Today, Saskatoon Transit marks a milestone on their journey to provide a fully-accessible public transit system.

Thanks to recent investments, the City’s fleet of various types of buses are now 100% accessible, allowing those with reduced mobility the freedom and independence of using conventional transit.

Starting in 2018 under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) program, the Government of Canada and the City of Saskatoon each invested $12 million for a total of $24 million toward the purchase of 41 accessible low-floor conventional buses that can either kneel and/or have a ramp, along with nine specialized buses with wheelchair lifts for Access Transit. Within the same time frame, the Government of Saskatchewan’s Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities (TAPD) program also contributed $220,000 toward four additional specialized buses for Access Transit. A total of 54 new buses have been purchased for the City’s fleet, making it completely accessible.

This milestone allows Saskatoon Transit to connect more people to their destinations than ever by using a “Family of Services” approach. This means, Access Transit customers now have more transportation flexibility and spontaneity using conventional transit. The City encourages Access customers to use Transit’s conventional service for all or part of their trips. Transit Travel Training is available for those who may be new or unsure about taking conventional transit.

“Our investments in public transit are allowing people to spend less time commuting and more precious time with their families,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “I’m proud to see that Saskatoon has transitioned to a fleet of 100% accessible buses, providing barrier-free transit services to ensure that everyone can get where they need to go safely and comfortably.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan commends the City of Saskatoon for reaching this destination. Our government is proud to have played a supportive role on this journey. That was done by contributing $220,000 in provincial funding between 2018 and 2019 toward four additional specialized buses for Access Transit under our Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities program,” said Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding. “In our new provincial budget, we also increased capital funding for Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities by $250,000. This is a 45% increase from last years’ budget, bringing the program total for 2019-20 to $3.8 million to support eligible applicants across Saskatchewan.”

“We are continually working to improve our service and are extremely proud of reaching this milestone as we work towards a fully accessible transit service. We want all of our customers to have safe, convenient, and affordable transit options,” said Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit.

“The Commission commends the City of Saskatoon on the leadership it has provided in making this initiative possible. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the people of Saskatoon have effective and accessible transit,” said David Arnot, Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. “Accessible transportation is a building block for a fair, inclusive, and equitable society. By removing barriers to transportation, we enable access to education and employment, as well as, to the services, opportunities, and benefits of living in a thriving multicultural and pluralistic city like Saskatoon.”

Experience Transit, Saskatoon Transit’s travel training program began as a pilot in mid-2017. The program is personalized, 60-minute training to introduce people to transit and teach them how to use conventional transit services independently. Training is customized to fit an individual’s lifestyle, travel needs and abilities. The program includes:

• Trip planning
• Wayfinding and navigation
• Fares
• Boarding and exiting
• Requesting accessible features
• Problem solving tips for when unexpected challenges occur

Over the past several years, Saskatoon Transit has implemented internal and external stop announcements as part of their commitment to providing accessible service. A complete bus stop audit will be conducted this summer to review all locations and their accessibility. 

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatoon Blades vs. the Moose Jaw Warriors during the 2019 WHL Playoffs, Round 1, at SaskTel Centre on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, 2019 is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:15 p.m.
• 6:45 p.m.

Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal.

Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted.

Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre in March can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

Saskatoon Transit runs every day, no matter the weather. Transit operators are responsible for the safe transportation of nearly 40,000 of our city’s citizens every day. Though we strive to recognize their work every day, we would like to take a moment TODAY, March 18^th on Transit Driver Appreciation Day to salute all those at Saskatoon Transit who help us to provide public transportation to the City of Saskatoon each and every day. It takes the work of our maintenance teams, customer service, our team at Access Transit and all our office staff to deliver outstanding service to the citizens of Saskatoon.

A number of years ago the Portland Oregon Transit Authority, Trimet, wanted to remind their customers about the job transit drivers do on the road serving customers every day. Following in their steps, other transit systems across North America joined in.  Saskatoon Transit and Local 615 of the Amalgamated Transit Union chose to join the celebration in 2017. Transit Driver Appreciation Day is held annually on the 17^th of Ireland (St Patrick’s Day) or the closest weekday.

Saskatoon Transit provides nearly one million rides every month. “I am proud to celebrate the 400 men and women of Saskatoon Transit,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “I invite you to join me in thanking our operators for the service they provide 365 days a year, rain, snow or shine.”

Show your appreciation by thanking your driver TODAY on Transit Driver Appreciation Day!

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rush vs. the Buffalo Bandits at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, March 16 is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.
• 6:40 p.m.
• 7:05 p.m.
• 7:20 p.m.

Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal.

Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted.

Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre in March can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rush vs. the Calgary Roughnecks at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, March 2 is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.
• 6:40 p.m.
• 7:05 p.m.
• 7:20 p.m.

Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal.

Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted.

Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre in March can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

Bullying Stops Here. That’s the message the City is supporting as it encourages residents and civic staff to combat bullying at school, work, home and online by practicing kindness and wearing pink on Wednesday, February 27.

To raise awareness of the initiative, Transit buses can be spotted around the city sporting pink t-shirts. The t-shirts are spray painted on and will stay until the vehicles are washed.

The City of Saskatoon is committed to building a positive and inclusive workplace where all employees feel safe, valued and respected. Bullying is a serious workplace issue that can have adverse effects on employees and organizations as a whole. 

About Pink Shirt Day
Inspired by an act of kindness in small-town Nova Scotia, Pink Shirt Day acts to raise awareness of bullying in schools, workplaces, homes and online, as well as raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem. To learn more, visit www.pinkshirtday.ca.

Get Social
If you see a Transit bus with pink shirts snap a picture and share.
Follow: #PinkShirtDay

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rush vs. the Colorado Mammoth at SaskTel Centre on Friday, February 22 is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.
• 6:40 p.m.
• 7:05 p.m.
• 7:20 p.m.

Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal.

Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted.

Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre in February can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Snoop Dogg at SaskTel Centre on Tuesday, February 19 is available at the following times:

• 6:45 p.m.
• 7:15 p.m.
• 7:45 p.m.
   

Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal.

Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted.

Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre in February can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to RAM Motorsports Spectacular at SaskTel Centre is available on the following dates and times:

Date               Event Time               Bus Departure

Feb 15            7:00 p.m.                    5:45, 6:15, 6:45

Feb 16            1:00 p.m.                    11:45, 12:15, 12:45

                        7:00 p.m.                    5:45, 6:15, 6:45
 

Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal.

Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted.

Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre in February can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rush vs. the Calgary Roughnecks at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, February 9 is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.
• 6:40 p.m.
• 7:05 p.m.
• 7:20 p.m.

Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal.

Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted.

Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre in February can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.