Saskatoon

Bus rapid transit given green light by Saskatoon city council

A massive revamp of Saskatoon Transit has been approved by city councillors.

Plan estimated to cost about $120M, would set up bus-only lanes on Broadway, 3rd Avenue

An artist's rendering of a proposed station for Saskatoon's Bus Rapid Transit system. (City of Saskatoon )

A massive revamp of Saskatoon Transit has been approved by city councillors.

The roughly $120 million bus rapid transit project aims to make it easier for commuters to move across Saskatoon, changing the current 'hub and spoke' model which centres around major transit terminals in the downtown and at the university.

One of the biggest changes would be lanes on Third Avenue, Broadway and College Drive solely devoted to transit. 

Other changes include adjustments to the city's transit signals, which would keep lights green for longer to accommodate buses.

A consultant estimates detailed designs will be available by April, with pre-construction starting in 2018.

The proposed Bus Rapid Transit route in Saskatoon. (City of Saskatoon)

It's expected the system will take three years to put into place. 

The consultant on the project estimates costs could rise or drop by 25 per cent.