City will test free transit for school outings

Students, teachers and chaperones taking class field trips in Saskatoon can now ride on city buses for free.

Saskatoon Transit announced the venture on Monday as a pilot project that will run until June.

Classes can travel on regular transit routes between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays at no charge.

Saskatoon Transit is aiming to introduce young people to the advantages of taking the bus as it tries to boost ridership. The venture was approved by city council last fall.

Teachers must book trips two weeks in advance. A booking form is available on the Saskatoon Transit website.

The idea of free bus rides for students on class field trips was first proposed by veteran Coun. Darren Hill in April 2016 as a way to get people used to public transit in Saskatoon.

The city is also exploring the more radical possibility of free bus service in the evening and on Sundays.