Saskatoon Transit is once again offering free system-wide transit service during Folkfest operating hours for all 2018 Folkfest Passport holders. This quick and easy service will be offered to passengers showing their Folkfest Passport during the following hours:

• Thursday, August 16:        3:50 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• Friday, August 17:             3:50 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• Saturday, August 18:         2:15 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Bus routes are indicated in the Folkfest Passports.
Transit route information can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca, on the mobile app called Transit or by calling 306-975-3100. All route maps specific to Folkfest service and stop locations can be found in the Folkfest Passport. 

The City is reminding residents to take steps to protect yourself and your family during the prolonged period of hot weather this week.

Water is always an attractive way to stay cool, and we encourage everyone to do this safely. Although, the South Saskatchewan River may provide a tempting option to cool down, swimming is prohibited. The river is dangerous as it has many hazards, such as changing currents and unstable riverbeds.

The City offers safe outdoor water options, including 29 paddling pools, 20 spray pads and four outdoor pools located throughout Saskatoon. Be sure you come prepared with appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and drinking water to get through the day safely.  Spray pads and paddling pools are always FREE to visit, admission rates for outdoor pools apply.  For hours of operation, visit saskatoon.ca/outdoorpools. 

Other things to consider during extreme heat:

Pet Wellness
On warm summer days, it’s important to keep your pets safe and comfortable. Ensure your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink and look out for indicators of heat stress including rapid panting. Never leave pets in parked cars for any amount of time and offer a means for your pet to cool off such as a wading pool or damp towel. For more information on how to keep your pet safe this summer read our Pet Wellness Guide, or contact the SPCA or your local veterinarian.

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 are in duress, simply and 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. 

Working Safe
City staff who work outdoors are encouraged to take necessary actions as the humidex rises throughout the week such as drinking extra water, increased breaks out of the sun and modified work duties to prevent heat illness and return home safely. For safety tips and guidelines for employees working in hot conditions, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s Working Outdoors page.

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 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.

Prepare for changes in weather
Hot temperatures can result in changes to the weather so be prepared and be safe. 

In the event of a leisure facility closure, the City will issue a service alert. Residents can find information regarding service alerts at saskatoon.ca/servicealerts. 

Since heavy summer downpours are a leading cause of basement floods, you may want to take a few minutes to stormproof in advance. Quick checks include making sure your downspouts are down and pointing away from your home, and that your sump pump and back water valves are functioning properly. Learn more about flood-proofing.

For other information on how to stay safe during a heat wave, visit saskhealthauthority.ca

Saskatoon Transit has partnered with the Saskatoon Ex to offer free Transit service to Superpass holders during the week of the Exhibition (August 7-12). Superpass holders can ride free every day on regular Transit routes to and from the Exhibition grounds by showing their Superpass when entering a Saskatoon Transit bus.

In addition, any child 10 and under (no Superpass required) will be able to ride to and from the Ex for free all day Wednesday, August 8^th. Seniors can ride free to and from the Ex all day Thursday, August 9^th.

Some easy ways to get to the Ex on Saskatoon Transit are:

Route             Name                                     Location

Route 1          Exhibition / City Centre       Downtown Terminal to Prairieland Park

Route 4          City Centre                            University to Downtown Terminal

– Transfer to Route 1 or 19

Route 8          8^th Street / City Centre         Centre Mall to Broadway Ave. & 8^th St.

 – Transfer to Route 1 or 19

Route 19        Centre Mall / City Centre    Downtown Terminal to Lorne Ave. & Ruth St.

Route 19        Centre Mall / City Centre    Centre Mall to Lorne Ave. & Ruth St.

