On this day in 1959, residents of Saskatoon got their first look at one of three new 34-passenger coach buses acquired by the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC). The bus was set to operate on the popular 'Twilight Express' route connecting Saskatoon and Regina.
A New Era in Bus Travel
The Deluxe Canuck bus, supplied by a Winnipeg firm, featured modern amenities for its time, including chemical toilets, washroom facilities, a radio system, and a public address system. These additions aimed to enhance passenger comfort during the journey.
The first bus was driven to Saskatoon from Regina on the evening of May 13 or the morning of May 14, 1959. It was displayed at the STC bus depot on Thursday and Friday, allowing the public to inspect the new vehicle before it entered service.
Historical Context
This article is part of the StarPhoenix archives, and the original writing style, grammar, and punctuation have been preserved. The 'Twilight Express' route was a key transportation link between Saskatchewan's two largest cities at the time.
The StarPhoenix's Throwback Thursday series, curated by the City of Saskatoon Archives, regularly features historical images and stories from the region's past. Readers are encouraged to suggest moments in Saskatoon's history for future features.
