Saskatoon’s Bus Rapid Transit project can proceed ‘fully funded’

The record population growth in Saskatoon over the last few years has contributed to the overcrowding of buses within the city.

Today the City of Saskatoon has received funding to expand its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

A statement released by the Government of Canada shared that the federal and provincial governments are investing more than $309 million in infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan.

The mayor of Saskatoon, Charlie Clark, said that the enhancement of our transit system will help move residents and visitors more efficiently in the city.

“As ridership continues to increase, it’s important that we have a system that meets the needs and expectations of users,” Clark said. “This announcement for the Red and Blue BRT line, along with last November’s announcement for the Green BRT line, will allow Saskatoon to proceed with the Bus Rapid Transit project, fully funded.”

Clark also praised the whole transit team for all the hard work it has taken to help the city improve the transit system.

“I am so, so grateful that today we have this investment of one hundred million dollars from the federal government and 83 million dollars from the provincial government to make sure that we can build the Red line and the Blue line,” said Clark.

The Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Paul Merriman, shared a few words on behalf of Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations and Scott Moe, the Premier of Saskatchewan.

“The Red and Blue lines will improve capacity and reliability compared to the traditional bus system, and will allow more people to move easily throughout the city,” he said. “The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support Saskatoon, as a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

The transit team shared that on July 17 they will be reporting to the government and priorities committee to provide an update on the BRT project status.

More details are to come.