Transit Service Review

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.