On-going reductions in scheduled passenger service in neighbouring jurisdictions have had a significant effect on ridership and increased the financial pressures faced by STC. To mitigate these negative impacts, STC has undertaken a thorough analysis of cost-saving actions.
A review of routes has identified three financially unjustifiable routes for discontinuation. These routes include: Blaine Lake - North Battleford; Regina - Lanigan (via Nokomis and Watrous); and Eastend - Swift Current/Mossbank.
It is expected to result in $300,000 in annual savings to STC's budget.
Over the past several years, all three routes have had very low ridership:
Blaine Lake - North Battleford averaged one passenger per trip over the past four years.
Regina - Lanigan averaged two passengers per trip over the past five years.
Eastend - Swift Current/Mossbank averaged two passengers per trip over the past five years.
"STC has conducted a thorough review of routes in order to minimize the impact on customers as much as possible," Minister responsible for STC Don McMorris said. "STC will continue to provide services to a wide network of communities, while continuously striving to manage expenses."
The announcement of the route eliminations is the start of the 90-day approval process with the Highway Traffic Board.
The changes to the affected routes are expected to begin on May 18, 2013.
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