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The company that has provided scheduled bus service between Prince Albert and Saskatoon for the past seven years is stepping away from passenger transportation, but the route itself will continue under new ownership.
Aurora Charter Services announced last week its final scheduled passenger trip will be Aug. 31 as it shifts its focus to private charter transportation.
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Owner and operator Victor Omar said the decision wasn’t driven by a lack of demand. Instead, he said the company’s charter business has grown, making it a better fit for the future of the company.
“Things were going well. Someone saw one of our vehicles and asked if we would do transportation for their wedding, and we agreed,” he shared.
“Then one wedding became five, then it became ten events.”
“I would like to have a little bit more free time in the winter, too,” he continued, noting private charters function as more of a seasonal operation. “If I could get away for the winter, even for a month or so, (it) would be nice to start. But if there is business in the winter and I have to be here, I will be here.”
Despite Aurora’s departure from the route, Omar said he doesn’t expect passengers to lose the service. A couple is in the process of taking over the operation and Aurora plans to help with the transition so the route can continue with little change beyond the company name.
“We’re going to help them along with the transition in the next couple of months so that hopefully it’s seamless and the service can continue.”
He added the Gateway Mall will likely continue to be the service’s pick-up and drop-off point.
Aurora began operating along the Prince Albert-Saskatoon route seven years ago, after the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) and Greyhound ended service in 2017 and 2018, leaving communities searching for other transportation options.
This bus is one of three Aurora Charter Services vehicles. (Aurora Charter Service/Facebook)
Omar said the company is looking to expand its fleet to better serve the Prince Albert and Lakeland areas. He’s exploring larger vehicles, such as coach-style buses, but is also weighing more cost-effective options.
Passenger service will continue on its current Monday, Wednesday and Friday schedule until Aug. 31. After that date, Aurora will operate as a private charter company, primarily serving local and regional clients, with occasional out-of-province trips.
