Use of Prince Albert's bus system has increased dramatically with many riders coming from SaskPolytech. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Fare increase

City council in favour of transit fare increase

Apr 30, 2024 | 7:00 AM

After several minutes of discussion, Prince Albert’s city council voted to pursue a recommendation by transit staff to increase fares.

While the change is not yet final as it must be passed at a regular council meeting, council pointed out that despite the increase, fares remain the lowest in Saskatchewan.

Transit manager Evan Hastings told council that the cost to operate the city’s bus system has gone up 43 per cent in the last five years.

READ MORE: Students will also pay more for bus passes.

“This is due to the increased contracted transit service rate, increased fuel cost and a 23 per cent increase to total hours of service provided,” he said.

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All single-ride fares will be $3 unless it is a youth under 12, who will pay $2.75.

That eliminates the need for drivers to determine who is a senior citizen, a post-secondary student, or a regular rider.

People will still be able to get lower prices by buying books of 10 fares or a monthly pass with rates varying depending on the class of rider.

Last year, the city did a trial run of evening bus service on weekdays and found the ridership was strong.

A huge bump in ridership has come from post-secondary students at SaskPolytech. Some buses were beyond capacity and an extra East Flat bus route was needed.

In 2019, running the transit system cost $1.7 million and it is expected to cost $2.54 million this year.

Money raised from fares covers about $600,000 of that cost and the city receives some grants from higher levels of government.

If the city opted to not subsidize fares at all, each ride would cost $5, Hastings said.

The new fares would come into effect on September 1, 2024, once they are voted on at a regular council meeting.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com