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City of Saskatoon adjusted civic services & holiday hours for Labour Day, Monday, September 2

August 28, 2024 - 10:47 am

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The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on the stat holiday, Labour Day, Monday, September 2.

Find out what's open or closed,  and what's happening with parking requirements, Saskatoon Transit/Access Transit operating hours, waste collection schedules, Leisure Centres, Saskatoon Public Library, Remai Modern and more.

Enjoy these last days of summer...how about a final pool day! Riversdale Pool will have its last day of operation on Monday, September 2!

Check all Labour Day stat details here

The City hopes all residents have a safe and enjoyable last long weekend of summer!

Visit saskatoon.ca to learn more about the many programs and services we offer.

Transit launches free child fares September 1

August 26, 2024 - 11:15 am

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Starting on September 1, Saskatoon Transit will launch a new program offering free fares for children in Grade 8 and under. This program allows elementary school-age children to ride all Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit services for free without needing to scan a fare pass or show any documentation (such as an ID) simply by boarding the bus based on their grade level.

On June 26, City Council approved the elimination of child fares to provide families with a low-cost transportation option and encourage the use of public transit in the community. Saskatoon joins other Canadian cities, including the City of Regina, in offering free transit fares for children.

“The goal of the program is to make public transit more accessible and affordable for Saskatoon families,” said Michael Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “By removing the cost barrier, we’re able to provide all children the opportunity to get around the community safely and easily, whether it’s to school, extracurricular activities, or family outings.”

The free child fare initiative was developed after extensive community engagement in Spring 2024, during which Saskatoon Transit engaged with schools, community organizations, Transit staff, members of the public, and other transit agencies across the country. Based on the feedback received, City Council adopted a simple and seamless program.

To monitor the program’s impact, Saskatoon Transit will collaborate with local school boards and organizations to assess any operational savings and efficiency improvements. A report on the outcomes will be presented to City Council in Summer 2025.

For more information about the free child fare program, and how to plan your trip, visit SaskatoonTransit.ca.

Rescheduled: Downtown Transit Terminal partial closure for roadway rehabilitation starting Monday

August 23, 2024 - 10:01 am

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The Downtown Transit Terminal on 23rd Street will undergo a short-term construction project from August 26 to 31, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances. This rehabilitation work involves roadway resurfacing and curb drainage in the terminal's westbound lane.  

Several bus routes will be temporarily relocated during this project to the east side of 3rd Avenue between 22nd and 23rd streets: 

  • Routes 2 and 5 will be temporarily relocated from August 26 to 28.  
  • Routes 8 and 80s will be temporarily relocated from August 26 to 31

Temporary bus stop signage and transit staff will help locate transfers and buses, and “no parking” signs will be set up at the temporary terminal route locations. Detours will guide motorists around the work zone. 

Please note the sidewalks of the existing terminal will remain open, and the Transit Customer Service Centre will maintain regular hours of operation.

Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.       

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at transit.services@saskatoon.ca or 306.975.3100.

Thank you for your patience and for following traffic detour signs for everyone’s safety. 

Saskatoon Transit special event bus service to SaskTel Centre for Five Finger Death Punch

August 23, 2024 - 6:00 am

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Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to Five Finger Death Punch at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, August 24 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:

  • 6:15 p.m.
  • 6:55 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal. Buses typically arrive 30 minutes before the event ends.

Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip) and can be purchased on mobile phones using the TGo or transit app. Transfers and passes are also accepted.

Plan trips to events at SaskTel Centre, using Route 333, in the real-time mobile app Transit or Google Maps Transit up to two weeks in advance. Multi-modal options are available in the Transit app to seamlessly integrate trips with active transportation, OnDemand Transit, riide or Uber using the Transit+ feature. By combining transportation modes, wait times and costs can be minimized.

Visit SaskatoonTransit.ca to stay updated on transit services to SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations.

Saskatoon Transit special event bus service to SaskTel Centre for Hozier

August 21, 2024 - 6:00 am

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Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to the Hozier: Unreal Unearth Tour at SaskTel Centre tonight at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:

  • 5:40 p.m.
  • 6:00 p.m.
  • 6:20 p.m.
  • 6:40 p.m.
  • 7:00 p.m.
  • 7:20 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal. Buses typically arrive 30 minutes before the event ends.

Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip) and can be purchased on mobile phones using the TGo or transit app. Transfers and passes are also accepted.

Plan trips to events at SaskTel Centre, using Route 333, in the real-time mobile app Transit or Google Maps Transit up to two weeks in advance. Multi-modal options are available in the Transit app to seamlessly integrate trips with active transportation, OnDemand Transit, riide or Uber using the Transit+ feature. By combining transportation modes, wait times and costs can be minimized.

