Improved rider interactions highlight success of Transit safety measures: Committee Report

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.”