Free bus rides offered for those celebrating New Year’s Eve in Regina

For a 32nd year, SGI and Regina Transit are teaming up to provide free bus rides on New Year’s Eve, in hopes people will choose a safe ride home after celebrating the end of the decade.

The free transit service starts at 7 p.m. and will continue until 2:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Mayor Michael Fougere credited transit workers for being receptive to working that night.

“The fact they’ve stepped up shows a character and they have the greater good in mind,” Fougere said. “They understand this is a really important service and they’re sacrificing their New Year’s Eve celebration as well with their families and friends.”

Last year, about 2,500 people took free transit on New Year’s Eve.

Impaired driving is still a top killer on Saskatchewan roads. It was a factor in 42 deaths and 355 injuries in 2018, according to SGI.

The rest of the big four problems that year included distracted driving, a factor in 22 deaths; speed, a factor in 23 deaths; and not wearing seatbelts, a factor in 42 deaths.

On behalf of SGI, Advanced Education Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said the government has a responsibility to ensure people have options for a safe ride home.

She urged people to choose one of several options, including cabs, ridesharing or a designated driver.

Transit users can see real-time bus schedules at TransitLive.com. They can also call the RideLine at 306-777-7433 for information.