A new and improved transit system is coming to the city and if all goes as planned there will be better customer service and an increase in salary for employees.
At a recent meeting of Yorkton City City Council, Gord Shaw of the city's planning and engineering department proposed an amalgamation of the city's transit services with the Saskatchewan Ability Council's services. Council had previously reviewed the topic and now negotiations have been completed says Shaw with an agreement being formed that administration believes is in the best interest of the city.
Benefits he says, will include, superior customer focus, better management and a greater ability to attract and retain staff.
"A committee of passengers, drivers and business leaders will meet quarterly to review and suggest further efficiency and effectiveness strategies," says Shaw and this will include key performance measurers of service delivery.
The new plan also includes a substantial pay raise for bus drivers which Shaw points out, will bring Yorkton drivers closer in line with the provincial average.
"Both the Abilities and City bus drivers are below the average (currently at $15.48/hr) and there has been problems with retention," says Shaw. "The new model includes increasing salaries by 16 per cent so that the top of the salary grid is in the middle of the Saskatchewan range."
The operating budget for the new service will also rise by just over $30,000. Under the new agreement, Sask. Abilities will be responsible for the operation of the service and the city will look after the capital which includes buses and bus shelters.
"The effect is that the city will no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations of the transit system."
Council will receive a report each January on the service from the previous year and as well, a Transit Advisory Committee will be established with one member from the Planning and Infrastructure Commission.
"Eliminating the day-to-day responsibility should allow the engineering division to focus more of its attention on infrastructure matters related to a growing municipality while still allowing it to be engaged in transit services," suggests Shaw.
While some council members had reservations about the level of the salary increase, council voted in favor of the new agreement which will take effect this month. It has yet to be decided whether the new service will include daily scheduled stops.