Visit SaskatoonTransit.ca to stay updated on transit services to SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations.

Work the election. Get paid! Elections Saskatoon is now hiring workers age 16+

August 20, 2024 - 10:18 am

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The 2024 Civic Election is a great opportunity for you to participate in the democratic process and support Elections Saskatoon in our commitment to administer a successful civic election in 2024. 

It will take hiring a large team of election workers and officials to ensure all voting locations function properly at all early voting opportunities and on Election Day, November 13, 2024. We will hire approximately 500-600 election workers. 

  • We want to include youth workers at the booth! Are you aged sixteen plus? Apply today!  
  • Do you speak another language? Elections Saskatoon is committed to hiring workers who speak languages representative of Saskatoon's diverse community. 

Interested? To be considered as an applicant for election worker duties, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.          
  • Must not be related to a candidate running in either the municipal or school board election.             
  • Must be available to attend mandatory paid training sessions in the month of October (hands-on training is required for some positions). 
  • You’ll need to have access to an email address, Elections Saskatoon will use it to contact you.     

There are five types of election worker positions we will be hiring for to support the 2024 Civic Election; the pay rates are included for each: 

  1.  Poll Supervisor (PS) – approximately 80 positions are available. 
  2.  Issuing Deputy Returning Officer (iDRO) – approximately 300 positions are available. 
  3.  Receiving Deputy Returning Officer (rDRO) – approximately 80 positions are available. 
  4.  Poll Clerk – approximately 80 positions are available. 
  5.  Standby Workers  

There are great reasons to get involved and work the 2024 Civic Election, join us! 

  • Earn extra cash; paid training will take place in October 2024 
  • Gain experience, build your resume 
  • Experience hands-on learning 
  • Serve your community 
  • Expand your network of contacts 

It’s easy to apply. Fill out our online application before September 23. 2024; it’s found at saskatoon.ca/electionjobs. If you applied earlier, you do not need to resend. We will contact successful applicants. 

Do you have questions about working the election?  Email election.workers@saskatoon.ca or call 306-657-VOTE (8683).  

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2024 it’s your trusted source for all election-related information. The Elections Saskatoon Office is located at
200-145 1st Avenue N in Saskatoon. 

The 2024 Civic Election is November 13, 2024. Eligible voters in Saskatoon will cast their ballot for local government leadership: Mayor, City Councillors and School Board Trustees for the next four-year term.  

Downtown Transit Terminal closures for roadway rehabilitation starting Wednesday

August 19, 2024 - 5:29 pm

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The Downtown Transit Terminal on 23rd Street will undergo a short-term construction project from August 21 to 27, 2024, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances. This rehabilitation work involves roadway resurfacing and curb drainage in the terminal's westbound lane. 

Several bus routes will be temporarily relocated during this project to the east side of 3rd Avenue between 22nd and 23rd streets:

  • Routes 2, 5, and 15 will be temporarily relocated from August 21 to 23.
  • Routes 8 and 80s will be temporarily relocated from August 21 to 27.

Temporary bus stop signage and transit staff will help locate transfers and buses, and “no parking” signs will be set up at the temporary terminal route locations. Detours will guide motorists around the work zone.

Please note the sidewalks of the existing terminal will remain open, and the Transit Customer Service Centre will maintain regular hours of operation. 

Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit.      

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at transit.services@saskatoon.ca or 306.975.3100. Thank you for your cooperation and support.                           

Saskatoon Transit is asking riders to “be bus ready” ahead of back-to-school rush

August 15, 2024 - 1:58 pm

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When classes resume in September, Saskatoon Transit wants customers to know that buses will be busy and some buses during morning and afternoon rush hours may be too full to take on more passengers. If you plan to take the bus during morning or afternoon rush hour peak times, please plan ahead to avoid delays that can happen with peak riding times.

Trips on routes in all areas of the city can fill up; however, it’s typically felt on routes to and from high schools and post-secondary schools in the morning and afternoon. This was an issue during the previous school year and ridership is expected to be higher this fall, exacerbating the overcapacity issue.

“Saskatoon Transit is gearing up for its busiest season as students head back to class. Unfortunately, the demand is here faster than the new buses on order, so we expect buses to be very full with limited extra buses to add to service,” says Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “We apologize to customers who are affected and are committed to addressing the overcapacity routes as best we can with the limited options.”

All available buses are on the road and there may not be enough to meet the frequency or capacity needed on some routes to take everyone at peak times. The eight new buses arriving at the end of the year will help with some of the issues and Saskatoon Transit will be in a good position to meet the demand by the end of 2025 when the next order of 20 buses arrives.  