Route 60        Confederation / University Confederation Mall to Downtown Terminal

                                                        - Transfer to Route 1 or 19

Route 65        Kensington / University      Confederation Mall to Downtown Terminal

– Transfer to Route 1 or 19

Residents are encouraged to use the app called Transit on their mobile device to plan their trip to the Saskatoon Ex. For more information please contact Transit Customer Service at 306-975-3100.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to the Alabama concert at SaskTel Centre is available at the following times:

• 6:15 p.m.
• 6:30 p.m.
• 6:55 p.m.
• 7:10 p.m.
• 7:30 p.m.

Post event drop-off is at the downtown terminal.

Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Transfers and passes are also accepted.

Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

Starting today, the intersection at 115^th Street and Forest Drive and adjacent roadways will close for 6 weeks to allow for watermain rehabilitation. This is phase one of a three phase project that also includes road rehabilitation work.

Signage has been in place as construction crews laid temporary water lines in advance of the road closure. Project phasing and advance work is being done to limit the impact on road users and residents.

This necessary work will cause traffic interruptions. Sidewalk and parking restrictions will be in place around the construction zone for the duration of the project. Detour signs will be in place directing road users around the work zone, but road users are advised to expect delays.

This construction will also impact Transit routes. Route 26 will detour 115^th Street from Berini Drive to Spruce Drive and Routes 4, 27, 43, 44, and 45 may be impacted due to increased traffic flow on Attridge Drive. Check for Service Alerts on your route on SaskatoonTransit.ca/service-alerts or on your mobile device using the app called Transit.  

For more details on construction projects, refer to the Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Daily detour updates can be found at saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or by following @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter.

Starting Sunday, July 1, 2018 several significant adjustments will go into effect on Saskatoon Transit routes to better serve customers. Feedback from our customers is important to us and was collected in the form of an online survey and public and internal consultations in the spring. Feedback received has been reflected in the route updates.

Transit customers are encouraged to learn about the route changes before they take effect on July 1. An overview of the affected routes is available on postcards obtainable from drivers and at the Customer Service Centre in the downtown terminal. New schedules are available at SaskatoonTransit.ca/2018-Service-Changes or by phoning the Customer Service Centre at 306-975-3100.

All changes are made in an effort to move to a model based on higher frequency, to better meet the needs of citizens. By offering high-frequency service along main corridors like ten-minute frequency on Preston Avenue and Attridge Drive to Nelson Road/Lowe Road, Saskatoon Transit can provide a more convenient and quicker daily commute, drastically reducing wait and travel times and improving reliability.

On July 1, the following routes will be affected:

Altered Routes

• Route 2 – Meadowgreen / City Centre
• Route 5 – City Centre
• Route 13 – Lawson / Broadway
• Route 21 – University
• Route 22 – Confederations / City Centre
• Route 60 – Confederation / University
• Route 61 – Blairmore / University
• Route 62 – Montgomery / University
• Route 63 – Hampton Village / University
• Route 65 – Kensington / University

Discontinued Routes

• Route 4 – Mayfair
• Route 4 - Willowgrove
• Route 12 – Airport
• Route 28 – Willowgrove / Silverspring
• Route 40 – Evergreen
• 104 – University Express
• 180 – University Express

New Routes

• Route 4 – City Centre
• Route 11 – Airport / City Centre
• Route 26 – Forest Grove / University
• Route 27 – Silverspring / University
• Route 43 – Evergreen
• Route 44 – Willowgrove
• Route 45 – Arbor Creek

Customers can plan their trip with the updated schedules and real-time tracking on July 1 using the app called Transit. Citizens are encouraged to plan their trip in advance and review updated schedules before travelling. Saskatoon Transit will also be updating bus stop signs with new route numbers.

Saskatoon Transit has chosen the winners of its first Student Art Contest. The contest was open to all grade 3 and 7 students in Saskatoon.

“In an effort to create a greater sense of community we decided to host a Student Art contest, where the winner’s artwork would be displayed on our buses throughout the summer,” said Jim McDonald, Director, Saskatoon Transit. “Working with both school boards, we decided grades 3 and 7 would be most appropriate based on the theme of Active Transportation.” 

