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Saskatoon Transit celebrates International Women’s Day 2020
March 2, 2020 - 1:15 pm
Saskatoon Transit is once again proud to support International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
“International Women’s Day is an important and necessary time to reflect on gender equality in the workplace and how we can all work together to forge a more gender equal world,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Transit.
Now in its third year, Saskatoon Transit’s #SheShines campaign is challenging everyone to celebrate the women in their lives and in their organizations by posting a photo on social media in the #EachforEqual pose (example attached) with the hashtag #SheShines and #IWD2020.*
The City of Saskatoon is hosting two employee events to raise awareness of the day and to discuss the challenges women in the workplace continue to face. There will also be collection boxes available throughout the week for donations to Tampon Tuesday.
“These initiatives are meant to support the global movement of advocacy, activism and support of gender parity. We are proud to publicly recognize the women in our organization who ‘shine’,” Tracey Loewen, Access Transit Manager says.
Saskatoon Transit launched the #SheShines campaign in 2018 to acknowledge the women in Transit who shine. This idea comes from the “Shine Theory” which is based on the idea “when I shine, you shine” and encourages women to support each other in being their best selves, rather than competing against each other.
*Participants are responsible to confirm the photo subject consents to having their picture taken and posted (no names required).
Special event bus service to Rush vs Rock
February 28, 2020 - 6:30 pm
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:05 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
- 6:45 p.m.
- 7:05 p.m.
- 7:25 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rush take on the Toronto Rock at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, February 29, is available at the following times:
Dropoff at SaskTel Centre is at the front doors and post event drop-off is the downtown terminal. Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip) and transfers and passes are also accepted.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the mobile app called Transit up to two weeks in advance! Plus, Transit+ helps you make connections that combine Transit with ridehail providers like riide and Uber. Transit app does the work so you can travel with ease! Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre 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.
Transit customers to be impacted by the closures of three Safeway locations
February 28, 2020 - 10:15 am
- Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre – 226 23rd Street
- City Hall – 222 3rd Avenue North
- Co-op on 33rd – 1628 33rd Street West
- Mac’s (Circle K) – 303 Confederation Drive
- Mac’s (Circle K) – 2302 33rd Street West
- Mayfair Drugs – 504 33rd Street West
- Co-op Circle Centre – 3310 8th Street East
- Shoppers Drug Mart Circle Centre – 3310 8th Street East
- Nordon Drugs – 1610 Isabella Street
The closing of three Safeways (Confederation, 33rd Street, and Market Mall) will impact Transit customers who purchase their fare products at these locations.
Throughout the duration of the closures (6 months or longer), Transit customers are encouraged to purchase their fare products at any of the suggested locations:
A complete and updated list of where to buy tickets is available at: SaskatoonTransit.ca/fares-passes/where-buy-tickets.
We appreciate your understanding. For customer inquiries, please contact our customer service representatives at 306.975.3100 or transit.services@saskatoon.ca.
Transit takes part in Pink Shirt Day
February 26, 2020 - 6:00 am
“Lift each other up,” that’s the message Saskatoon Transit is supporting as it encourages residents and civic staff to look beyond our differences and celebrate the things that make us unique on Wednesday, February 26 and every day.
To raise awareness of the initiative, Saskatoon Transit vehicles can be spotted around the city sporting pink t-shirt decals. The decals will stay up for the entire day.
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 our fleet vehicles out with pink shirts, snap a picture and tag @stoontransit with #PinkShirtDay.
Special event bus service to RAM Motorsports Spectacular at SaskTel Centre
February 14, 2020 - 10:30 am
- 1:15 p.m.
- 1:55 p.m.
- 6:05 p.m.
- 6:45 p.m.
- 7:25 p.m.
- 1:15 p.m.
- 1:55 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) for the RAM Motorsports Spectacular at SaskTel Centre on February 15 and 16 is available on the following dates and times:
February 15 - 2:00 p.m.
February 15 – 7:30 p.m.
February 16 - 2:00 p.m.
Post-event drop-off is the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the mobile app called Transit up to two weeks in advance! Plus, a new feature on the app called Transit+ helps you make connections that combine Transit with ridehail providers like riide and Uber. Transit does the work so you can travel with ease! Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre 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.
Adjusted holiday hours & civic services and fun things to do on Family Day, Monday, February 17
February 12, 2020 - 4:30 pm
- What’s open or closed on Family Day
- Your garbage or recycling collection schedule
- Saskatoon Transit Holiday service hours
- Payment requirements at parking stations
- Bonus fitness classes at Leisure Centres
The City of Saskatoon will have a number of adjusted civic services and altered hours on Family Day, February 17, 2020.
Check the full details here with updates on these items and more:
Looking for fun things to do on the Family Day long weekend?
Family Fun February Offer: The City’s Leisure Centres are supporting healthy and active individuals and families in Saskatoon by providing a coupon for 20% off your next Family, Adult or Youth Leisure Centre general admission!
Coupons are valid from February 12-26, 2020, and may be printed or presented to Leisure Centre staff on your phone. To download your coupon click here.
