City to bring back transit fares effective June 8

Saskatoon transit riders will have to start paying to ride again, effective June 8.

The decision was made in a unanimous vote by city councillors during a special meeting Wednesday afternoon.

The decision aligns with the implementation date for Phase 3 of the province’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

On March 20, Saskatoon Transit suspended charging bus fares due to the COVID-19 pandemic and switched to rear-door entry.

Because of the continued COVID-19 impacts, Saskatoon Transit expects that only 15 per cent of its regular revenue will be collected once fares are re-introduced. They estimate the overall deficit to vary from $8.4 to $10.3 million.

When you do return to transit, front door loading will be possible, with the city installing clear vinyl panels for the safety of Saskatoon bus drivers.

For buses that don’t have the installed vinyl panels, rear-entry will still be allowed. In those instances, fares won’t be charged.

Saskatoon Transit director, Jim MacDonald says they have been installing the vinyl panels, which have been done on about 10 buses per day. They expect to have all buses finished by June 8, barring any “unforeseen changes.” MacDonald says he sees June 10th as the latest a bus would hit the road without the vinyl panelling.

Masks will be recommended for use in city buses. The recommendation was originally made by the city to transit riders on May 20, aligning with the provincial government and federal health associations.

In the report, MacDonald said transit “will see a reduction in the number of transit riders without a defined destination and purpose and would see an associated increase in available seats on individual buses and increased capacity across the system.”

When it comes to how you pay, the fare boxes will be returning. MacDonald explained that they will be cleaned not after every rider, but probably at the top of every hour, or when they have time available.

“The operators are already equipped with disinfectant. They have been issued gloves, they have safety glasses for use,” he said.

The changes will also allow for an additional 3 to 5 passengers, with the removal of previous safety barriers for drivers.

For riders who are still owed subscription time, there will be additional days added to their passes at start-up on June 8.