REGINA — As Regina debates a proposed 10 per cent transit fare increase, rider safety is once again at the centre of public concern.
It has been an ongoing issue in Regina for years, and last week, transit riders, community advocates and workers gathered inside city hall to oppose a proposed 10 per cent fare increase.
During her address, Atticus Kolody-Watt, leader of Better Bus Youth, said any hike in fares should only move forward if additional safety and security measures are implemented.
“Something should happen with the incidents that have been happening on the buses, especially the incidents that have been happening to my family; it shouldn’t have happened,” said Kolody-Watt.
Kolody-Watt shared her personal story of being attacked while riding a bus.
“I was trying to ride to work and back home when I got beaten up on the bus.”
Kolody-Watt said the bus driver didn’t take any action, only asking if she was okay.
“[They] didn’t call anyone, even though there are cameras on the bus, like there is always at every single entrance and exit. Nothing happened.”
Kolody-Watt stressed protection is needed on transit primarily for youth.
“No one should have to go through what I went through or what thousand people have gone through on those buses.”
Peace officers coming to transit
During 2026-27 budget deliberations, Regina city council passed a motion to hire eight transit officers and two support workers.
The added security costs were offset by the city choosing not to hire more bus operators, delaying additions to the transit fleet, and cancelling disability training for bus staff.
Transit officers were first identified as a need in the city’s 2022 Transit Master Plan.
Ward 8 Coun. Shanon Zachidniak, who proposed the added security, said this will ensure “folks have a safe way to get around”.
“Regina Transit is currently preparing job descriptions of the peace officer positions and plan to have those jobs filled by the end of the year,” the city said in response to SaskToday’s inquiry.
The city says peace officers will be patrolling busy bus stops.
“As for routes and hours, it’s too early to provide those details,” noted the city.
As part of added security, transit workers will also receive security training.
