Saskatoon Transit encourages Rush fans to avoid traffic and parking by taking the bus to the Saskatchewan Rush game on Saturday, December 23, 2017.  Buses will leave from the Special Events Stop downtown (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue, outside 2nd Avenue Lofts) to SaskTel Centre at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m.
• 6:20 p.m.
• 6:35 p.m.
• 6:55 p.m.
• 7:10 p.m.

Buses depart SaskTel Centre after the game as they fill up (around 9:15 p.m.). 

For regular schedules and other trip planning tools, visit saskatoontransit.ca.   

Impaired driving has deadly, life-changing effects.  Enjoy yourself this New Year’s Eve, but make a safe choice and take Transit for free.

Since 1989, Saskatoon Transit and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) have partnered to offer free Transit and Access Transit service on New Year’s Eve.

For Nolan Barnes, the wrong choice had irreversible consequences; an impaired-driving crash in May of 2010 left Barnes paralyzed and a close friend dead. 

“We make decisions every day, some less important than others,” Barnes says.  “Having free transit service on New Year’s Eve makes the decision not to drink and drive easy.” 

“I’m a victim of my decisions.  I lost a friend and the use of my legs before understanding how the choices we make affect more than just us.”  

Barnes says, making a choice to have a safe ride home not only helps individuals but everyone trying to get where they’re going.  

“Make the resolution not to drink and drive,” he says.

Free bus service, starts at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 and will run until 2:45 a.m. (times may vary slightly by route).

“Ding in the New Year allows residents to celebrate responsibly by taking advantage of free transit,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.  “This gives residents an option to have a safe ride home without driving under the influence and putting themselves or others at risk.”

The police service adds its support and advice for thinking ahead for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“It is crucial everyone has a solid plan for getting home safely before they head out for the evening,” says Saskatoon Police Service Staff Sergeant Patrick Barbar.

Planning is easier than ever: customers who are new to Saskatoon Transit as well as current riders are encouraged to use the free Transit app to plan their route. Wait at a regular stop or flag down a bus at any point along the route, if you are in need of a ride.

“There is no reason for impaired driving, especially on New Year’s Eve,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit.  “We strongly encourage residents to jump on the bus and let us take you to and from your destination.”

“When flagging a bus, use caution, stand on the curb at a safe place for the bus to stop and raise your hand to get the operators attention.”

McDonald says Saskatoon Transit is thankful to have SGI as a partner again this year to provide free service.

“Impaired driving is 100 per cent preventable and there is always a better option than getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking,” says Tyler McMurchy, Media Relations Manager for SGI.  “If your New Year’s Eve plans involve alcohol, take the bus for free with Ding in the New Year or make other plans for a safe, sober ride home.”  

Saskatoon Transit wants to help eliminate the hassle of parking and offer shoppers access to multiple shopping destinations as efficiently as possible.  To do this, Transit is piloting a program called Jingle Bell Express — a new holiday service that will take shoppers on a loop to four malls.

“The holidays can be stressful enough without trying to find parking,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “We hope to make it a little easier for residents to get around leading up to the holidays and alleviate some of the stress that comes with Christmas shopping.”  

The Jingle Bell Express will be in operation from December 13th until December 23rd.  Regular fares will apply with the exception of Boxing Day when service on the Jingle Bell Express will be free.  Weekday service from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., weekend service from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Boxing Day service from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  The Jingle Bell Express (route #1225) will travel between the following locations:

• Confederation Mall
• Lawson Heights Mall
• Centre Mall
• Market Mall   

Residents are encouraged to use the Transit app to find the bus stop closest to them. Individuals will be able to board the bus and pay using their usual method of payment or $3 in cash. This will be of particular advantage to families who purchase a day pass which will allow four people (max of two adults) to ride for a 24 hour period on the weekend for only $8.50.  Day passes can only be purchased at the Saskatoon Transit customer service office in the downtown terminal.

The Jingle Bell Express route and schedule will be available on the Transit app (route #1225). 

All those who use the service will be encouraged to take a short, 4 question survey and be entered to win one of four $100 gift cards to one of the participating malls.

At its November 20, 2017 meeting, Saskatoon City Council approved the Preferred Configuration for a re-envisioned transit system based around Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).  The report brought forward by Administration presents recommendations for an appropriately-sized future Bus Rapid Transit system that will support the City’s anticipated growth.  This approval provides direction to HDR to move forward in developing a Functional Plan that will further refine the scale and cost of the new Bus Rapid Transit System, and anticipated changes to existing transit services.

