NORTH BATTLEFORD - The Battlefords Transit System (BTS) Board says BTS employees' recent vote to form a union is not related to the board and Transit management's decision to reduce service for North Battleford Public Transit.
The Board said BTS proposed a reduction in service levels in response to North Battleford city council’s request to BTS to determine ways to cut costs for transit services during the city’s 2025 Budget Deliberations.
The BTS Board noted in a news release that while BTS employees have recently voted to join the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 615, this decision is unrelated to the recent decision by the Board and Transit Management to reduce services. Contract negotiations are expected to take place in the near future between ATU Local 615 and the Battlefords Transit System Board.
North Battleford city council approved the BTS Board’s proposed reduction of service to a single route, along with shortened hours of operation each weekday during the March 10 council meeting.
The Board said that while other larger municipalities qualify for provincial funding to assist with operating costs for transit services, North Battleford does not meet the provincial stipulations to receive additional financial support.
Despite it operating separately from the City of North Battleford, Battlefords Transit System changes must receive approval from North Battleford city council.
“It’s always unfortunate when you have to examine cost-savings measures, particularly with a service that is vital to many community members,” said Greg Lightfoot, BTS Board Chair, in the release. “Because the goal is still to provide the city with affordable and sustainable transportation options, in lieu of raising BTS fares for the ridership, this was the most efficient way to reduce costs while maintaining service delivery that can still meet the needs of users.”
According to the City of North Battleford, the city's 2025 Budget initially included $238,586 for Transit operations but council asked the Transit board (specifically - North Battleford Public Transit, not Handi-Bus services) to find a way to reduce costs during budget discussions in January.
During the March 10 city council meeting, Transit presented a cost-cutting proposal. This included reduced hours of operation and the reduction from two routes to one.
Council approved these reductions to service delivery and thus the funding request for BTS operations was revised to $113,325 for 2025 (down from $238,586).
The city also noted that the reduction in services and the funding amount for BTS operations impacts only North Battleford Public Transit and not the Handi-Bus Accessible Transit. In fact, the city increased its contribution to Handi-Bus operations in 2025 by $3,346.
The North Battleford Public Transit service currently operates with two routes in North Battleford, with 72 stops on each route. The service runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Starting May 1, 2025, BTS will use one transit route in North Battleford, running with the same 72 stops on this route that were in effect prior to service reduction. The service will change to operate weekdays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Fares will remain the same for riders at $4 for adults, $2 for youth ages 7-16 years, and free of charge for children ages six and under.
The board said these changes will not impact Battlefords Handi-Bus accessible transportation operations.
Battlefords Transit System operates both North Battleford Public Transit and the Battlefords Handi-Bus.
North Battleford Public Transit is funded entirely by an operating grant from the City of North Battleford, while the Battlefords Handi-Bus is co-funded by the City of North Battleford, Town of Battleford, and the provincial government. BTS is considered an independent entity.
The BTS Board said BTS "continues to explore options for additional revenue for the organization, including charter bus services."
