News Releases

Saskatoon Transit and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 released videos featuring frontline employees sharing their experience working in public transit and a message for residents and customers. When people watch their stories, we hope they will recognize them as individuals who deserve empathy and respect so they can do their jobs and get home safely at the end of their day.  

Bus operators, supervisors and customer service employees have been exposed to more aggressive and violent incidents since the spring. Every employee deserves to feel safe at work and Saskatoon Transit is actively taking measures to provide a safe environment for frontline employees and customers. 

The campaign is one of the initiatives in Saskatoon Transit’s frontline employee and customer safety plan that was rolled out in mid-June to reduce negative interactions for our frontline employees and customers.   

The series includes Saskatoon Transit bus operators Stevie and David, customer service representative Manisha and operations supervisor Noureddine. Watch the videos at transit.saskatoon.ca/TransitSafety.   

Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit are actively working with supporting teams to resolve disruptions caused by a widespread Microsoft system outage that has affected internal software.

Saskatoon Transit disruptions:

• Incoming phone lines.
• Real-time bus location updates on Transit and other trip-planning apps.
• Service alerts for detours or service interruptions.
• Mobile ticketing purchases are intermittently unavailable in the Transit and TGo apps. Fares already purchased in the apps remain available for use.
  • The OnDemand Transit app remains unaffected.
• The Customer Service Centre is experiencing a high volume of inquiries. Customers can contact the Saskatoon Transit Customer Service team via email at transit.services@saskatoon.ca.

Access Transit disruptions:

• Incoming phone lines
• Customers can connect with the Access Transit team via email at accesstransit@saskatoon.ca.

Despite these disruptions, the downtown Customer Service Centre remains open for physical ticket purchases.

Your patience is appreciated as this is resolved.

Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit are experiencing phoneline disruptions due to a widespread and known Microsoft system outage. 

Access Transit

• Cannot receive incoming phone calls. Outgoing calls have not been affected.
• Customers can connect with the Access Transit team via email (accesstransit@saskatoon.ca ). 

Transit

• Cannot receive incoming phone calls.
• Realtime bus locations are unavailable.
• Service alerts cannot be pushed to the app.

Supporting teams are aware of this issue and are working to resolve it. Your patience is appreciated. 

Following extensive planning and careful consideration, City officials have proposed the name “Link” to be used for the branding and marketing of the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This new bus service will fall under the master brand of Saskatoon Transit, but it will have its own visual identity to reflect the unique service while complementing the master brand. 

Research on BRT systems in cities across North America shows early introduction and adoption of a BRT system brand identity is essential to the success of the new transit service. A report will be presented July 17 to the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council seeking approval for the new Saskatoon Transit BRT brand name and visual identity. 

City Administration worked with Entro, a global firm with specialized knowledge in this field, on brand development for the BRT. A comprehensive eight-step process guided the identification of a brand name and visual identity. Steps included a brand and site audit, stakeholder research, visioning, naming, brand development and validation, visual language, and guidelines.  

The proposed “Link” brand will refer exclusively to the rapid transit lines (routes) currently identified as the red, green, and blue lines. 

Through naming workshops and discussions held with the public and key groups/organizations in Saskatoon, the name was associated with words such as connectivity, welcoming, accessible, reliable, modern and clear/straightforward. Participants also identified that the name embodied concepts of connection, speed and network and was timeless and easy to understand. 

If approved by City Council, work on the Link brand, marketing and wayfinding signage will continue over the coming months. This will involve the implementation of a communications and marketing plan aimed to increase community awareness of the new brand name. Communications will be focused on informing the public before there are construction impacts and provide education on the new future transit service. 

With the final BRT funding announcement from the Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program (ICIP) on June 28, the project can now proceed to the detailed design, procurement and construction phases. The City has retained engineering and consulting firm CIMA+ to complete detailed designs and assist in the tendering and management of construction contracts.   

Construction of part of the transit signal priority (TSP) system and the start of construction of 14 of the BRT stations’ concrete platforms is expected to begin this summer. This work will continue with another 30 stations in 2025.  

Engagement activities have been ongoing over the last few years on streetscaping design elements, public art components, station design, feeder routes and other project features, and will continue until the system is launched. 

For more information on the project, visit saskatoon.ca/brt. 

Every employee deserves to feel safe at work and Saskatoon Transit is actively taking measures to provide a safe environment for frontline employees and customers.