Starting December 1, the City of Saskatoon and HDR will launch the first round of conversations with the community regarding the Transit Plan project, to identify priorities and key factors that will need to be considered as the project moves into the next phases of design and implementation.  In addition to stakeholder meetings to identify specific functional requirements, the City and HDR have designed three distinct opportunities for the public and stakeholders to weigh in on this new system:

Online Engagement Survey | Opens: DEC 1, 2017 / Closes: DEC 15, 2017

A detailed online engagement survey will be available at https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/transit-plan.  This survey is open to the public and will be sent to the City’s Citizen Advisory Panel, and to those subscribed to the Plan for Growth Newsletter updates.

Stakeholder Workshops | December 5 / 6, 2017

Stakeholders will be invited to RSVP to a number of workshops hosted by the City and HDR. Inc. designed to help understand the needs of those impacted most by the proposed changes.

Public Open House | December 6, 2017 – 5:30 – 8:00PM | La Troupe du Jour - 914 20th Street West

Join the City of Saskatoon and HDR as we share information on the Bus Rapid Transit Preferred Configuration and how these features are tailored specifically for Saskatoon.  We also want to share information on transit network principles and how the Bus Rapid Transit system will re-shape the Saskatoon Transit network.  We want to work with you to understand how these changes may affect you.

The next round of input on the Transit Plan is scheduled for January 2018.  To learn more, visit Saskatoon.ca/engage.

Background:

A full version of the Saskatoon Bus Rapid Transit Preferred Configuration report is available at saskatoon.ca/growth.  Below is a summary of the key recommendations outlined in the report:

1. Transit Signal Priority (TSP) – The preferred configuration for the Saskatoon BRT is to apply TSP at all beneficial locations.  Transit signal priority measures are considered the foundation of a BRT system. They can provide significant travel time and reliability improvements at a relatively low cost.  TSP uses existing infrastructure to determine the optimum way to limit bus delays at traffic signals.

2. Roadway Geometric Measures – The preferred configuration for the Saskatoon BRT is to apply roadway geometric measures at select beneficial locations.  Congestion within the Saskatoon road network occurs primarily at major intersections and bridge approaches. Geometric improvements such as queue jump lanes, bus bypass lanes, and other similar measures will provide buses with a time advantage at the most critical points along the corridor.

3. Stations – The preferred configuration for the Saskatoon BRT is to develop medium scaled stations that will accommodate 12 to 20 waiting customers in a safe, protected and well lit environment that will be seen as a positive influence on the public realm and adjacent community. Stations should have a common design theme; however, each one would be sized to accommodate the expected customer traffic at specific locations.

4. Customer Systems – The preferred configuration for the Saskatoon BRT customer systems is to provide good destination, wayfinding, route, schedule, next bus information, and security monitoring.  Off board fare processing could be added in the future.

5. Runningways – The preferred configuration for the Saskatoon BRT is to develop a mixed-traffic system with exclusive lanes in select short road sections along 3^rd Avenue in the downtown, Broadway Avenue, and College Drive.

For more information / to sign up for project updates please visit saskatoon.ca/growth.  Learn more about engagement opportunities by visiting saskatoon.ca/engage.

Downtown Saskatoon will be busy this Sunday for the Santa Claus Parade, avoid the traffic and parking stress by choosing Transit to attend. The real-time Transit App makes it easy to plan your trip downtown for the festivities. Just download the free Transit app to get up-to-date information of where to get on and what bus to take from your “current location” to downtown. 

Saskatoon Transit encourages the public to experience the convenience of public transit by using the real-time Transit or Google Maps apps.  These apps create customized route maps from wherever you are, without having to sort through schedules.    

Saskatoon Transit encourages Rush fans to avoid traffic and parking by taking public transit to the Saskatchewan Rush game on Saturday, November 18, 2017. Buses will leave from the Special Events Stop downtown (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue, outside 2nd Avenue Lofts) to SaskTel Centre at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m.
• 6:20 p.m.
• 6:35 p.m.
• 6:55 p.m.
• 7:10 p.m.

Buses depart SaskTel Centre after the game as they fill up (around 9:15 p.m.). 

For regular schedules and other trip planning tools, visit saskatoontransit.ca.   

Saskatoon Transit, including Access Transit, will provide complimentary bus transportation to and from the 2017 Remembrance Day Ceremonies at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, November 11.  The free bus service will depart as follows:

Downtown Special Events Stop (23^rd Street & 2^nd Avenue) – buses will depart every 15 minutes between 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Market Mall – Departure from the mall transit terminal at 9:45 a.m.

