News Releases

Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit are actively working with supporting teams to resolve disruptions caused by a widespread Microsoft system outage that has affected internal software.

Saskatoon Transit disruptions:

• Incoming phone lines.
• Real-time bus location updates on Transit and other trip-planning apps.
• Service alerts for detours or service interruptions.
• Mobile ticketing purchases are intermittently unavailable in the Transit and TGo apps. Fares already purchased in the apps remain available for use.
  • The OnDemand Transit app remains unaffected.
• The Customer Service Centre is experiencing a high volume of inquiries. Customers can contact the Saskatoon Transit Customer Service team via email at transit.services@saskatoon.ca.

Access Transit disruptions:

• Incoming phone lines
• Customers can connect with the Access Transit team via email at accesstransit@saskatoon.ca.

Despite these disruptions, the downtown Customer Service Centre remains open for physical ticket purchases.

Your patience is appreciated as this is resolved.

Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit are experiencing phoneline disruptions due to a widespread and known Microsoft system outage. 

Access Transit

• Cannot receive incoming phone calls. Outgoing calls have not been affected.
• Customers can connect with the Access Transit team via email (accesstransit@saskatoon.ca ). 

Transit

• Cannot receive incoming phone calls.
• Realtime bus locations are unavailable.
• Service alerts cannot be pushed to the app.

Supporting teams are aware of this issue and are working to resolve it. Your patience is appreciated. 

Following extensive planning and careful consideration, City officials have proposed the name “Link” to be used for the branding and marketing of the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This new bus service will fall under the master brand of Saskatoon Transit, but it will have its own visual identity to reflect the unique service while complementing the master brand. 

Research on BRT systems in cities across North America shows early introduction and adoption of a BRT system brand identity is essential to the success of the new transit service. A report will be presented July 17 to the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council seeking approval for the new Saskatoon Transit BRT brand name and visual identity. 

City Administration worked with Entro, a global firm with specialized knowledge in this field, on brand development for the BRT. A comprehensive eight-step process guided the identification of a brand name and visual identity. Steps included a brand and site audit, stakeholder research, visioning, naming, brand development and validation, visual language, and guidelines.  

The proposed “Link” brand will refer exclusively to the rapid transit lines (routes) currently identified as the red, green, and blue lines. 

Through naming workshops and discussions held with the public and key groups/organizations in Saskatoon, the name was associated with words such as connectivity, welcoming, accessible, reliable, modern and clear/straightforward. Participants also identified that the name embodied concepts of connection, speed and network and was timeless and easy to understand. 

If approved by City Council, work on the Link brand, marketing and wayfinding signage will continue over the coming months. This will involve the implementation of a communications and marketing plan aimed to increase community awareness of the new brand name. Communications will be focused on informing the public before there are construction impacts and provide education on the new future transit service. 

With the final BRT funding announcement from the Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program (ICIP) on June 28, the project can now proceed to the detailed design, procurement and construction phases. The City has retained engineering and consulting firm CIMA+ to complete detailed designs and assist in the tendering and management of construction contracts.   

Construction of part of the transit signal priority (TSP) system and the start of construction of 14 of the BRT stations’ concrete platforms is expected to begin this summer. This work will continue with another 30 stations in 2025.  

Engagement activities have been ongoing over the last few years on streetscaping design elements, public art components, station design, feeder routes and other project features, and will continue until the system is launched. 

For more information on the project, visit saskatoon.ca/brt. 

The Downtown Transit Terminal on 23rd Street will be closed between 2nd and 3rd avenues on Wednesday, June 5, at 7:00 a.m. for roadway patching following a water main break repair last week. This project is expected to take eight hours to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The terminal will be temporarily moved along 3rd Avenue with minimal effects on transit service and schedules. Temporary bus stop signage will help locate transfers and buses, and “no parking” signs will be set up at the temporary terminal location. 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. Thank you for your patience and for following traffic detour signs for everyone’s safety.

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 cooperation and support.                           

The Downtown Transit Terminal on 23rd Street will be closed between 2nd and 3rd avenues starting May 29, at 8:00 a.m. for unplanned water main repairs. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The terminal will be temporarily moved along 3rd Avenue with minimal effects on transit service and schedules. Temporary bus stop signage will be put in place to help locate transfers and buses, and “no parking” signs will be set up at the temporary terminal location. Detours will guide motorists around the work zone.

