FAQs

On-demand transit lets riders book a trip when they need one. It does not follow one fixed bus route or schedule.

Riders can book a trip by using a mobile app, going online, or calling transit dispatch. The system matches riders travelling in the same area with an available vehicle.

Regular transit follows fixed routes and set schedules. Buses stop at set locations, even when few people are riding.

On-demand transit creates trips based on where riders need to go. This can make service more flexible and help vehicles serve more people.

On-demand transit can:

• give riders more flexible travel options;
• reduce wait times;
• serve more areas of the city;
• help riders connect to work, school, appointments, shopping, and recreation;
• make better use of transit vehicles and drivers.

Riders can book a trip in one of three ways:

• use the transit app;
• book online;
• call transit dispatch.

You will need to enter:

• your pickup location;
• your drop-off location;
• the time you want to leave, or the time you need to arrive.

The system will then give you a pickup time and location.

Trips can be booked on the same day. Riders are encouraged to book as early as possible, especially during busy times.

Rides can be booked up to seven days in advance and as late as 15 minutes before the requested pickup time.

No, you do not need a smartphone.

Many riders may choose to use the transit app, but trips can also be booked by phone. This helps make the service available to people who do not use a smartphone or computer.

Yes, on-demand transit is a shared public transit service.

You may ride with other passengers who are travelling in the same area. The vehicle may stop to pick up or drop off other riders along the way.

A combined transit service uses the same vehicles, drivers, and booking system to serve both regular transit riders and accessible transit riders.

Instead of running two separate services, trips are planned together. This helps make transit more flexible and efficient.

This type of system is sometimes called a co-mingled transit system.

A combined transit service can:

• provide more flexible service across the city;
• make better use of transit vehicles;
• improve service coverage;
• reduce wait times during slower periods;
• improve access to accessible vehicles;
• help Yorkton Transit serve more riders.

Yes, accessible vehicles will continue to be part of the Yorkton Transit fleet.

These vehicles will be available for riders who use mobility devices or need accessible transportation.

Sometimes. Regular transit riders and accessible transit riders may share a vehicle when they are travelling in the same area. This helps use available vehicles and seats more efficiently. 

Riders will still receive the level of service they need.

Yes, riders who need door-to-door service will continue to receive it.

The service will continue to support riders who need help because of a disability, mobility need, or other approved accessibility need.

In some cases, a trip may include extra stops to pick up or drop off other riders. The system is designed to keep trips as direct as possible while also serving multiple riders.

No, riders who need accessible service will be able to list their needs in their transit profile.

This may include the need for:

• a wheelchair-accessible vehicle;
• door-to-door service;
• space for a mobility device;
• other accessibility supports.

When a rider books a trip, the system will use this information to help send the right type of vehicle and service.

The City is modernizing transit to better meet the needs of residents.

Instead of running buses on fixed routes and schedules, on-demand transit allows service to be provided where and when riders need it.

Fixed-route transit works best in larger communities with high ridership and high population density.

In smaller communities, transit vehicles can spend a lot of time driving with few or no passengers on board. On-demand transit helps use vehicles, drivers, and operating dollars more efficiently while still serving the community.

The new system is intended to:

• provide more flexible service;
• reduce wait times;
• reduce unnecessary travel;
• serve more areas of the city;
• improve accessibility for riders;
• make better use of transit vehicles and drivers;
• better connect residents to work, school, appointments, shopping, and recreation.

Combining the services allows all transit vehicles and drivers to be used more efficiently.

For example, an accessible vehicle may be available while another vehicle is busy, or the opposite may be true. A combined system allows the whole fleet to work together to serve more riders.

The main goal is to improve service and make transit more efficient.

By reducing trips with few or no passengers and making better use of vehicles and drivers, the City can provide a more sustainable transit service.

Riders can book trips when they need them instead of planning their day around a fixed bus schedule.

The system is designed to offer more convenient pickup times and more direct travel to destinations.

Yes, on-demand transit can serve the full service area instead of only places along a fixed route.

This can improve access for residents throughout Yorkton.

Running separate services can limit how vehicles and drivers are used.

A combined system allows Yorkton Transit to use all available resources together while still meeting accessibility needs and service standards.

No, accessibility remains a priority.

Riders who need accessible transit will continue to receive the right vehicle, support, and service for their needs. The combined system is designed to improve service while maintaining accessibility.

Yes, many communities in Canada and North America use on-demand and combined transit services.

These systems can help improve service, increase efficiency, and better meet rider needs in communities where fixed-route transit may not be the best option.

The biggest benefit is a more flexible transit system that responds to rider needs.

By combining regular and accessible transit into one coordinated service, the City can provide better travel options for more residents while making better use of transit vehicles and drivers.

Success means:

• residents can get around Yorkton more easily;
• riders can access reliable transportation;
• accessibility needs are met;
• vehicles and drivers are used efficiently;
• more people see transit as a convenient way to travel.