Riding the government-owned bus company in Saskatchewan is now more expensive.
The Saskatchewan Transportation Company increased fares March 1 by an average of 4.5 percent, citing increased costs and revenue lost due to declining ridership.
“STC fares are still affordable and comparable to western Canadian cities,” said acting president and CEO Shawn Grice.
Discounts for seniors, students, children and frequent riders will continue. Grice also said the company is examining other promotions and discounts. The increase will generate $220,000 this year and an expected $265,000 annually in the future, based on current volume.
The last increase was July 1, 2008.
According to the company’s 2008 annual report, it took in $16.3 million but spent $24.7 million.
All bus companies saw business drop after the murder aboard a Greyhound bus in Manitoba that year.
Earlier this year, the provincial government provided STC an operating grant of $9 million for 2010, plus $900,000 in capital grants.
