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Changing colours on the leaves also means changes transit schedules and service for Saskatoon Transit this fall.
With the return to classes for elementary, high school and post-secondary students, the city has announced changes it says will “improve reliability and on-time performance, restore school-year service levels and add capacity where ridership is expected to increase.”
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On busy routes, including routes 2, 8, 17, 50, 55 and 60, there will be “additional frequency and capacity,” the city said.
Routes commonly relied on by students will see a return to peak-period and school-year service, affecting routes 61, 63, 65 and 83, as well as high school routes 529 and 543.
In a statement, the city said there will also be “improved reliability and schedule performance” on routes 8, 50 and 55.
University students should also see benefits from routing changes on routes 16 and 17 near the University of Saskatchewan campus.
The service adjustments come as the city prepares to introduce a new transit bylaw and code of conduct in September.
Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block. (Lara Fominoff/650 CKOM)
Mayor Cynthia Block told The Evan Bray Show the bylaw will support the city’s move toward a transit-policing approach.
“At any time, someone could be asked to leave the bus, but also could be asked for their ticket,” Block said. “Fare evasion has been an issue. We are working on that.”
Block said the code of conduct will be displayed at bus terminals and on buses to remind riders how they are expected to behave.
“We gleaned this from a lot of information that we learned from around the world about how important it is to remind people to be respectful,” she said.
Block said the city studied transit systems elsewhere, including London, England, while developing its approach. She said the plan is a broader enforcement strategy and does not mean a police officer will be stationed on every bus.
“We have a lot of optimism that this is going to improve things for everyone, both riders and operators,” Block said.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable when they are riding a bus. As we are moving to a modern public transportation system, it’s more important than ever that we get this right.”
With the return of busier fall schedules, riders are encouraged to check their routes and departure times before travelling.
Saskatoon’s new transit code says riders should use headphones, keep the volume low and take phone calls off speaker. (AntonioGuillemF/Depositphotos.com)
The Transit Code
This is the city’s plain language guide to the shared expectations for everyone using Saskatoon Transit.
Respect each other
Treat fellow riders and Transit employees with courtesy. Harassment, threatening behaviour and interfering with the safe operation of the bus are not acceptable under the Saskatoon Transit Bylaw. Use headphones, keep the volume low and take phone calls off speaker.
Pay your way
Have a valid pass, receipt for cash payment or exact change ready before boarding. The Saskatoon Transit Bylaw requires riders to pay the required fare and show proof of fare when asked by an authorized person.
Give others space
Share seats, keep aisles and doors clear and more to the back if standing.
Keep it alcohol and drug free
Keep smoking, vaping, alcohol or drug use away from buses, terminals and all Transit property.
Help keep Transit clean
Take your garbage and food waste with you, and make sure containers are sealed so they do not leak. Keep feet off the seats and avoid spitting, spills, vandalism or damage to the buses, shelters, terminals and other Transit property.
Look out for each other
Report safety concerns, threatening behaviour, vandalism, medical emergencies or other issues that affect a safe and welcoming ride.
Be kind and inclusive
Offer seats to those who need them and help make everyone feel welcome.
Keep belongings close
Keep large items, strollers/wagons and bags secure and out of the way. Do not block aisles, doors or seats.
Transit officials said they will “closely monitor ridership, bus capacity, customer feedback and demand across the network, and make adjustments where needed to help support a safe, reliable and comfortable ride for customers.
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