Please note the north sidewalk of the existing terminal will remain open, and the Transit Customer Service Centre will maintain regular hours of operation. Thank you for your patience and for following traffic detour signs for everyone’s safety.

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 cooperation and support.                           

The City is currently experiencing disruptions to the phone lines for: 24/7 Customer Care Centre, Corporate Revenue, Saskatoon Transit, Access Transit and Saskatoon Light & Power. A timeline for restoration is not yet known.  

In the meantime, residents who need to contact the respective areas can do so by email, using the following addresses:

• 24/7 Customer Care Centre at CustomerCare@saskatoon.ca
• Saskatoon Light & Power at saskatoon.light.power@saskatoon.ca
• Utilities, property taxes, or parking email at revenue@saskatoon.ca   
• Saskatoon Transit at transit.services@saskatoon.ca
• Access Transit at accesstransit@saskatoon.ca (urgent requests) 

The City will provide an update when the system is restored or more information is available.

A large water main maintenance project on College Drive will restrict driving lanes between Cumberland and Clarence avenues until October. Slow-moving traffic is expected through the area at peak driving times, which may cause delays for Saskatoon Transit routes.

Saskatoon Transit routes to and from downtown via the University Bridge will continue along College Drive; however, outbound bus stops on the south side of College Drive within the construction zone are planned to be closed until mid-August. The lane closures for the work area affect routes 4, 13, 16, 17, 43, 44, 45, 46, 81 and 82.

Riders with stops affected by the work zone may have to use a stop further from their destination. Consider loading your bike on the bus for the extra distance or try an e-scooter.

We thank our customers for their patience and cooperation through these service interruptions. Find Transit service alerts and real-time bus information on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop. 

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on the Easter Long Weekend, as follows:

CITY HALL

City Hall will be closed on Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1. City Hall will reopen on Tuesday, April 2 at 8 a.m.

ROADWAY DETOURS & CLOSURES

Check here for detailed long weekend road restrictions for priority one roadways.

REMAI MODERN 

Remai Modern will be closed on Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1.

SASKATOON PUBLIC LIBRARY

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed on Friday, March 29.

SASKATOON TRANSIT

• Fixed-route transit will run holiday service hours on March 29 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).
  • Please consult the mobile app transit to plan your trip.
  • Visit saskatoontransit.ca
• OnDemand service will not be available on March 29
• Access Transit will operate holiday service hours on March 29 and April 1 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.   
  • Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedure
  • Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.
• Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed for walk-in customers on March 29, but phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open
  from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.  

PAY PARKING

• Parking payment is not required on Good Friday, March 29
• Motorists are reminded that all other parking requirements remain in effect, including parking time limits.
• Parking payment will be required in City-managed pay parking areas on Easter Monday, April 1.

MUNICIPAL IMPOUND LOT

• Vehicles will not be released to the public on Good Friday, March 29.
• Open for regular business on Saturday, March 31 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. and on Easter Monday, April 1.
• Information on Vehicle Seizures

WASTE COLLECTIONS

Garbage, Recycling, and Organics have collections as scheduled.

MATERIAL RECOVERY CENTRE & LANDFILL

• The Material Recovery Centre and Landfill are open on Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1 from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Cash transactions are accepted, although Credit and Debit are recommended.
• More information at saskatoon.ca/mrc.

COMPOST DEPOT

• The West Compost Depot remains closed for the season. It will open to the public on Monday, April 15. Check saskatoon.ca/compostdepot for more information.

WOODLAWN CEMETERY

• The cemetery office is closed on Good Friday, March 31 & Easter Monday, April 1.
• Cemetery grounds are open to the public 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily as per usual.

SASKATOON FORESTRY FARM PARK & ZOO

Regular Hours of Operation

• Zoo – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Forestry Farm Park - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LEISURE CENTRES

Search for drop-in program information including fitness and weight room hours, public swim sessions and fitness programs on Leisure Online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline.

• Cosmo Civic Centre
  Good Friday & Easter Monday – CLOSED

• Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre
  Closed for facility upgrade. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/harrybailey

• Lakewood Civic Centre
  Good Friday – CLOSED
  Easter Monday – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

• Lawson Civic Centre
  Good Friday – CLOSED
  Easter Monday – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

• Saskatoon Field House
  Good Friday – CLOSED
  Easter Monday – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

• Shaw Centre
  Good Friday – CLOSED
  Easter Monday – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

• Terry Fox Track
  Good Friday – CLOSED
  Easter Monday – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

NOTIFYNOW

Residents are encouraged to sign-up to notifynow for timely and targeted public safety messages. Notifynow is a free service. Tell us how to best reach you on your preferred communication device. Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow for more information.

