(Submitted photo/City of PA)

By paNOW Staff

Bus fares

City approves bus fare increase; ridership on the rise

Aug 20, 2024 | 11:01 AM

For the first time in almost six years, the City of Prince Albert is increasing transit fares.

Effective Sunday, Sept.1 cash fares for a single ticket will rise from $2.50 ($2.25 for seniors) up to $3. A book of 10 tickets increases from $22.50 to $25.

Public Works Capital Projects Manager Evan Hastings said the changes reflect an ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving public transportation services. He said the new transit fares are still among the lowest in Saskatchewan for all user groups.

“We went from the lowest in Saskatchewan for almost every rate to still almost the lowest in every single fare category. So, we’re keeping the prices down for the public while still being fiscally responsible and ensuring that our cost recovery is as good as it can be,” Hastings said.

Since 2019, the cost for operating the service has increased by about $650,000 but the city has increased its level of transit service in that time as well.

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“We provide service on weekdays until 10:15 p.m. now as opposed to 7:15 p.m. in the past. We have Little Red transit out there each Saturday and a second East Flat bus running weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to make sure all students and workers can get to where they need to go,” said Hastings. “So, we’re providing better and better services each day and we have done very well to keep rates where they were for almost six years.”

Hastings said ridership was under 400,000 in 2019. This year, its projected to be well over 620,000.

“This is a good news story. Our transit is heading in the right direction and there’s a ton more people using it each and every day, so it’s been very good,” he said.

Notable Changes to Transit Fares:

• All Cash Fares: Now $3 per ride.
• Ticket Books of 10: Priced at $25.
• Adult Monthly Passes: Increased from $70 to $80.
• Senior and Ministry of Social Services Passes: No change; rates remain the same.
• Post-Secondary Students: New semester-long passes are available for $225, which can be purchased at Saskatchewan Polytechnic or City Hall. Monthly fares have been increased to $65.
• Children Under 10: Now ride FREE with a parent or guardian (previously under five).
• Youth (Ages 14-18): Monthly passes have been slightly reduced from $55.50 to $55. Please note that in previous years, the school divisions and the city provided subsidies to lower student costs. The city now sells these passes to schools, and the schools may offer further subsidies. Students are encouraged to check with their schools for additional savings.
• Child Under 14 Monthly Passes: $40.

Access Transit:

The Community Services Center has opted to follow the City’s Public Transit fare increase for Access Transit. The single ride fare for Access Transit will now be $3, and the monthly subscription fee will increase to $130.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com