Saskatoon Transit is working with the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD), Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 (ATU) and other community stakeholders to address concerns with transit bus and facility safety. This work is being done as part of a larger community safety strategy throughout our community that the City of Saskatoon, SPS and SFD are actively rolling out.

Bus operators, supervisors and customer service employees have been exposed to more aggressive and violent incidents this spring. Since the beginning of May, Saskatoon Transit has increased security patrols at the Downtown, Confederation Mall and Market Mall transit terminals along with additional supervisor ride-alongs with operators to have an increased uniformed presence on buses and at facilities.

Several other initiatives are underway as part of the Saskatoon Transit Frontline Employee Safety Plan to improve safety on buses and at terminals for employees and riders. The plan will enhance security, improve internal processes, expand employee training, augment mental health support for employees following an incident, strengthen coordination with emergency services and build a stronger culture of safety at Saskatoon Transit. Initiatives include:

1. Streamlined process for reporting an incident to SPS to assist the incident investigation.
2. Deployment of the Fire Community Support team to bus terminals and on bus routes with a higher number of reported incidents.
3. Running a public marketing campaign featuring frontline employees from Saskatoon Transit to increase the profile of bus operators in the community.
4. Developing a process to ban a problem customer from Saskatoon Transit buses and facilities.
5. Exploring the feasibility of installing CCTV cameras at the Downtown and Confederation Mall terminals.
6. Rolling out the new Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and updated Respectful and Harassment-free Workplace process and introducing the new Corporate Customer Conduct Standard.
7. Developing and delivering new customer service and de-escalation training for frontline Saskatoon Transit employees.
8. Enhanced mental health support for Saskatoon Transit employees.
9. Advocating for tougher sentences under the Criminal Code for assaults against a Saskatoon Transit employee.

Saskatoon Transit will continue to protect its employees and customers through these new initiatives and by working closely with SPS, SFD, ATU and other community stakeholders on the "One City" approach to Community Safety and Wellbeing strategy.

In addition to these new initiatives, all buses have a protective operator barrier and CCTV cameras with visible signage to inform passengers that their actions are being recorded.

The Downtown Transit Terminal on 23rd Street will be closed between 2nd and 3rd avenues on Wednesday, June 5, at 7:00 a.m. for roadway patching following a water main break repair last week. This project is expected to take eight hours to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The terminal will be temporarily moved along 3rd Avenue with minimal effects on transit service and schedules. Temporary bus stop signage will help locate transfers and buses, and “no parking” signs will be set up at the temporary terminal location. Detours will guide motorists around the work zone.

Please note the sidewalks of the existing terminal will remain open, and the Transit Customer Service Centre will maintain regular hours of operation. Thank you for your patience and for following traffic detour signs for everyone’s safety.

Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.      

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at transit.services@saskatoon.ca or 306.975.3100. Thank you for your cooperation and support.                           

The Downtown Transit Terminal on 23rd Street will be closed between 2nd and 3rd avenues starting May 29, at 8:00 a.m. for unplanned water main repairs. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The terminal will be temporarily moved along 3rd Avenue with minimal effects on transit service and schedules. Temporary bus stop signage will be put in place to help locate transfers and buses, and “no parking” signs will be set up at the temporary terminal location. Detours will guide motorists around the work zone.

Please note the north sidewalk of the existing terminal will remain open, and the Transit Customer Service Centre will maintain regular hours of operation. Thank you for your patience and for following traffic detour signs for everyone’s safety.

Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.      

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at transit.services@saskatoon.ca or 306.975.3100. Thank you for your cooperation and support.                           

To coincide with Sisters in Spirit Day on October 4, Saskatoon Transit partnered with talented Indigenous artist Vanessa Hyggen, to unveil a new bus shelter at Preston Avenue and Adelaide Street. This is Saskatoon Transit’s fifth bus shelter in commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #79 (PDF).  

This year’s bus shelter was created in collaboration with family and community members affected by the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), as well as Two-Spirit individuals. Vanessa skillfully integrated the shared thoughts and emotions of the group. Her aim was to pay tribute to and raise awareness of the issues faced, provide a healing space, and encourage community members to speak out. The bus shelter stands as a tribute to the lives affected by this tragic issue, a call for justice, and a symbol of hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Scan the QR code on the front of the bus shelter to be directed to a webpage page that includes the full story behind the artwork, information on the committee members that inspired the piece, and previous bus shelter art projects. 