YXE SERVICE ALERTS

For information and updates on service disruptions such as power or water check saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow @yxeservicealert on Twitter. 

Despite ongoing operational and weather impacts this morning, Saskatoon Transit is maintaining full service this afternoon with no delays exceeding 15 minutes. However, detours and delays can be expected as operators navigate accessible streets.

Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.  

OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators. 

The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers; however, customers are asked to call the phone lines if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. Phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Winter Transit Tips:

• Stay up-to-date on current weather conditions.
• Dress for the weather.
• Winter driving conditions can result in delays, give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination.
• Saskatoon Transit’s Safe Bus program runs year-round. If you are lost, cold, scared, or hurt, hold up your hand (palm out) in the direction of an approaching Transit bus, or go to a parked bus, & the operator will stop, contact emergency services & provide shelter to the next terminal.
• Keep pathways clear and safe.

Stay informed, check Saskatoon Transit service alerts regarding detours or temporary bus stop closures and view real-time bus locations on third-party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop. Pin the routes you use often and receive service alert push notifications.

Visit saskatoon.ca for additional winter weather service impacts.

To report an issue or for more information, contact our Transit Customer Service Representatives at 306-975-3100.

With the City of Saskatoon receiving more than 25 cm of snow accumulation since Saturday morning and streets being impassable for light vehicles, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and is collaborating with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city. 

Residents remain encouraged to stay home if possible, to leave space for City and contractor crews to do their work and assist emergency services. 

While the snow has mainly stopped, strong gusting winds will create additional challenges causing drifts. Snow crews will continue to address known problem areas as the day progresses. 

The current focus now is to keep all highest Priority Streets open to maintain access to all emergency facilities. Additional contractor resources have been engaged from our emergency response list to support our ongoing efforts. A summary of the work underway includes: 

• Approximately 40% of Priority 1 Streets have been graded. They are slippery and sander trucks will be spreading sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction. Some of the snow piles are fairly big, impacting sightlines at intersections, drivers should watch for pedestrians and turning vehicles.  
• By midnight tonight, Monday, March 4, we expect all Priority 1 Streets to be completed and will immediately proceed with grading on Priority 2 Streets, which are expected all to be graded by noon tomorrow.  
• After that, we will then start grading Priority 3 Streets and expect to complete them all by midnight on Thursday, March 7.  
• The plan is to move into residential areas and start clearing local streets during the night shift on Thursday, March 7. 
• Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that crews will be able to start to address alley access and problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.   
• The need for the last phase of the plan, which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season. 
• For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic.  

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. A regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap. 

Please do not push or blow snow into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005. 

OTHER IMPACTED CITY OPERATIONS: MARCH 4, 2024 

Saskatoon Transit 

• Operational impacts have resulted in reduced fixed-route service. Detours and delays are expected.  
• Outlying neighbourhoods, with particularly more impacts of snow accumulation, have limited operator access.   
• Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.  
• OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators. 
• The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers; however customers are asked to call the phone lines if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. Phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts.  

Leisure Facilities & Attractions 

• All Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed Monday, March 4. 
• The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is closed Monday, March 4.  
• City Indoor Rinks may be open subject to bookings and Saskatoon Minor Hockey. 

Saskatoon Landfill 

• The landfill is open but snowy and windy conditions exist so please proceed with caution. 

Recycling and Garbage Collections 

• Curbside cart collections are suspended for Monday, March 4. Collections will be rescheduled once the streets are accessible. Please watch for Service Alerts, updates on your Saskatoon Waste Wizard app or go to saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar. 

Parks 

• Within 48 hours of snowfall, snow clearing occurs on sidewalks adjacent to parks and all lighted parkways and some unlighted pathways. Excludes crusher dust (unpaved) pathways. 

Building Standards 

• All scheduled building and plumbing inspections will be cancelled. Starting Monday, March 4 at 8 a.m., customers with scheduled inspections will be contacted and arrangements will be made to rebook. 

Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services.