Saskatoon Transit prepared for full buses as students head back to class

Saskatoon Transit anticipates buses filling up on busy routes during peak commute times beginning Tuesday, September 5 as students head back to school and summer vacations wrap up.  Saskatoon Transit is prepared to provide a reliable service heading into the busiest season of the year, having made many improvements to its maintenance and operations over the past year.

When possible, larger capacity articulating buses will be used on the routes with high schools and post-secondary institutions, and three additional buses will be standing by to be deployed as needed. At this time last year, ridership numbers compared to pre-pandemic rates and some routes experienced full buses.

Tips for public transit riders

1. Adjust your departure time. Busier routes will have some increased frequency at peak times. If your regular bus is nearly full when you ride in August, consider taking the earlier or later bus to avoid a full bus. The bus that drops students off just prior to the start of class tends to be busier than the earlier or next bus.
2. Use tracking and watch for service alerts. Saskatoon Transit has real-time tracking through third party apps like Transit and Google Maps on desktop. Real-time transit tracking shows you where your bus is and when the next bus arrives, which limits wait times at bus stops. Pin your preferred routes for service alert push notifications.
3. Be prepared to board. Have your fare ready, app open and be ready to quickly find a seat.
4. Remove backpacks. Make space for people.   

When a bus is full, the head sign will read “Full Bus” and the operator will drive past bus stops - even when riders are waiting - until there is space for more people. During peak times, more than 80 buses are running to get people to their destinations. Real time tracking and ongoing communication with the bus helps Saskatoon Transit staff determine where more service is needed.

Student discounts

You can now purchase discounted high school and post-secondary passes on your mobile device with TGo and Transit apps. Post-secondary students must show their proof of enrollment at the Customer Service Centre downtown for the discount to be available in the app. Students attending the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Saskatchewan receive a U-PASS included with tuition. Learn more about mobile tickets for students at saskatoontransit/student.