Free transit for Riders fans to be expanded

Roughriders fans can look forward to improved bus service to the games as the City of Regina plans to expand the free transit service to meet the high demand anticipated for the 2018 season.

Pending approval at an April 30 city council meeting, the Saskatchewan Roughriders Transit Service Agreement will be amended to increase the maximum number of service hours per game from 155 to 350 hours. A report on the plan is on the agenda for the community and protective services committee on Thursday.

The decision to expand was made after an unexpectedly high ridership average last season, which sparked some complaints of long lines and wait times.

“I heard that early on, in particular as we began the service,” said Mayor Michael Fougere. “It was a brand new service to a brand new facility. There were some wrinkles to iron out. We did that so as the season went, those concerns I think became less and less.”

Pickup points were set up at Normanview Crossing, Northgate Mall, Victoria Square Mall, Southland Mall, downtown at Saskatchewan Drive and Hamilton Street ( beside the Delta) and at Victoria Avenue and Scarth Street (westbound).

An average of 6,600 people took advantage of the service, more than double the anticipated average.

In 2017, the city entered into a charter service agreement with the Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club (SRFC) based on the 2016 ridership at the old Mosaic Stadium and the recommendations of the city’s transportation consultant, which predicted ridership to increase from 1,000 to 3,000 at the new stadium.

As a result, the agreement was written to provide the SRFC access to 155 hours of service per game for 10 games at a cost of $165,000 each year.

The agreement established five pick-up locations, increased the frequency of pick-ups, extended service prior to the game and the service was — and will continue to be — free to all fans.

The “Ticket to Ride” service was also launched, which allowed fans to take regular transit or paratransit services for free by showing their game ticket to the driver, according to the city report.

On average, 400 people took regular transit to each game last season and five paratransit buses were used at each game, serving 20 customers and their attendants.

However, with so many more fans using the service than predicted, the SRFC had to increase service to 310 hours per game. There was an average of 132 bus trips per game in 2017, which was up from 36 in 2016 at the old stadium.

The SRFC has agreed to pay the city up to $372,600 to provide transit service for 10 games in 2018, which translates into 350 hours of service per game including supervision. Ridership for the 2018 season is expected to continue strong at 6,000 to 8,000 fans using the service per game.

The service is part of the Transportation and Parking Plan for Mosaic Stadium and is designed to “ensure continued safety and convenience for fans and minimal impact on the surrounding communities,” according to the report.

The report also emphasizes the environmental aspects of the service. A standard size bus replaces 40 single occupant vehicles, thus, reducing traffics congestion, emissions and parking issues.”