The CUTA Awards honour and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to keep transit running.

Saskatoon Transit was named the winner of the 2023 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Innovation Award for using Preteckt’s AI-powered predictive maintenance technology to maintain its bus fleet. The award recognizes Saskatoon Transit’s excellence in using technology to make transit services more efficient.

“Keeping as many buses as possible on the road each day is critical for Saskatoon Transit to meet service demands,” says Tracey Davis, Fleet and Maintenance Manager, Saskatoon Transit. “Our enhanced preventative maintenance program with early detection predictive analysis is saving us money and increasing bus availability.” 

Preteckt’s predictive software sifts through millions of data points daily to catch problems before they cause bus breakdowns and empowers technicians with the insights needed to make early repairs. Saskatoon Transit piloted this technology with Preteckt in 2021 and then implemented the AI solution for its entire fleet in late 2022. 

Saskatoon Transit has not experienced service disruptions due to bus shortages since October 2022 due to intentional continuous improvement efforts, an enhanced preventative maintenance program and the partnership with Preteckt. 

“Innovation happens when leaders take risks. The Saskatoon leadership team led by taking a risk and agreeing to do a pilot test with Preteckt in late 2020, which has allowed them to continue seeing amazing results. The Saskatoon Transit maintenance team continues to innovate by combining technology with continuous improvement expertise driven by AI, thus allowing them to make data-driven decisions,” said Krish Inbarajan, CEO of Preteckt and APTA Board Member. “As an AI company, people make all the difference, and we salute the innovative team at Saskatoon Transit and thank them for trusting their entire fleet with us.”

During the award ceremony CUTA recognized this innovation with the following paragraphs: 

“Canadian start-up Preteckt partnered with Saskatoon Transit to implement their artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance. This AI, initially designed for heavy-duty trucks, analyzes vast data sets and uses AI to predict issues before they disrupt service. Despite initial skepticism, Saskatoon Transit embraced the innovation under CUTA’s Transit Vision 2040 theme, demonstrating leadership in Canadian transit.

The AI seamlessly integrates with Saskatoon Transit’s existing systems, enabling early issue detection and informed repair decisions, ultimately reducing costs. Saskatoon Transit stands as Canada’s pioneer in using AI for transit vehicle maintenance. This project’s success isn’t solely attributed to technology; it requires courage, effective leadership, and resource commitment. The process involved setting pilot objectives, procuring new technology, and integrating it into continuous improvement procedures. Training played a crucial role in implementation, with ongoing efficiencies anticipated.”

The Saskatoon Transit – Preteckt partnership highlights the integration of advanced technology, which will be essential to providing reliable, safe and efficient transportation services for a city that is planning for continued growth.

Saskatoon Transit service may be impacted by a rally Downtown this afternoon.  

The rally is expected to begin at Civic Square at 2:30 p.m. It will then proceed throughout Downtown before returning to Civic Square.  

Downtown road closures may significantly delay Transit routes and impact the ability for buses to enter the Downtown and the Downtown Transit Terminal. Expect delays and check real time bus information on the Transit app, Google and other third party trip planning apps. 

Saskatoon Transit is aware of an issue with the Transit app and other trip planner applications currently displaying inaccurate information regarding service hours on Saturday, November 11. Specifically, that there will be “no service” when planning a trip on Remembrance Day.

Saskatoon Transit is working to correct the information being displayed. Riders can use November 12 to plan trips and view schedules and routes reflecting holiday service hours on November 11.

Hours of Operation on November 11 and November 13:

• Fixed route transit will run holiday service on Saturday, November 11 – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).  
• OnDemand service will not be available on Saturday, November 11. 
• Access Transit will operate holiday service on Monday, November 13 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.    
  • Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures (8:15 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.).  
  • Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.  
• Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed for walk-in customers on Saturday, November 11, 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. 

On November 11, Courtesy of RBC Royal Bank, Saskatoon Transit will provide complimentary bus transportation for everyone to and from the Remembrance Day Ceremony at SaskTel Centre.

Veterans and current Canadian Armed Forces members will be recognized with free transit service on all routes on November 11. Free bus service is offered to armed forces veterans and current serving personnel, including cadets, reservists, and one companion. Canadian Armed Forces transit users can identify themselves by wearing a military uniform or presenting military ID when they board.

For more information, visit SaskatoonTransit.ca

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and holiday hours on Remembrance Day, Saturday, November 11, and/or on Monday, November 13, the City's Stat observance.

Check details on what's open or closed, parking requirements, waste collection schedules, Transit schedules, operating hours for Leisure Centres, Saskatoon Public Library locations, Remai Modern, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo and more here.

To note: Courtesy of RBC Royal Bank, Saskatoon Transit will provide complimentary bus transportation for all Veterans to and from the Remembrance Day Ceremony at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, November 11.

Visit saskatoon.ca for more information on City of Saskatoon services and programs.

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop to see The Glorious Sons at SaskTel Centre on Thursday, November 23, at 8:00 p.m., is available at the following times:    

• 6:45 p.m. 
• 7:25 p.m. 

Post-event drop-off is 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.     
   
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 bus service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Moose Jaw Warriors at SaskTel Centre on Friday, November 17, at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:    

• 5:45 p.m.   
• 6:25 p.m.   

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Swift Current Broncos at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:    

• 5:45 p.m.   
• 6:25 p.m.   

Post-event drop-off is 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.     
  
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 bus service from the Special Events Stop to see Kiss at SaskTel Centre on Monday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:    

• 6:10 p.m. 
• 6:30 p.m. 
• 6:50 p.m. 
• 7:10 p.m. 
• 7:30 p.m. 

Post-event drop-off is 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.     
   
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.   

Courtesy of RBC Royal Bank, Saskatoon Transit will provide complimentary bus transportation for all to and from the Remembrance Day Ceremony at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, November 11.   

Buses will depart as follows: 

• Downtown Special Events Stop - 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue 
  • Every 20 minutes starting at 9:00 a.m., with the last bus leaving at 10:20 a.m. 
• Market Mall 
  • 9:45 a.m. from the mall transit terminal 
• Centre Mall 
  • 9:45 a.m. from the mall transit terminal. 

Return trips will begin immediately following the close of the ceremony. 

Veterans and current Canadian Armed Forces members will be recognized with free transit service throughout the system all day on November 11. This free bus service is offered to armed forces veterans and current serving personnel–including cadets and reservists, and one companion.

Canadian Armed Forces transit users can identify themselves by:

• Wearing a military uniform, or
• Presenting military ID or a CF1 card when they board.

Providing free transit to veterans and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces is a way to recognize the tremendous commitment they have made, and continue to make, to the community and country.  

Saskatoon Transit buses will display a “Lest We Forget” message on November 11. 

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.  

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop to see Shania Twain at SaskTel Centre on Thursday, November 9, at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:  

• 6:10 p.m.
• 6:30 p.m.
• 6:50 p.m.
• 7:10 p.m.
• 7:30 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is 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.   

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 bus service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Prince George Cougars at SaskTel Centre on Friday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:   

• 5:45 p.m.  
• 6:25 p.m.  

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Regina Pats at SaskTel Centre on Sunday, November 5, at 4:00 p.m., is available at the following times:   

• 2:45 p.m.  
• 3:25 p.m.  

Post-event drop-off is 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.    
 
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.