Where someone with a car may leave earlier to avoid rush-hour traffic, someone using public transit  may want to consider taking an earlier bus if possible, to avoid delays that can happen with everyone trying to get to work and school at the same time," Moellenbeck adds.

September is a busy time for Saskatoon Transit. “Be bus ready” for back-to-school and follow these tips for taking transit this September:

  1. Download the real-time mobile app Transit or Google Maps and plan your September trips with the new fall schedule.
  2. Check on options for routes, stops and times to get to your destination. If possible, an earlier bus might help avoid delays that can happen with peak riding times.
  3. Be ready to hop on when the bus comes with your pass ready to scan. All riders are expected to pay bus fare.
  4. Make space for others: Move to the back of the bus and lower your backpack.
  5. If you can stand, please offer your seat to someone who isn’t as steady.

A 10-year fleet renewal funding plan was approved in 2023 to increase and improve the reliability of the fleet. Eight new buses will arrive this winter and another 20 are expected by the end of 2025, as the lead time on bus delivery can be up to 18 months. Saskatoon Transit made several changes to operations and maintenance to improve the overall service delivery following a 2022 City Auditor review.

Saskatoon Transit ridership continues to grow and is anticipated to match or surpass the 2019 peak of 13.2 million rides in 2024. Year-to-date ridership at July 31, 2024 is approximately 18% higher than July 31, 2023 year-to-date ridership.

Ride with Transit and travel the world during Folkfest

August 13, 2024 - 1:30 pm

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Every year, Saskatoon Transit partners with Saskatoon Folkfest to provide free transit service for ePassport holders. This year, the event runs from August 15 to 17. To enjoy free service, simply show a Folkfest ePassport or wristband to the bus operator when boarding.

For convenient travel, hop on Route 150. Service starts 20 minutes before Folkfest opening and connects to all pavilions every 20 minutes.

The Folkfest Bus Terminal serves as the main transfer point for Route 150 and is located on the south side of 23rd Street, facing east in front of the Francis Morrison Library. Additionally, routes 1 and 19 provide service to Prairieland Park, offering another easy option for Folkfest explorers.

Folkfest Transit Service Hours:  

  • Thursday, August 15 from 4:40 p.m. to 12:20 a.m.  
  • Friday, August 16 from 4:40 p.m. to 12:20 a.m.  
  • Saturday, August 17 from 2:40 p.m. to 12:20 a.m.  

Avoid the traffic and parking–celebrate culture and community by taking Saskatoon Transit!
Plan trips using the real-time mobile app Transit or Google Maps. Multi-modal options are available in the Transit app to seamlessly integrate trips with active transportation, OnDemand Transit, riide or Uber using the Transit+ feature. By combining transportation modes, wait times and costs can be minimized.

For more information, visit SaskatoonTransit.ca

Have questions? Contact Transit Customer Service at 306-975-3100 or transit.services@saskatoon.ca.  

Ride with Transit to the fun at the Saskatoon EX

August 2, 2024 - 3:30 pm

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Saskatoon Transit has again partnered with the Saskatoon EX to offer free Transit service for Superpass holders to Prarieland Park from August 6 to 11. Riders looking to take the bus simply need to show the bus operator their Superpass or wristband when boarding for a free ride.

Children 10 and under ride free on Wednesday, August 7, and older adults (65+) ride free on Thursday, August 8, without a Superpass. 

Service on Sunday night will be extended with three special service routes from the Exhibition loop on the west side of Lorne Avenue, just south of Ruth Street. The additional service on Sunday night allows people to leave the event even after regular service is over. Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip) and can be purchased on mobile phones using the TGo or transit app. Transfers and passes are also accepted. Sunday night service will not be visible on trip planning apps.

  • Bus #1 – to Downtown & Lawson Mall at 9:30pm, 10:15pm, 11 pm & 11:45pm  
  • Bus #2 – to Market Mall, Centre Mall & University Heights at 9:45pm, 10:30pm & 11:15pm 
  • Bus #3 – to Confederation & Downtown at 9:15pm, 10 pm, 10:45pm & 11:30pm 

Skip the parking fees and traffic jams by taking Saskatoon Transit. Plan trips to the Saskatoon Ex, in the real-time mobile app Transit or Google Maps Transit. Multi-modal options are available in the Transit app to seamlessly integrate trips with active transportation, OnDemand Transit, riide or Uber using the Transit+ feature. By combining transportation modes, wait times and costs can be minimized.

Have questions? Contact Transit Customer Service at 306-975-3100 or transit.services@saskatoon.ca.