Centre Mall – Departure from the mall transit terminal at 9:45 a.m.

Return trips will begin immediately following the close of ceremonies (approximately 12:15 p.m.).  Free service to and from SaskTel Centre will also be available for individuals using Access Transit (regular booking procedures apply).

For more information on Transit’s free Remembrance Day service, please call Transit Customer Service at 306.975.3100.

A special thank you to RBC Royal Bank for proudly sponsoring the free transit service.

Saskatoon Transit encourages the public to experience the convenience of public transit by using either the Transit or Google Maps app.  These apps help create customized route maps from wherever you are, without having to sort through schedules.    

For regular schedules and other trip planning tools, visit saskatoontransit.ca.   

For immediate release: October 20, 2017

The City is undertaking work to improve Transit shelters and bus stops along with significant upgrades to the sidewalks that connect people to Transit. The work is being partially funded by the federal government, who contributed $1.5 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. One of the objectives of the fund, which is administered by the province, is to improve the active transportation network of municipalities across the country.

“Getting people where they need to go safely, quickly and comfortably is essential to creating liveable and inclusive communities. I am pleased that work is underway on these important projects that will contribute to a safer and more accessible transit system in Saskatoon,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund will help Saskatoon make their local transportation network better for their citizens and visitors. The provincial government is pleased to administer the PTIF program and appreciates the support of the City of Saskatoon and the federal government for their funding contribution. The provincial government values this program being available to municipalities to improve the lives of Saskatchewan citizens,” said Government Relations Minister Larry Doke.

“Undertaking improvements to Transit stops and the sidewalks that lead to them, can mean the difference between choosing to use Transit or not,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Transit. “When we’re improving bus stops and shelters, and making the sidewalks smoother and easier to navigate, we’re improving the overall Transit experience.”

With input from the public via its recent Bus Stop Blues campaign, Saskatoon Transit received over 40 location submissions on areas that would benefit from improvements. A listing of the improvements that are being implemented can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca.

Sidewalks are being upgraded or installed at 20 locations around the city and a complete listing of these locations can be found at saskatoon.ca/BetterRoads. An additional 247 sidewalk ramps – which connect sidewalk to roadway – are being installed at 124 locations across the city. The locations for sidewalk improvements were identified based on connectivity to Transit. Additional considerations included public input, Neighbourhood Traffic Review recommendations, and locations where there are no sidewalks on either side of the road (versus on one side).

The total investment in these improvements, including the Government of Canada and City contributions, is $3.03 million.

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River Landing will be busy this weekend with the grand opening of the Remai Modern.  Consider using Saskatoon Transit to get you there. 

Park downtown or use your regular route to the Downtown Terminal and then your options from there are:

Saturday

• 1 hour service until 10:45 a.m. then half hour service until 6:45 p.m. then 1 hour service until 12:15 a.m.
• Routes 1 & 9 from the downtown terminal on the hour or half hour.
• Route 6 from the downtown terminal at quarter after (:15) and quarter to (:45) the hour.

Sunday and Holidays

• 1 hour service
• Routes 1 & 9 from the downtown terminal at 8:31 a.m. and hourly until 9:14 p.m.
• Route 6 from the downtown terminal at 9:15 a.m. and hourly until 9:15 p.m.

Monday to Friday

• Half hour service until 6:45 p.m. then 1 hour service until 12:15 a.m.
• Routes 1 & 9 from the downtown terminal on the hour and half hour.
• Route 6 from the downtown terminal at quarter after (:15) and quarter to (:45) the hour.

Saskatoon Transit encourages the public to experience the convenience of public transit by using either the Transit or Google Maps app.  These apps help create customized route maps from wherever you are, without having to sort through schedules.    

For regular schedules and other trip planning tools, visit saskatoontransit.ca.   

Saskatoon Transit encourages fans to rely on public transit to attend the Miranda Lambert concert on Thursday, October 5, 2017.  Buses will leave from the Special Events Stop downtown (23^rd Street and 2^nd Avenue, outside 2^nd Avenue Lofts) to SaskTel Centre at the following times:

5:45 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

Buses depart SaskTel Centre after the concert as they fill up. 

Experience the convenience of public transit by using either the Transit or Google Maps app. 

For regular schedules and other trip planning tools, visit saskatoontransit.ca.   

Visit saskatoontransit.ca and follow @StoonTransit on Twitter. Plan your route: Saskatoon Transit Trip Planner, or on your mobile device with the real-time Google Maps or Transit App.