Improvements to Transit Network Infrastructure Underway

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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