News Releases

Negative interactions on Saskatoon Transit buses have been trending down significantly since June of this year, a report to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation shows.

The Committee is set to receive this information at its regular meeting today.

“Saskatoon Transit implemented the Frontline Employee Safety Plan in June of 2024 and we see its desired effect,” says Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “We have fostered a culture of safety at Transit and since implementing all the elements of the plan we have seen a significant downward trend in the number of negative interactions reported on and around Saskatoon Transit facilities.”

A negative interaction is defined as an incident that involves up to three of the following:

• Act of Aggression – an action made with the intent to cause harm or intimidate.
• Assault – physical contact made with an Operator or person
• Body Fluid – blood, spit, urine, or feces
• Fare Dispute – a passenger refusing to pay fare after being advised by the Operator
• Harassment – a continued, and unwelcome behaviour directed towards an Operator
• Intoxicated – a passenger suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs impacting passenger or operators feeling of safety
• Road Rage – exchanges by motorists directed towards the Operator
• Sexual Harassment – comments or conduct of a sexual nature
• Verbal Altercation – exchange between passenger and Operator involving shouting and/or swearing
• Weapon – Sharp or bladed objects, blunt objects, non-lethal objects that can cause harm.

The most common incidents continue to be related to social disorder issues such as intoxication (56%) and aggressive acts (15%) making up 71 per cent of all 2025 incidents.

Moellenbeck says negative interactions involving an Operator have declined since 2023 and are trending to be lower in 2025.

The report points to an innovative interagency cooperation between Saskatoon Transit and key organizations such as the Saskatoon Fire Department, Saskatoon Police Service, and the Corps. Of Commissionaires, among others, that provide necessary safety measures.

Of note, Fire Community Support workers (FCS), provide a visible uniformed presence at terminals and ride an average of 220 buses per month to support Transit and the Business Improvement Districts.

“The program’s effectiveness is demonstrated by its supportive, non-enforcement approach, with the objective of de-escalating situations and providing outreach programs to those in need,” Moellenbeck says.

Transit has also introduced new training for its frontline employees on customer service, situational awareness and de-escalation. This training ensures employees are supported in their interactions with different types of customers.

Favourably, most incidents are handled by Transit and FCS; only about 11 per cent require Police intervention.

“We’re encouraged with the results so far,” Moellenbeck says. “The investments City Council has made on public safety are making Transit a more safe and comfortable way to get around.”

Saskatoon Transit will provide direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to SaskTel Centre for Skate Canada International this weekend:

Thursday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. 
Buses depart at:

• 9:25 a.m.

Friday, October 31 at 4:15 p.m.
Buses depart at:

• 3:40 p.m.

Saturday, November 1 at 12:45 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.
Buses depart at:

• 12:10 p.m.
• 4:25 p.m.

Sunday, November 2 at 10:30 a.m.
Buses depart at:

• 9:55 a.m.

Post-event drop-off is at 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. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

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.

Saskatoon Transit will provide direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to SaskTel Centre for the PBR: Saskatoon Classic this weekend:

Friday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. 
Buses depart at:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Saturday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Buses depart at:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at 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. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

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 service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Sarah McLachlan at SaskTel Centre on Tuesday, October 21 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 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. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

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.

Saskatoon Transit will provide direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to SaskTel Centre for the following events this weekend:

Saskatoon Blades vs Moose Jaw Warriors 
Friday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. 
Buses depart at:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Saskatoon Blades vs Edmonton Oil Kings
Sunday, October 19 at 4:00 p.m.
Buses depart at:

• 2:45 p.m.
• 3:25 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at 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. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

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 service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Kamloops Blazers at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m. is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at 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. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

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.

Saskatoon Transit is reviewing its transit fare structure and wants to hear from all residents, both public transit users and non-users, community groups and businesses. Transit is more than a transportation option: it connects our community, supports our economy, and provides access to jobs, education and essential services.

Saskatoon Transit and other transit agencies across North America are investigating ways to improve ridership, enhance service and adopt new technologies to modernize how fares are structured, while balancing revenue needs with affordability concerns.

The City of Saskatoon is seeking input on important priorities to be considered in reviewing and designing a transit fare structure. The current fare structure is predominantly based on age groups, such as students, adults and seniors. Transit fare categories and prices have remained largely the same since 2016, while the operating costs have continued to rise. Today’s fare revenue covers about 30% of transit’s operating costs. Like some City services, transit is partly funded by the property tax system, reflecting its value to the entire community.

There are many different scenarios for fare structure design to consider, and the survey is seeking feedback on four scenarios to better understand the perspectives and preferences of the community. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the survey, whether you use transit or not.

Saskatoon Transit is also seeking public feedback on its bus network redesign project. Learn more about these projects and take the surveys at saskatoontransit/engage. Survey results for the Transit Fare Review will be included in a report to City Council in November 2025 during budget deliberations.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Vancouver Giants at SaskTel Centre on Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at 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. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

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.