Saskatoon Transit anticipates buses filling up on busy routes during peak commute times beginning Tuesday, September 5 as students head back to school and summer vacations wrap up.  Saskatoon Transit is prepared to provide a reliable service heading into the busiest season of the year, having made many improvements to its maintenance and operations over the past year.

When possible, larger capacity articulating buses will be used on the routes with high schools and post-secondary institutions, and three additional buses will be standing by to be deployed as needed. At this time last year, ridership numbers compared to pre-pandemic rates and some routes experienced full buses.

Tips for public transit riders

1. Adjust your departure time. Busier routes will have some increased frequency at peak times. If your regular bus is nearly full when you ride in August, consider taking the earlier or later bus to avoid a full bus. The bus that drops students off just prior to the start of class tends to be busier than the earlier or next bus.
2. Use tracking and watch for service alerts. Saskatoon Transit has real-time tracking through third party apps like Transit and Google Maps on desktop. Real-time transit tracking shows you where your bus is and when the next bus arrives, which limits wait times at bus stops. Pin your preferred routes for service alert push notifications.
3. Be prepared to board. Have your fare ready, app open and be ready to quickly find a seat.
4. Remove backpacks. Make space for people.   

When a bus is full, the head sign will read “Full Bus” and the operator will drive past bus stops - even when riders are waiting - until there is space for more people. During peak times, more than 80 buses are running to get people to their destinations. Real time tracking and ongoing communication with the bus helps Saskatoon Transit staff determine where more service is needed.

Student discounts

You can now purchase discounted high school and post-secondary passes on your mobile device with TGo and Transit apps. Post-secondary students must show their proof of enrollment at the Customer Service Centre downtown for the discount to be available in the app. Students attending the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Saskatchewan receive a U-PASS included with tuition. Learn more about mobile tickets for students at saskatoontransit/student.

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation over the long weekend and on Labour Day, Monday, September 4.

It's the end of another great summer in Saskatoon but the weather ahead looks great! The upcoming long weekend is a great time to check out Saskatoon Forestry Park & Zoo, Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park, Leisure Centres, Remai Modern or maybe book a few rounds of golf!

Check out what's open or closed on the long weekend including information on parking requirements, Transit schedules, Waste Collection pick-up days, Landfill/Compost Depots and facility hours, and more - here.

The City of Saskatoon wishes everyone a relaxing and safe long weekend.

Visit saskatoon.ca for more information on City programs and services.

Saskatoon Transit is once again offering free transit service during Folkfest, August 17-19, 2023. This quick and easy service is offered to riders who show their Folkfest ePassport, Connecting Communities wristband, or let their Transit Operator know that they are headed to a Folkfest Pavilion when boarding.

Folkfest Transit Service Hours:  

• Thursday, August 17 from 3:50 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Friday, August 18 from 3:50 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Saturday, August 19 from 2:15 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Service Schedule

Transit service for Folkfest Routes 150 and 152 starts 30 minutes before opening and runs to each pavilion every 30 minutes.

The Folkfest Bus Terminal, located in front of City Hall, serves as the main transfer point for all Folkfest buses with drop-off points at all pavilions, Market Mall, and participating hotels.

Regular service on routes 1 and 19 to Prairieland Park is also available. 

All route maps specific to Folkfest service with stop locations can be found in the Folkfest Digital Passport and on SaskatoonTransit.ca. 

Park 'n Ride

Park at one of the Transit terminals around the city and catch regular service to the Downtown terminal to transfer at City Hall.

Bike & Bus

All buses are equipped with bike racks on the front of the buses that can hold two bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessibility

Saskatoon Transit provides full accessibility for all riders through the use of low-floor buses. However, it is important to note that temporary Pavilion locations and stops may not be fully accessible. Transit operators will make every effort to lower the bus and/or deploy the ramp at an appropriate location so that the rider with a mobility device or in a wheelchair/scooter can access the sidewalk and walkway. 

Avoid the traffic and parking–celebrate culture and community by taking Transit!

Plan your trip and find transit route information, service alerts, and real-time bus locations on the mobile app called Transit, or Google Maps on desktop.

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

To accommodate the Rock 102 Show & Shine event in the downtown area on Sunday, August 20, detours and parking restrictions will be in place guiding motorists around the event zone.   

Event road restrictions in place on August 20 from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.:  

• 1st Avenue closed between 20th and 22nd streets   
• 2nd Avenue closed between 20th and 23rd streets  
• 3rd Avenue closed between 20th and 23rd streets   
• 21st Street closed between 1st and 4th avenues  
• 22nd Street closed between 1st and 4th avenues         

This event will impact transit routes and stops in the downtown area. Saskatoon Transit will be issuing service alerts about detours and temporary bus stop locations.   

The Downtown Terminal bus stops will operate as normal except for Route 6, 60 and 65 which will have temporary bus stops located on 23rd Street eastbound, east of 2nd Avenue.  