Family Day Skate Monday, February 17: Everyone is welcome! Bring your skates and safety gear and come out for an afternoon of winter fun at the FREE Family Day Skate!
Skating will take place at the Cosmo Arena, while non-skating activities will be offered in the gymnasium, as well as outdoors, and will include Indigenous teachings and more! Please dress warmly.
The City of Saskatoon wishes everyone a safe and happy long weekend!
Visit saskatoon.ca for more information on City services and programs.
Special event bus service to Rush vs Mammoth
February 7, 2020 - 8:15 am
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:05 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
- 6:45 p.m.
- 7:05 p.m.
- 7:25 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rush take on the Colorado Mammoth at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, February 8, is available at the following times:
Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the mobile app called Transit up to two weeks in advance! Plus, a new feature on the app called Transit+ helps you make connections that combine Transit with ridehail providers like riide and Uber. Transit does the work so you can travel with ease! Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre 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.
Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre renovation affecting business hours
February 5, 2020 - 4:00 pm
Due to renovations, Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre will be adjusting its walk-in service hours and moving to a temporary location.
Please note: this location is in the same building, but the entry door is on 3rd Avenue (205 3rd Avenue N).
Beginning February 7 until February 24, walk-in Service Centre hours and location will be the following:
|
Walk-In Service (205 3rd Avenue N) |
Customer Service Centre Phone line 306-975-3100 |
Monday - Friday |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
Saturday |
Closed |
7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
Sunday |
Closed |
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Statutory holidays |
Closed |
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
The Customer Service Centre phone line will not be affected and will continue with regular hours.
The Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre will resume operations at its original location and operating hours on February 25.
Please call Customer Service at 306-975-3100 with any questions.
More people continue to choose Transit
January 30, 2020 - 4:30 pm
Annual ridership has continued to grow year over year resulting in a 2.5% increase in conventional ridership and 2.2% increase in Access Transit ridership.
“I am very happy with this result as it shows that we continue to attract more riders to our system and those who are already using transit are using it more often. I attribute the increase to more reliable and frequent routing along our transit corridors,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit.
With a large student base of riders, Saskatoon Transit saw an increase of 2.4% in the number of U of S students taking advantage of their UPass.
“This shows more people, including students at the U of S, are recognizing transit as a viable alternative to driving,” says McDonald.
Contributing Factors:
Increased Frequency
Over the past three years, Saskatoon Transit has implemented three high frequency transit corridors (8th Street, 22nd Street and Attridge Drive/Preston Avenue/ College Drive). These routes offer 10 minute frequency in both directions throughout the day, decreasing the amount of time riders wait for the next bus, accommodating the volume of riders, and increasing the options they have for travel.
Saskatoon Transit has also implemented high frequency routes that run on weekday mornings to help with the volume of riders during that time. These high frequency routes run from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Conventional Transit travels 8 million kilometers per year and of that 1.5 million kilometers are high frequency corridors and routes.
Real-time Mobile App Adoption
Saskatoon Transit saw more riders adopting real-time transit apps to plan their trips. Approximately 6,000 users per day use the mobile app, transit. Of those who use this mobile app, 14,000 users receive push notification service alerts for their favourite routes. These numbers do not reflect those who use Google Maps Transit or any other mobile trip planning app.
Infrastructure Improvements
Saskatoon Transit purchased 7 new conventional buses in 2019 allowing for the last of the high floor buses to be retired. This was a big milestone, marking a 100% accessible bus fleet. Saskatoon Transit also purchased 11 new buses for Access Transit and made upgrades to 23 bus stops and 2 transit terminals (Confederation and Market Mall) in 2019.
A bus stop audit of nearly 1,500 bus stops was 92% complete in 2019. This audit will be completed and reviewed to ensure bus stops are located appropriately around the city, and to identify what stops need to be prioritized for accessibility and infrastructure improvements in 2020.
Saskatoon Transit experienced an increase in ridership of around two per cent in 2017 (8,678,825), 8.1% in 2018 (9,385,409), and 2.5% in 2019 (9,619,824). Although the increase is not as significant as it was in 2018, McDonald says this increase is pretty remarkable as we saw a decline last year in many of the top 50 transit markets in North America.
“The key to our success is overall improved service, a better customer experience and technology that supports both,” says McDonald. “In order to keep increasing our ridership numbers, we must continue to put our customer first.”
"The changes and improvements we’ve made will support a successful Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Saskatoon,” says McDonald. “We’re working hard to deliver the kind of service residents expect from an urban, forward-thinking city.”
As passenger demand grows, Saskatoon Transit will continue to provide safe, efficient and economical transportation to citizens and visitors to Saskatoon. We look forward to seeing you on board!
Special event bus service to Rush vs Mammoth
January 17, 2020 - 8:45 am
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:05 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
- 6:45 p.m.
- 7:05 p.m.
- 7:25 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rush take on the Colorado Mammoth at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, January 18, is available at the following times:
Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted. Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the mobile app called Transit up to two weeks in advance! Plus, a new feature on the app called Transit+ helps you make connections that combine Transit with ridehail providers like riide and Uber. Transit does the work so you can travel with ease! Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre 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.