By Shane O'Neill

City transit staff recommend free back-to-school service

Aug 15, 2016 | 5:58 PM

Prince Albert Transit Services is hoping to make back-to-school week a bit cheaper for students and families in P.A.

Keri Sapsford, manager of transportation and traffic with the city, made a recommendation at the city’s executive committee meeting on Monday for transit to be free of charge for all users from Tuesday, Sept. 6 to Friday, Sept. 9, the first week of back-to-school for students across the city.

“If it’s successful, we’d like to make this either a week, or one day, of back-to-school free,” Sapsford said of this year’s plan and its potential for the future.

Sapsford says this initiative, if passed, is one way to encourage residents of P.A. and students in particular to use public transit.

“If we can make the transit system work for students there’s the potential to make them life-long riders and advocates of the transit system,” Sapsford said.

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Students in P.A. present an opportunity for the city to increase ridership and free bus rides during a week often marred by other back-to-school costs, are one way to encourage everyone to try the bus.

“It should get you to where you need to go on time,” Sapsford said. “Especially for students, we’ve worked very hard to make sure our buses are getting there at appropriate times so we get a lot of students riding.”

Councillor Ted Zurakowski supported the idea, and wants the city to take the opportunity to streamline transit options between the school boards and the bus system in P.A. Every year the city spends money to refurbish roads, many of which are serviced by multiple bus routes and school buses. It was argued a more efficient system of transit may help address part of the costs of maintaining roads in the city.

“I think at some point, we just have to say ‘hey, this is what’s going on in our city,’” Zurakowski said. “At the same time, millions and millions and millions of dollars are spent on residential road construction.”

In 2015, Prince Albert transit had just over 5,000 passengers during the first week of school. Staff hope to increase the number this year with the promotion.

The city expects the promotion will cost around $3,000 in lost cash fare revenue. But, Sapsford said it will be money well spent if they can encourage more residents to choose the bus in P.A.

“Any increase in ridership is a good thing,” Sapsford said.

Back-to-school week is also an opportunity for the P.A. transit to showcase the newly enabled transit directions for P.A. on Google which allows anyone to check bus routes and times on any computer, tablet or mobile device. Sapsford said it has never been easier to take the bus in P.A.

“This is a very good launching point for that (Google integration),” Sapsford said. “And we will be promoting it through this event.”

For now, a decision will wait until city council next meets on Aug. 29.

shane.oneill@paNOW.com

On Twitter: @stroneill