Police will be enforcing fare payment on Saskatoon Transit this fall: City

Saskatoon Transit users can expect to see both police officers and transit officials working to ensure everyone follows the rules on city buses this fall.

The City of Saskatoon is preparing for its new transit bylaw to come into effect on Sept. 1, coinciding with a big bump in ridership as classes resume for students across the city. The city said the bylaw “establishes clear and consistent expectations related to fare payment, customer conduct, transit property and enforcement,” noting that both transit workers and police will be out this fall educating riders and ensuring fares are paid.

Read more:

• Saskatoon City Council aims to improve safety through new transit bylaw
• Fare evasion on transit buses led to estimated loss of $400,000 for Saskatoon in 2025
• Saskatoon police briefs: Stabbing on city bus, multiple people injured with bear spray

“Riders can expect to see a more visible police presence at terminals, on buses and at other high-ridership locations,” the City of Saskatoon said in a statement.

“The focus is on education, awareness and compliance, helping customers understand expectations while supporting a safe and welcoming transit environment.”

The city is also launching a “Transit Code” advertising campaign across the bus system, encouraging all riders to abide by the rules under the new bylaw.

“Most riders already get on board with The Transit Code every day,” Mike Moellenbeck, director of Saskatoon Transit, said in a statement.

“This campaign is about reinforcing the positive behaviours we see across the system and helping customers understand how we can all contribute to a better transit experience.”

Fare evasion and safety concerns have become significant issues for Saskatoon Transit over recent years, with a city report estimating that just under $400,000 in potential revenue was lost in 2025 due to unpaid fares. In 2024, the amount lost to fare evasion was an estimated $281,532.