Yorkton Transit

To help improve accessible transportation for riders, the City purchased a new accessible transit van as part of the 2026 Capital Budget. The new vehicle will help ensure that residents who rely on accessible transit continue to have safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation throughout the community.

The purchase process began early in 2026 after funding for a new vehicle was approved in the City's capital budget. Administration worked with Fleet Services and the Transit Advisory Committee to identify the type of vehicle that would best meet current needs while also supporting future transit service changes.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued in March 2026 to find a supplier for the new accessible vehicle. When the RFP closed, one submission was received from MoveMobility. The proposal met the City's requirements, was within budget, and offered a flexible vehicle design that can be adapted to different passenger and wheelchair configurations.

The City selected MoveMobility to supply a new Ford Transit T6 accessible van. The vehicle includes wheelchair-accessibility equipment, a wheelchair lift, flexible seating arrangements, and additional wheelchair restraint systems that allow the interior layout to be adjusted based on rider needs. This flexibility will support the City's future plans for a combined Transit and Access Transit service.

Production of the vehicle began in spring 2026, and the City worked closely with MoveMobility throughout the build process. The vehicle was completed and delivered to Yorkton at the end of July 2026. Following delivery, Fleet Services began final inspections, safety checks, and registration before placing the vehicle into service.

The City is working with Blaise Transit to build the new transit software system. The transit team is setting up the system so it can support how riders will use the service, including pickup and drop-off locations, trip routing, travel times, and accessible transit needs. Once the setup is complete, the team will begin testing the system to make sure everything works properly. Any issues found during testing will be fixed before the new service is launched.

Why did the City start this process?

The City wanted to make sure transit continues to meet the needs of riders now and into the future. With both the existing software and operating agreements approaching their expiry dates, it was the right time to look at new technology and different ways of delivering transit service.

What was the City looking for?

The City wanted a solution that would:

• Make transit easier and more convenient for riders.
• Improve trip booking and communication.
• Support both Transit and Access Transit in one system.
• Provide electronic fare payment options.
• Better match service to when and where riders need to travel.

What did the review show?

The review identified several benefits for riders, including:

• The ability to request trips when needed rather than planning around a fixed route and schedule.
• More accurate pickup and drop-off information.
• A single system for both Transit and Access Transit riders.
• Easier trip management and fare payment options.
• Better communication between riders and drivers.

What was the outcome of the RFP process?

Following its review, the Transit Advisory Committee directed Administration to issue a Transit Technology Request for Proposal (RFP) focused on finding software that could support:

• On-demand trip booking.
• Electronic fare management.
• Combined Transit and Access Transit operations.

The RFP process resulted in the City selecting Blaise Transit as its preferred technology provider. Through demonstrations and evaluation of available options, Blaise was identified as the system that best supported Yorkton's goal of creating a rider-focused, on-demand transit service that combines conventional Transit and Access Transit into one coordinated system. This direction aligned with the City's long-term vision for improving convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for riders.

What does this mean for riders?

The new technology creates the foundation for a more flexible transit system where service is based on rider requests rather than fixed routes and schedules. Riders will be able to book trips more easily, receive better information about their rides, and access a service that is designed around when and where they need to travel.

Summary

The City reviewed rider travel patterns, transit technology options, and future service needs before issuing a Transit Technology RFP. After evaluating several software providers, the City selected Blaise Transit as the preferred technology solution. The process confirmed that a combined on-demand Transit and Access Transit system would provide the best opportunity to improve convenience, flexibility, and service reliability for riders while supporting the future of public transit in Yorkton.

Why was this review completed?

As part of preparing the 2026 operating budget, the City reviewed Yorkton Transit to look for ways to manage costs while continuing to provide service to riders. The review also helped the City start planning for the future, as the current operating agreement and transit software were both approaching renewal.

What was reviewed?

The City looked at:

• When people use transit throughout the day
• How many riders use the service on weekdays and Saturdays
• Rider travel patterns
• Transit fares and monthly passes
• The cost of operating the service
• Future options for improving transit service in Yorkton

What did the review find?

The review found that:

• Saturday ridership was lower than weekday ridership.
• Delaying the weekday start time by one hour would reduce operating costs while having a limited impact on most riders.
• Many riders use transit regularly to travel to work, appointments, shopping, and other daily activities.
• Transit fares and monthly passes needed to be reviewed to help balance affordability for riders and the cost of operating the service.

What changes were approved for 2026?

Based on the review, the following changes were approved through the 2026 budget process:

• Conventional City Transit service was reduced from six days per week to five days per week by removing Saturday service.
• Weekday service hours were reduced by one hour through a later morning start time.
• Transit fares and passes were adjusted for 2026.
• Rider information and travel patterns were used to help reduce the impact of the changes on regular users.

What did the City learn about riders?

The review showed that Yorkton Transit serves a wide range of people, including adults, seniors, and students. The information collected helped the City better understand how often riders use the service and how changes could affect their daily trips.

Looking ahead

The review also highlighted the need to plan for the future of transit in Yorkton. The City explored options such as on-demand transit, improved technology, electronic fare payment, and other service models that could better meet rider needs. The City decided to focus on new transit technology that could support features such as electronic fares and on-demand trip booking.

Summary

The 2026 Transit Services Review looked at how and when riders use Yorkton Transit, the cost of delivering the service, and opportunities to improve efficiency. The review led to changes in service hours and fares for 2026, while also helping the City begin planning for future transit improvements, including new technology and on-demand service options.