For more information, visit: saskatoon.ca/trc-bus-shelter-art 

The other four Saskatoon Transit bus shelters displaying Indigenous artwork are located at the following locations:  

• Confederation Drive & Massey Drive  
• Rusholme Road at E.D. Feehan High School 
• Broadway Avenue & 12 Street  
• Clarence Avenue at Aden Bowman Collegiate  

Faith Bosse, artwork committee member says: "I'm so thankful to have worked alongside the talented artists & family members who helped piece together this beautiful artwork over the past few months. As the daughter of an MMIW, it means so much to me to have something representing all of the families & our loved ones we have lost.” 

Paul Trottier, artwork committee member says: “This bus shelter helps to lift the veil of silence, it expresses the voice of those who are missing, those who cannot be heard. Those who are missing are a part of someone, a life, a future, a human being.  We want our loved ones back.” 

Vanessa Hyggen, Indigenous artist says: “I've been honoured to work with the families who shared their stories with me. I carried their words and stories on my heart for about 3 weeks before I began to draw. Once I started to draw though, I felt like the direction of the piece all came together. I met with the committee a couple of times, received feedback, then worked to incorporate the feedback. This piece is a story, and a feeling, and I can only hope that it will help to elevate their voices, and raise the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two -Spirit People.” 

Charlie Clark, Mayor says: “Coinciding with the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, I am proud to be able to unveil this new shelter. The Bus Shelter Art projects placed around the city provide meaningful art displays that tie together learning, understanding, and steps towards reconciliation. I am very grateful for all of the community partners and city staff who helped make this happen. The willingness of community members to support our work in responding to the TRC Calls to Action continues to be invaluable.” 

Jim Puffalt, Director of Saskatoon Transit says: “We hope this bus shelter serves as an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and protected. With Vanessa and the committee members, we have crafted a beacon of awareness and a tribute to the strength of Indigenous cultures.” 

Attention all Saskatoon Transit users!  

Please be aware the Downtown Transit Terminal will undergo a short-term construction project from May 8-14, 2023. The rehabilitation work aims to fix the structural deficiencies of the road surface and missing sections of curb at the terminal. 

The project has been scheduled in May to minimize the impact on transit riders and residents. The terminal will be moved along 3rd Avenue from 23rd Street to 24th Street with minimal effects on transit service and schedules. Wayfinding will be available to help locate transfers and buses, and transit staff will be on hand to assist. 

Please note the sidewalks on both sides of the existing terminal will stay open, and the Transit Customer Service Centre will maintain regular hours of operation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to make improvements. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at transit.services@saskatoon.ca or 306.975.3100. Thank you for your cooperation and support. 

Some of Saskatoon’s most travelled roads are scheduled for major upgrades this summer. Construction projects will include resurfacing the west bound lanes of Circle Drive North between Millar Avenue and Alberta Avenue, and resurfacing sections of Preston Avenue between Preston Crossing and 8th Street.

“There are several areas of Preston Avenue that are in rough shape and in need of new asphalt,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “We’ll also get to Wanuskewin Road to resurface both sides between 71st Street and Penner Road.” 

Many roads will be completely resurfaced following water main replacements. Replacing the decades old water mains with durable PVC piping will continue in several areas of Saskatoon, including Downtown.

“Downtown water main replacement work will happen in phases throughout the summer and fall to avoid closing several blocks at the same time, starting with 22nd Street East between 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue.” 

About $67.19 million is earmarked for road and bridge construction and maintenance in 2023. One of the most significant construction zones is already set up on the Circle Drive North Bridge where crews are now two months into a nine-month long rehabilitation project. Sidewalk repairs and annual street maintenance programs like street sweeping, pothole and utility cut repairs, and line painting are now underway or about to start.

Also, this month, the Saskatoon Transit Downtown Terminal will be undergoing road and sidewalk work. For approximately one week, the Terminal will temporarily move to 3rd Avenue North, in front of City Hall. Bus stop locations will be marked in advance.

Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) is already working Downtown, upgrading the underground electrical vault on the west side of 2nd Avenue between 21st Street and 22nd Street. Work began in late April and is scheduled for completion by mid-June. This is a cornerstone project that will allow SL&P to proceed with additional electrical renewal projects to update Downtown power infrastructure.

Despite some street closures due to construction, Schmidt says Downtown businesses will remain open and accessible by sidewalk.

“There will be pedestrian and traffic detours Downtown and throughout the city all summer. We thank residents for their patience and are asking everyone to respect work zones.”

For more information on current and future construction, please visit saskatoon.ca/construction.