City councillors in Saskatoon have concluded budget talks that will result in higher transit fares for riders in both 2026 and 2027. The deliberations, which took place at City Hall this week, also covered crucial discussions about bus frequency, hours of operation, and passenger safety.
Four Fare Options Presented
City administration presented council with four distinct fare options for consideration. The first proposal maintains the current status quo with no price increases. A second option would see the price of all fares rise by a uniform five per cent each year.
The third option, which was recommended by city administration, adopts an equitable approach. This model would freeze prices for low-income pass holders while implementing a five per cent increase for seniors and students. The most significant hike, a ten per cent increase, would apply to adult passes and tickets.
A fourth, more complex option considers a sliding scale for fares based on income. Under this system, cash and ticket prices would be set at $3.25 and $3.00 respectively. Passes would have a baseline price of $90, with various reductions applied depending on the rider's income bracket. Administration noted that the financial implications for this model are not straightforward, estimating it could lead to a $131,000 revenue decline in 2026.
Broader Transit System Considerations
The fare debate was part of a larger conversation about the city's transit system. Other recommendations within the administrative report included exploring technology for fare capping, engaging with stakeholders, and simplifying the overall fare structure. It is notable that transit fare prices in Saskatoon have not been updated since 2016.
Ward 1 Councillor Kathryn MacDonald argued for a more thorough review, moving to defer the topic until December’s governance and priorities committee. However, her motion was defeated in a 9-2 vote.
Stakeholders Voice Safety and Engagement Concerns
Representatives from the public and transit unions raised important issues beyond fare prices. Robert Clipperton with Bus Riders of Saskatoon stated that more engagement with stakeholders is necessary, revealing that he was one of only two people who attended a recent focus group.
Darcy Pederson, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615, which represents the city's bus drivers, emphasized the urgent need for dedicated transit enforcement. He explained that currently, no one has the authority to remove problematic individuals from buses. While police respond when possible, Pederson stated it is insufficient, adding, "So you wait, hoping things don’t get worse … hope is not a safety plan."
He further noted that riders often avoid bus terminals and stops where they feel unsafe, concluding that a proposal to raise transit fares without addressing enforcement constitutes wishful budgeting.
