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SASKATOON – The City of Saskatoon sees its new modern transit system as key to the city’s sustainable growth. The new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, Link, is en route to greatness as the city drives home its goals for a more efficient transportation network.
A number of open houses were held across the city, showcasing proposed plans, highlights and visuals for residents to see and learn more about the new rapid transit system.
Mike Moellenbeck, director of transit, was on hand with several other city staff members to answer questions from those who attended the open house events.
“Construction of some of the Link stations began in 2024, completing eight of these platforms, with 44 more planned in 2025, and system launch is planned for 2028,” he said.
A partnership with the Province of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada will help cover 73 per cent of the costs of the transportation program.
As Saskatoon’s population continues to rise, the Link handout provided at the open houses stated: “High-quality transit allows a city to grow without slowing traffic down. When prioritized, transit has the potential to reduce vehicle congestion and provide environmentally efficient and responsible transportation.”
Link will have the capacity to move up to 1,400 passengers per hour in each direction. One bus with 30 passengers moves the same number of people as 27 cars. The system will also give residents a viable new option for their daily commutes.
The city promises that with Link, buses will arrive more frequently and more reliably, getting riders to their destinations faster.
More details about the new transit system can be found at www.saskatoon.ca/link.
City council approved a Bus Rapid Transit system in 2017, leading to further engagement and technical work. In April 2019, Saskatoon city council approved the final routing and network design for the BRT system.
The new BRT service will fall under the master brand of Saskatoon Transit but will have its own visual identity to reflect the unique high-frequency corridor service known as Link.
A series of open houses held the week of March 17 gave residents an opportunity to explore the future Link system along College Drive. Drawings and renderings illustrated how the system will function along College Drive between Preston Avenue and Clarence Avenue.
