Yorkton, Saskatchewan is asking residents to help shape a major change to local bus service as the city moves from fixed routes to an on-demand system set to launch in January 2027. The public engagement period is open now through the City’s Shape Your City Yorkton platform.
Under the new model, riders will book trips when they need them using a mobile app, online portal, or phone instead of following predetermined routes and schedules. The on-demand service will combine conventional Yorkton Transit with Access Transit for people with disabilities into one coordinated system.
The city is working with Blaise Transit, a Montreal-based software company, to build the booking and dispatch platform. The transit team is setting up pickup and drop-off locations, trip routing, travel times, and accessible transit features.
SaskAbilities, the current transit operator, is recommended to run the new service under a proposed 2027 contract worth $446,551. The recommendation follows a competitive process in which SaskAbilities submitted the lower of two bids, with First Transit Canada at $579,184.
City administration projects net transit costs will drop from $538,472 in 2024 to an estimated $477,801 in 2027, even with new software expenses. The city has also purchased a new accessible transit van from MoveMobility for $180,000 as part of the 2026 budget.
Mayor Aaron Kienle said the on-demand model will better serve newcomers who may not have understood how fixed-route transit worked. Current adult fares are $5.00 for a single trip or $90 for a monthly pass, with discounts for students and seniors.
Residents can review the transit plans and share feedback at Shape Your City Yorkton.
