A recent report from Saskatoon city hall suggests that implementing a three-tiered approach to raising bus fares could lead to increased revenue but may also discourage some individuals from using public transit. The proposed plan includes keeping low-income bus passes at their current rates while increasing the cost of passes for regular transit users by approximately five percent. However, the prices for single-use tickets, cash fares, and adult passes for occasional riders would see a steeper rise of around 10 percent.
This proposed fare adjustment is estimated to generate approximately $870,000 in additional revenue based on current ridership. However, it is also expected to result in a decrease in ridership due to the higher fares, leading to a projected net gain of $522,000 for the upcoming year and $550,000 by 2027. Robert Clipperton, a spokesperson for the Bus Riders of Saskatoon transit advocacy group, expressed concerns about the potential impact of fare increases, noting that they often deter people from using public transportation and can contribute to fare evasion issues.
City officials also explored other fare increase options, including a flat five percent raise across all fare categories that have remained unchanged since 2014. However, this alternative is predicted to yield lower net revenue increases of $323,000 in the next year and $327,000 by 2027, along with a decrease in ridership.
In addition to fare adjustments, city administrators considered leaving fares unaltered and implementing a complex income-based payment system. The latter option was deemed impractical as it would require a costly new bureaucracy to verify riders’ incomes and was projected to result in a net loss of $131,000 in the next year.
Comparative analysis revealed that Saskatoon’s current bus fares are among the lowest when compared to 23 other Canadian cities without light rail transit systems. The cost of a monthly adult pass and single-use fare in Saskatoon is notably lower than in most similar-sized or larger cities. Despite the proposed fare increases, Saskatoon’s transit prices remain competitive.
As Saskatoon City Council deliberates on various budget options, including revenue increases and expenditure reductions, public transit services may be impacted. Proposals such as reducing bus services during low-ridership midday hours and ending service an hour earlier to achieve cost savings are under consideration. However, transit advocates like Robert Clipperton have voiced concerns over service cuts, emphasizing the importance of reliable and extended bus services for the community.
Furthermore, discussions are ongoing regarding the potential postponement of the Link transit system revamp until 2030 to save costs. City officials are also recommending continued engagement with residents to address fare structures and other transit-related issues, with a focus on streamlining the current complex fare system based on feedback from over a thousand participants.