By paNOW Staff

Rider Express Transportation seeks permanent location in P.A.

Oct 5, 2017 | 5:00 PM

Despite a steady demand for transportation to Saskatoon, one private bus company is facing challenges in Prince Albert.

Firat Uray first started offering rides between Prince Albert and Saskatoon in June. Based on demand, he increased the trips he was making between the cities from three to five days a week. Many of his customers are students, people visiting family, and those with medical appointments

He originally picked-up and dropped-off passengers at the Tim Horton’s on Second Ave. W. and 15th St., then moved nearby the Wendy’s in the South Hill Mall parking lot. However, he’s unsure how long he can stay there.

“We didn’t hear anything from the Wendy’s, we asked them if we could operate from there,” Uray said. “They didn’t call us back [saying] we can use it or not, but the property management company keeps calling us [saying] we shouldn’t operate from there, asking us to leave.”

Uray said he’s looking for a permanent location in the city. He’s travelling to Prince Albert next week, but if he can’t find a place to pick-up or drop-off passengers, he won’t be able to keep his route to Saskatoon open.

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Officials from the city of Prince Albert said no company offering routes between Prince Albert and Saskatoon has contacted them in search of a permanent location.

Although the city previously didn’t help operate the now defunct Saskatchewan Transportation Company, they would “love to” work with the private operators.

Representatives from the South Hill Mall would not offer comment on this situation.

La Ronge route in the works

When it comes to expansion, Uray is considering the North. He’s received a number of phone calls since opening his service about offering routes to La Ronge.

“We’re working on it but there is no plan yet finished,” Uray said. “La Ronge, maybe in the future.”

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow