Courier service gets OK to take over former STC routes

A courier service has received approval to take over some of the bus passenger routes that were once operated by the nowdefunct Saskatchewan Transportation Company.

Starting July 10, Melville-based DiCal Transport will offer service to five communities, including Regina, Yorkton, Melville, Balcarres and Fort Qu’Appelle.

The business plans to expand in the near future to other communities, such as Canora, Kamsack, Preeceville and Sturgis.

DiCal’s website is also being updated with information about schedules and fees.

DiCal was one of a number of companies that applied to the province’s Highway Traffic Board to handle STC routes after the government shuttered the Crown-owned bus company this spring as part of the provincial budget’s cost-saving measures.

The company found out Thursday morning by email, and then a phone call, that it had been approved. Calvin Smith, a manager at the family-run business, said there was relief in finding out about the approval.

“It’s big progress,” he said. “It’s a relief for us. Finally we can get going on the road. It’s been a long, gruelling process, frustrating at times, and so, yeah, it’s wonderful.”

DiCal originally wanted to start operating June 1, just two weeks after STC service ended, but its permit was stalled and there were protests over the closure of the government-run bus company.

Smith said he is “very happy” that process is over and that the focus can now turn to the customers.

The community is very happy that there is going to be an option out here. We’re …looking forward to seeing all the customers.

He says there have already been many phone calls and emails from people wanting to book passage on the buses.

“The community is very happy that there is going to be an option out here,” he said.

“We’re ready to start service and looking forward to seeing all the customers.”