presented by Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine. 

Canada’s Safest Employers Awards celebrate companies across the nation for their exceptional safety culture and wellness practices. 

Finalists were selected following an open call for nominations toCOS magazine’s nationwide readership of 14,000 safety professionals. 

Winners will be selected by an esteemed independent judging panel and revealed during a virtual awards gala on October 22. 

This has been an incredibly challenging year for safety professionals and for businesses everywhereIt’s an honour to be acknowledged among the other finalists.  

For the full list of finalists, visit www.safestemployers.com.     

Holiday Hours for Saskatchewan Day, Monday, August 3

July 31, 2020 - 10:30 am

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Due to COVID-19 physical distancing requirements and the current phase of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, the City of Saskatoon already has a number of adjusted services in place. 

On Saskatchewan Day, Monday, August 3, 2020, there are several statutory holiday service adjustments. See full details on the City’s website.

Please visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19 for timely updates from the City of Saskatoon on everything you need to know to stay safe.

Happy Saskatchewan Day Saskatoon residents.

Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre business hours

July 30, 2020 - 9:15 am

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Effective Sunday, August 2nd, Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre hours will be adjusted.  

 

Walk-in service

Phone / Email service

Monday – Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

7:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. &
1:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday

Closed

9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. &
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.,

Statutory Holidays

Closed

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. &
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.,

Please call Customer Service at 306-975-3100 with any questions.

Electric bus charges into service: test aims to lower fuel bills and greenhouse gasses

July 21, 2020 - 12:15 pm

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Saskatoon Transit is proud to announce it will be testing an electric bus over the next year as part of the public transport fleet. This initiative supports elements of the Official Community Plan and the City of Saskatoon’s Strategic Plan goals of Environmental Leadership and Moving Around.  

The total project cost is estimated to be $533,600 of which $234,300 is funded from the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), a fund financed by the Government of Canada and administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). 

Today’s announcement also reaches a milestone in Saskatoon’s Low Emission Community Plan, which prescribes the municipal transit fleet be 100% electric by 2030. The electric bus project’s net carbon emissions reduction is expected to be 50.3 tonnes of CO2 per bus, per year (this number accounts for the bus and the electrical grid’s emissions-intensity factors) and saves approximately $27,500 in fuel costs per bus, per year.   

This project will include a strong focus on how an electric bus will perform in Saskatchewan’s very cold winter weather, which will be of interest to many other Canadian communities with longer, colder winters like ours. Also, Saskatoon Transit’s collaboration on this project with the Saskatchewan Research Council will be valuable to replicate it and share that knowledge across the province. 

Quick facts: 

  • The electric bus can be charged in approximately 5 hours 
  • One bus is expected to reduce 50.3 tonnes of CO2 per year (this number accounts for the bus and the electrical grid’s emissions intensity factors) and save ~$27,500 in fuel costs per year compared to a conventional diesel bus
  •  This electric bus pilot initiates one of the 40 actions in the Saskatoon’s Low Emission Community Plan for the municipal transit fleet to be 100% electric by 2030. The City will also start testing electric vehicles later this year as part of another transportation action to electrify the entire municipal fleet 
  • The electric bus unit number will be 1948, representing the year the first 8 electric buses hit the streets of Saskatoon 

Benefits: 

  • Improved air quality at transit terminals, and along bus routes will improve public health 
  • Less noise pollution along bus routes will improve the community’s quality of life 
  • Lower operation and maintenance costs  
  • Offering a modern transit system will help to increase transit ridership 

Quotations: 
“We’re investing in the future. This electric bus pilot project will give the people of Saskatoon a practical and environmentally friendly option for their everyday commute. Canada’s Infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across Canada and builds stronger communities.” The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities 

“Zero emissions vehicles are part of Canada’s net-zero future. Our government is working to give Canadians greener options to get where they need to go.” The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources 

“This is a great step towards the further expansion of zero-emission technology in Saskatoon. The world of transportation is changing rapidly and we need to adapt and implement these new technologies to be ready. This will also help us make important strides in meeting our long-term sustainability goals.” City of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark 

Local governments are Canada’s builders. They own nearly two thirds of the public infrastructure that supports Canada’s economy and quality of life. Whether it’s through better transit, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, or stronger local infrastructure, municipalities like Saskatoon are building better lives for Canadians. Supported by our strong federal-municipal partnership, FCM’s Green Municipal fund helps municipalities do what they do best: deliver solutions that work.” Darren Hill, FCM Third Vice-President and Councillor, City of Saskatoon 

"Buses already help tackle climate change by providing a way to get around other than in cars or trucks. With more people taking transit in Saskatoon, electric buses will make a real difference. This pilot helps Saskatoon Transit achieve our goal of replacing 10 conventional buses with electric buses per year, creating an all-electric fleet within the next 10 years." Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. 

Civic Services & Holiday Hours for Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1

June 29, 2020 - 1:00 pm

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Due to COVID-19 physical distancing requirements and the current phase of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, the City of Saskatoon already has a number of adjusted services in place. 

On Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1, 2020, there are several statutory holiday service adjustments. See full details on the City’s website.

Please visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19 for timely updates from the City of Saskatoon on everything you need to know to stay safe.

Happy Canada Saskatoon residents.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off season begins Sunday, June 7

June 2, 2020 - 12:15 pm

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The City of Saskatoon and GFL Environmental Inc. are set to host the first Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off Day of the season.