For service alerts about bus stop closures, real-time bus locations, and next bus arrivals use the mobile app Transit or Google Transit on desktop. Customer Service is also available at 306-975-3100 to help answer any questions.     

Drivers are reminded to watch out for pedestrians. The City thanks everyone for their patience.  

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction. 

It’s Saskatchewan Day on Monday, August 7 – the weather ahead looks great, time to celebrate another summer long weekend in Saskatoon!

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation over the long weekend and on Saskatchewan Day, Monday, August 7, 2023.

There's much to do in the city! Check the detailed information on long weekend parking requirements, Transit, Saskatoon Public Library, Remai Modern, Waste Collections, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Leisure Centres, Outdoor Pools, Golf Courses, Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park and more here.

The City of Saskatoon wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Saskatchewan Day long weekend!

Visit saskatoon.ca for more information on the services and programs the City provides.

Saskatoon Transit has again partnered with the Saskatoon EX to offer free Transit service to Superpass holders during the Exhibition, August 8-13, 2023.  Riders looking to use Transit simply need to show the bus operator their Superpass or bracelet when boarding for a free ride.

Free Transit service will also be provided to children 10 & under on Wednesday, August 9, and older adults 65+ on Thursday, August 10.  

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); fares can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted.

• 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  

Taking Transit is a great way to avoid the traffic and parking. Riders can plan their route to and from the EX using the Transit app (or Google Maps on desktop).

*Sunday night service will not be visible on trip planning apps. 

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

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to experience the NF: Hope Tour at  SaskTel Centre  on Sunday, August 27 at 8 p.m., is available at the following times:     

• 6:45 p.m.   
• 7:25 p.m. 

Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted.      
   
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit  app up to two weeks in advance.    
   
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.   

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to Sir Rod Stewart live at  SaskTel Centre  on Saturday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:     

• 6:10 p.m.   
• 6:30 p.m. 
• 6:50 p.m. 
• 7:10 p.m. 

Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted.      
   
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit  app up to two weeks in advance.    
   
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.   

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to experience the Avenged Sevenfold: Life Is But A Dream Tour at  SaskTel Centre  on Wednesday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m., is available at the following times:     

• 5:15 p.m.   
• 5:55 p.m.  

Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted.      
   
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit  app up to two weeks in advance.    
   
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.   

Ahead of the warm temperatures this weekend, the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) will activate the Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan from Friday, June 30 to Monday, July 3 to support residents in Saskatoon, especially those vulnerable to the heat.

The Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan is a coordinated response that provides residents with access to cooling locations, outreach services, wellness checks and water distribution during extreme heat. Individuals and families experiencing distress from the heat can visit any of the designated cool-down locations throughout the city. Partner organizations will also distribute water to vulnerable residents and have access to misting tents to provide another way to cool down.  

Extreme heat can cause serious negative health impacts ranging from dehydration and heat exhaustion to heat stroke and potentially death. Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for individuals who live in a residence without air conditioning or a way to cool the home, are older adults, and who also have pre-existing health conditions. Residents can help those most vulnerable to the extreme and prolonged heat by checking on family, friends and neighbours, sharing cool-down locations and by alerting emergency services if they see someone in distress. 

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Other things to consider during days of extreme heat:  

Outdoor Events 

If you're planning to enjoy outdoor festivities, be sure to have a plan to stay hydrated and stay cool. Consider taking cool water with you. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, before you feel thirsty. Limit physical activity during the hottest hours and seek out shade to rest in. 

River Safety 

Although the South Saskatchewan River may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, EMO reminds residents that the river is unpredictable and swimming in the river is prohibited. The river has many hazards including changing currents and an unstable bottom. 

Pet Wellness 

On warm summer days, it’s important to keep your pets safe and comfortable. Considerations include: 

• Ensuring your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink 
• Monitoring your pet for signs of heat stress such as rapid panting 
• Never leaving pets in parked cars for any amount of time 
• Offering your pet a means to cool down such as a wading pool or damp towel

For more information on how to keep your pet safe this summer, contact your local veterinarian.

Working Safe 

As the humidex rises, those who work outdoors are encouraged to take necessary actions including: 

• Drink extra water, 
• Increase breaks out of the sun 
• Modify work duties to prevent heat illness

For safety tips and guidelines for employees working in hot conditions, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s Working Outdoors page.

Transit Safe Bus Program 

As always, Saskatoon Transit offers the Safe Bus Program designed to assist anyone, of any age, that needs immediate shelter or needs to contact emergency services. If you need help, safely flag down a bus or go to a parked bus. Transit operators can contact emergency services directly through the on-bus radio system and will give the person in need a safe place to wait.

Smart Yard and Garden Watering

During heat waves, there is increased water usage. The City encourages residents to be water wise by watering your lawn and trees early in the morning and skip windy days to minimize evaporation. Smart watering helps the environment and can save you money during hot summer months. Follow these quick lawn care tips to be more efficient with your water and learn more ways to be water wise.    

For more information about the Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response plan and how to stay safe during extreme heat, visit saskatoon.ca/heat.