The City of Prince Albert will be offering free transit on New Year's Eve. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Getting home safe

Residents urged to ‘Wing in the New Year’

Dec 10, 2019 | 4:30 PM

The City of Prince Albert and SGI are teaming up to offer residents a safe ride home this New Year’s Eve.

‘Wing in the New Year’ will see the city offer free public transit to residents. This includes both regular and paratransit. According to the city of P.A., the service has been offered since 1989 and during that time over 10,000 people have made use of it.

In a media release Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Greg Dionne said they are proud to have offered the initiative for as long as they have. He added the support from the province is also appreciated.

“Thank you to Minister Hargrave and SGI for their ongoing support to make it possible,” he said.

In total, the city will be offering service on five routes with all of them meeting at the downtown transfer station.

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Tyler McMurchy, media relations manager with SGI said they appreciate everyone who helps in offering free transit service.

“We of course want to thank the hardworking women and men of transit services, who give of themselves and agree to work New Year’s Eve,” he said.

Along with P.A., free public transit will also be offered in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Regina. According to McMurchy, last year in P.A. just over 300 people made use of the service.

McMurchy said SGI always wants to encourage people to get home safely. He added right now there are more options available for people than ever before.

“Whether it’s taking a cab, there are communities where ride share is available now, there are designated driving services that will offer people a safe ride home,” he said.

The free bus service will be from 7 p.m. to 2:15 a.m. on Jan. 1. Anyone needing accessible transportation should call the Special Needs Transportation Dispatch at the Community Service Centre.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn