Watch above: Transit users express concern over effectiveness of buses
SASKATOON – The group Bus Riders of Saskatoon says work has only begun and dramatic changes are needed to bring bus service up to speed after the transit lockout.
The group formed before the lockout, in mid-September, with the hope of improving transit service. Since then, the group has gathered several hundred members on its Facebook page.
“Some of the key issues that we gathered as a group at our first meeting – in a voting process – was that transit should be easy,” explained Sarina Gersher, a group member.
“We need more of a reliable connection, frequent service.”
READ MORE: Labour board rules Saskatoon Transit lockout illegal
“If I’m catching a bus in the winter, I dress as though I’m going to have to walk anyway,” said another member, Sharissa Hantke.
“There’s a huge degree of uncertainty.”
On Friday, group members handed out cards with their contact information and explained how they can take action to improve service.
“We’re here today to let riders know that Bus Riders of Saskatoon exists and we’re here advocating for the riders – for a better transit system,” Gersher explained.
The city’s utility services department invited representatives from the group to a meeting Thursday.
“We found out that only 60 per cent of the cost of transit is city-funded, as well as 40 per cent is from revenues but we’re the only province that doesn’t have government-designated transit funds,” explained Gersher.
Group members admit better service means more money and they plan to continue pushing the city to secure the provincial funding that’s needed.
Comments