Grade 7 students, Nimarta, Nicoletta, and Zehua from Sylvia Fedoruk School and Mrs. Liebrecht’s grade 3 class from College Park School are this year’s best of show winners. The winning pieces were chosen by a member of Paved Arts based on how well they reflected the “Active Transportation” theme.  These pieces were selected from 130 entries from 19 schools.

“The opportunity to share art with the community reinforces to children and youth the joy art brings to others,” said Lisa Fleming, Superintendent of Education for Saskatoon Public Schools. “Art creates a sense of belonging and appreciation for creative expression. Thank you to Saskatoon Transit for inviting our children to share their gifts with the greater community.”

The winning artwork will be displayed on the side of Saskatoon Transit buses travelling across Saskatoon for the months of July and August and will receive $375 from our prize sponsors, UFCW 248P & UFCW 649, My Private Wealth, and Galon Insurance.

“Both students and teachers had fun with this initiative,” said Scott Gay, Superintendent of Learning, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. “Anytime our partnerships can provide tools to teach students in a new and unique way, it helps keep the classroom environment interesting for students. And learning more about active ways to get around in our communities is positive from the perspectives of sustainability and health and wellness. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

“We hope to turn this contest into a tradition that helps promote the use of public transportation,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. 

Saskatoon’s annual Pride Parade will begin winding through downtown at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 23^rd. Parking and road restrictions will be in place along the entire parade route starting at 11:00 a.m.

From Kiwanis Park, the parade will move from Spadina Crescent, west on 24^th Street, south on 4^th Avenue, west on 22^nd Street, south on 1^st Avenue, and east on 20^th Street before ending at 3^rd Avenue South and 19^th Street.

Saskatoon Transit will have minor route changes and temporary bus stops in place during the Pride Parade from approximately 12:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Downtown Terminal bus stops will operate as normal except for Route 6, 60 and 65 which will have temporary bus stops located on 3rd Avenue southbound, north of 23rd Street. Route 6 Broadway/City Centre and Route 1 Exhibition/City Centre will service downtown via the University Bridge.

For specific bus stop closure information and up-to-date details check the Transit App. Customer Service is also available at 306-975-3100.

The City of Saskatoon proudly supports Pride Month and the annual Pride Festival celebrating diversity and raising awareness.

Information on public transportation to the SaskTel Centre for public events can be found on the Saskatoon Transit website, under Plan my Trip and Popular Destinations!

For game 3 of the 2018 NLL FINALS on Saturday June 9th, buses will leave the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to SaskTel Centre at the following times for the pre-game rally at 4:30 p.m. and ball-drop at 7:30 p.m.:

• 4:40 p.m.
• 5:05 p.m.
• 5:20 p.m.
• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.
• 6:40 p.m.
• 7:05 p.m.
• 7:20 p.m.

Post event drop-off is at the downtown terminal.

Saskatoon Transit provides transportation to all public events at SaskTel Centre. Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip), transfers and passes are also accepted.

Experience the convenience of using public transit.

Saskatoon Transit is piloting a new bus route that will improve access to many medical and health facilities throughout the city. Route 808 pilot will run on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. starting June 1, 2018.

“Saskatoon Transit, along with the Saskatoon Council on Aging and the Saskatoon Health Authority, recognized a gap in our current network,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Access to some medical and health facilities on our existing routes sometimes requires our riders to walk long distances. We are running Route 808 as an attempt to make those buildings more accessible.”   

Route 808 will service the following facilities every 45 minutes:

• City Hall
• Saskatoon Housing Authority
• RUH / Cancer Centre
• Field House (front door)
• Luther Tower
• Ronald McDonald House
• City Hospital
• Medical Arts Building

Route 808 will provide Access Transit customers with an alternative transportation option to attend medical appointments.

If the pilot route is determined successful based on customer feedback, it may become permanent. Customers will be able to use the Transit mobile app to plan their trip and view the route map and times at SaskatoonTransit.ca/route-and-schedules.