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- calendar_today October 20, 2026
Saskatoon Transit Invites Rider Input on Future Bus Network
Saskatoon Transit has launched a series of nine engagement events to gather community feedback on the future of city bus routes. These events, which began on Monday, aim to inform and involve Saskatoon residents in deciding between a 'coverage' and a 'ridership' model as part of the forthcoming Link transit transformation.
Evaluating Coverage Versus Ridership Models
The two models under consideration represent distinct approaches for Saskatoon Transit’s new network. The coverage model mirrors the existing system, designed so most residents live within a five-minute walk of a bus stop, providing broad access across the city. In contrast, the ridership model prioritizes high-frequency routes, with buses running every 15 minutes for eight hours a day, seven days a week. However, this could mean fewer people have a stop within immediate proximity to their home.
Public Engagement and Rider Perspectives
Saskatoon Transit’s open houses offer citizens the opportunity to review the proposed changes and provide feedback. Sharon Hertz, a frequent transit user who attended the first open house, expressed cautious optimism about the ridership model. Living in the city’s southwest yet regularly traveling northeast, Hertz favors the prospect of increased bus frequency on main routes, especially during Saskatchewan's harsh winters. She noted, “So, waiting at the downtown bus…terminal without heated bus shelters when the temperature is 30 below, that's not a good option,” referencing long wait times she hopes will be reduced by the ridership model’s higher frequency.
Hertz also highlighted the potential benefits for her 24-year-old son, David, who has special needs and commutes to work by bus. Currently, his trip requires walking from Lawson Heights Mall to his job on 51st Street. Proposed route adjustments may provide him a more direct path by bus.
Planners Stress Importance of Community Feedback
Filip Majcherkiewicz, planning manager with Saskatoon Transit, emphasized that the ridership model would bring regular, extended service on evenings and weekends, with enhanced citywide connections. He explained the trade-off: “We have more extended service on evenings and weekends. We have more connections that get around the city. But the trade-off is that we can't then put a bus down every single street, and so people might have to walk a few blocks further to a bus.”
Residents are encouraged to attend an open house and complete an online survey, which includes questions about service near key city landmarks such as Confederation Mall. Robert Clipperton, spokesman for the Bus Riders of Saskatoon, encouraged community members to get involved, saying it’s important to familiarize themselves before submitting feedback: “This really is an open conversation right now. Nothing has been… settled or done.”
Details of the Upcoming Link Project
The Link project is scheduled to launch in June 2028, featuring new high-frequency routes—dubbed the blue, red, and green lines—that crisscross the city. The initiative involves a $262-million investment, primarily funded by the Saskatchewan and federal governments. Plans include the construction of dozens of new bus stations and exclusive bus-only lanes, with stations situated along College Drive and First Avenue in downtown Saskatoon.
Incorporating public input at this early stage is key to ensuring the revamped transit network meets resident needs. “Ultimately, we're building the network for customers and for citizens, right? If it doesn't work for them, then it's… not a great plan,” said Majcherkiewicz.
Context: Transit Ridership Trends
The overhaul comes as Saskatoon Transit seeks to recover from a sharp decline in bus ridership, which dropped by over one million trips last year to 7.2 million. City officials hope that by improving frequency and simplifying routes, the system will better serve residents and attract new riders.
How to Get Involved
Open houses continue throughout the city, with details and an online survey available for those wishing to weigh in on the decision between coverage and ridership-focused service. The public is invited to participate in shaping the future of Saskatoon’s transit network as part of the Link project.
Source: cbc.ca.
