Council receives Transit Report

The annual SaskAbilities Transit Services Report was presented to Yorkton Council Monday.

SaskAbilities has operated the combined transit system since 2012.

The combined City and Access transit operated at breakeven with revenues matching expenditures totaling approximately $436,000, Josh Mickleborough, Director of Planning & Engineering told the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.

Looking at the past year there were equipment issues.

"Equipment repair was over budget primarily as a result of glass replacement and repairs. Two buses were removed from the fleet in 2012 one with a failed motor, this resulted in the purchase of a replacement to allow operations to continue," said Mickleborough.

City transit carried 39,198 passengers, and access provided 13,593 trips in 2012 and travelled a combined 107,000km, he added.

While facing issues, riders continue to like the service.

"A survey was carried out to gauge rider satisfaction; the service was rated very highly with ratings from 67 per cent to 95 per cent satisfaction," he said.

In terms of increased costs, the revenue generated by advertising will offset the operating increases into next year. It is hoped that other similar revenue generation can continue to play a role," said Mickleborough.

Two recommendations were made to Council as a result of the Report, both unanimously supported by Council.

The first was to disband the Transit Advisory Committee and have the Planning & Infrastructure Commission fulfill this role.

This matter was referred to the Planning & Infrastructure Commission, said Mickleborough.

The second recommendation was to work with Abilities to retain a consultant for a review of operations.

"Engineering Services also believes that it would be prudent to cost share with SaskAbilities in a consultant review of existing operations, including routes, within the next three years," said Mickleborough, who added the cost could be included in the 2014 operating budget.