On-demand transit app promises to save Saskatoon bus riders time, frustration

Tired of waiting for the bus? A new pilot program from Saskatoon Transit might just be the answer.

Starting this week, bus riders in the service area which includes downtown, Marquis Industrial, the University of Saskatchewan and Preston Crossing will be able to download the On-Demand Transit appand ask to be picked up as soon as possible.

"We're constantly trying to figure out how to reach out to new riders," said Jim McDonald, director of Saskatoon Transit.

Users in the service area will be able to either set an appointment or ask for ASAP service.

"A bus will show up at a regular bus stop as close to the time you've asked for it to be there as possible," said McDonald.

Transit is hoping the pilot program will translate into more riders. When the City of Belleville, Ont., switched to on-demand, ridership went up by 300 per cent.

"It's a really exciting trial that we're finally able to do and in an area that I have been really trying to put extra service in," he said.

To book a trip, riders have to download the On-Demand Transit App and use the code Saskatoon.

Riders will need to sign up before requesting a trip.

For help with the process, call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100 or email transit.services@saskatoon.ca

The pilot project is expected to be in effect until next spring.