SASKATOON — The Saskatchewan NDP is blaming the provincial government for failing to address northern residents' public transportation needs, following a private shuttle service provider's decision to end operations next month.
Prince Albert-based Aurora Charter Shuttles said on its website that it regrets ending its private passenger services between Prince Albert and Saskatoon on Aug. 31, which could affect hundreds of residents who either have no vehicle or are trying to save money while travelling to and from both cities.
Aurora Charter Shuttles has operated as a bus and private charter service for seven years. It will move to being a private charter transportation company after August. It is the seventh bus company to end its operations or end public passenger services in the province.
Highways and Infrastructure shadow minister Darcy Warrington, at a media event July 2 at the Saskatoon downtown bus depot, said that while it may seem like another business decision to some, it has a huge impact on the people who rely on that service.
“It's one more reminder that Saskatchewan's rural transportation system is far from reliable and accessible. It's another example of the Sask. Party government that walks away from problems, instead of solving them, that is missing in action,” added the Saskatoon Stonebridge MLA.
“We used to have [bus] service to La Ronge. We used to have service to places like Beauval, Meadow Lake. This government is ignoring the north. This government is ignoring the north, and there are going to be hundreds of folks who have no option but to get to Saskatoon anymore.”
The provincial government used to operate the Saskatchewan Transportation Company. This Crown corporation provided intercity bus service to about 250,000 residents annually at 253 locations during its seven decades of operation before it shut down in 2017.
Warrington said STC’s service was a lifeline for thousands of people, including seniors, people with disabilities and other residents in rural Saskatchewan who will be travelling to other cities and communities across the province.
“They were also used to transfer goods and critical medical supplies. Being able to travel around Saskatchewan isn’t a luxury — it’s a basic need for many. Saskatchewan people need a reliable and affordable rural transportation network, and that’s exactly what we intend to deliver,” he added.
He said the Opposition will release its proposed transportation strategy, including the possibility of restoring publicly run buses, later this summer, since residents deserve a government that plans for the future, rebuilds essential services and takes responsibility for keeping communities connected.
SaskToday reached out to the government for comment, but it had yet to respond at the time of publication.