  • Location: Civic Operations Centre (57 Valley Road) 
  • Date & Time: Sunday, June 7 (9:00 am - 3:30 pm)
  • Open to Saskatoon residents only; no commercial loads will be accepted. For disposal/recycling of hazardous wastes from non-residential sources, please contact GFL Environmental Inc. at 306-244-9500.
  • Residents can avoid potentially long line-ups by visiting saskatoon.ca/wastewizard to find other means of recycling and safe disposal.

​Common HHW materials include aerosols, automotive fluids, batteries, cleaners, cylinders, light bulbs, medications, yard chemicals, vaping products, and more. These and many other types of hazardous materials require safe disposal and should not be put in your garbage or recycling containers, dumped on the ground, or poured down the drain.

A list of acceptable materials and information on future events can be found at saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste.

COVID-19 Response:

All necessary health and safety measures are in place to protect residents and event staff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. GFL staff will be equipped with proper Personal Protective Equipment and spraying/sanitizing their gloves between each vehicle interaction. In an effort to help further reduce cross-contamination, the following guidelines and restrictions will be in place:

  • Only bring acceptable HHW material to the event. Garbage, recyclables, and electronics will be returned to program participants.
  • Maximum of 40 litres of used oil will be accepted per vehicle.
  • Bring fuel and oil in containers that may be left behind for recycling/disposal.
  • HHW material should be safely sealed in clearly marked containers and placed in the back of your vehicle. Containers will not be returned once handled by event staff.
  • Railway ties will not be accepted at HHW events; contact GFL directly for disposal arrangements.
  • Do not attend the event if you are sick.
  • Residents must remain in their vehicles at all times.

The City will communicate any necessary updates to future events as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

Saskatoon Transit to resume fare collection: to align with Re-Open SK Phase 3

May 27, 2020 - 5:15 pm

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As the province and our community move toward re-opening amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Saskatoon Transit will resume loading passengers and collecting fares at the front doors starting June 8, 2020.  

"Our team will always keep the safety of our customers and employees at the forefront of everything we do, which is why we went to rear door boarding and suspended fare collection.” says Jim McDonald, Director, Saskatoon Transit. Saskatoon Transit is proud to provide transportation services our customers can rely on as we move into Phase Three of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan."   

New measures:  

  • Front door loading and fare collection will resume effective June 8, 2020.   
  • Vinyl panels are being installed as protective barriers for operators. Operators have also been issued gloves and re-useable masks for protection of themselves and riders. 
  • One-way passenger flow: boarding through the front and exiting through the rear doors of the bus. 
    • Exceptions will be made for customers with mobility aids to exit through the front of the bus.   
  • Transit riders are encouraged to follow the recommendations for using face masks or face coverings on buses and at bus stops. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends wearing a non-medical mask where physical distancing is not possible or is unpredictable. 
  •  Saskatoon Transit will continue to monitor capacity on buses, and customers may experience pass-ups. 
    • Riders are encouraged to use the mobile app called transit to check the schedules in advance and attempt to travel at non-peak times as much as possible.
        

Following the guidance of the Chief Medical Health Officer and drawing on the best practices of the transit industry worldwide, Saskatoon Transit has implemented additional safety measures. We’ll also continue with many of the procedures and practices already at work to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” McDonald says.   

Measures already in place that will continue:  

  • Enhanced bus cleaning and sanitizing   
  • Additional personal protective equipment for Access Transit operators   
  • Communication to staff and riders encouraging good personal hygiene 
  • Rear door loading with no fare collection until June 7, 2020  

As restrictions begin to lift and people gradually return to some activities they did prior to March 2020, Saskatoon Transit wants to ensure everyone gets where they need to be as safely and efficiently as possible.   

For more information, visit SaskatoonTranist.ca or call 306-975-3100. 

COVID-19: Daily update on changes to programs and services – May 19, 2020

May 19, 2020 - 5:00 pm

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The City is doing its part to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases in Saskatoon. We have made many staffing and service changes so our employees can safely deliver services to residents and to make sure people remain physically apart from one another. This way we can all work together by staying apart – it will protect the health of essential frontline healthcare staff, core service workers and first-responders. These actions in turn protect all of us. 

Saskatoon Transit LIMITED RIDER CAPACITY  

The number of riders able to board buses has been reduced to enable physical distancing while seated or moving to the door. When a bus is full, it will display “Full Bus” and pass by those waiting until passengers are dropped off. Riders are asked to follow physical distancing measures and provide the operator and each other space. Onboard announcements may be made throughout the trip to remind riders of these measures.  

Service 
In order to maintain physical distancing measures and the flexibility to increase frequency on routes experiencing higher demand, Saskatoon Transit has reduced Monday to Friday service to the regular Saturday service schedule.  Redeploying peak hour, university and school services has provided the additional buses to allow these changes.     

Face coverings recommended  

Public health authorities have recommended the wearing of face coverings as a measure to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Saskatoon Transit encourages those using public transit to wear face coverings, riders may notice operators wearing masks as well.  

Access Transit 

Operators may provide masks and hand sanitizer for riders to use. There is a limit of 2 passengers per bus and routing is as direct as possible.   

Real-time updates  

To help riders plan their journey and receive real-time service updates, Saskatoon Transit encourages passengers to use the real-time mobile app, Transit.  

Please avoid using public transit:   

  • If under mandatory isolation  
  • If taking the bus is not essential  
  • If you are sick (fever, new or worsening cough, difficulty breathing) 

Please visit saskatoon.ca/covid19 for timely updates from the City of Saskatoon on everything you need to know to stay safe.