Prince Albert, SK — The City of Prince Albert is offering free public transit to all riders today as part of a back-to-school initiative aimed at helping students begin the academic year with ease.
The one-day promotion allows students of all ages to try city buses at no cost, while also providing families and newcomers a chance to become familiar with routes and schedules. City officials say the measure is designed to make the return to school smoother and to encourage greater long-term use of transit services.
“The free transit day helps students get to school, purchase their passes, and get familiar with their routes,” said Charlene Tebbutt, Community Mobility Coordinator for the City of Prince Albert. “We also encourage students and parents to subscribe to Transit News for updates on schedules and service changes.”
Transit Access for Students
Beyond the free transit day, Prince Albert offers a range of pass options to make bus travel more affordable for students. High school students attending Carlton, St. Mary, Wesmor, and Prince Albert Collegiate Institute can purchase monthly passes.
Post-secondary students have access to new Semester Bus Passes, available at City Hall. Saskatchewan Polytechnic students also have the option of purchasing their passes directly at their school’s technical building, streamlining the process.
City officials say these programs are part of a broader effort to make transit more accessible, particularly as rising costs and environmental concerns prompt many students and families to consider alternatives to driving.
Emphasis on School Zone Safety
The back-to-school season is also a reminder for drivers to be vigilant in school zones. Prince Albert officials are reinforcing key safety rules to protect children and pedestrians as traffic increases around schools.
Drivers are urged to obey the 30 km/h speed limit in designated school zones, avoid U-turns near schools, and remain alert for children crossing at marked crosswalks. Stopping in no-parking or no-stopping zones is prohibited, as these restrictions are intended to maintain clear sightlines and improve safety.
City authorities stress that adherence to these rules is vital to ensure the safety of students walking or cycling to and from school, particularly during the busy morning and afternoon hours.
Digital Tools and Communication
To make transit easier to use, the city continues to encourage residents to take advantage of online tools. Transit riders can track buses in real time through transitlivepa.com, a digital service that provides live location updates for all city routes.
Residents can also stay informed by subscribing to the city’s Transit News service at citypa.ca/transit, where updates on schedules and service changes are published. These resources are especially useful for families navigating school-year routines and adjusting to seasonal shifts in demand.
A Broader Strategy
While the free transit initiative is limited to a single day, officials hope it will build momentum toward greater use of public transit year-round. The city’s efforts come as municipalities across Canada look for cost-effective ways to promote sustainable transportation while addressing affordability challenges for families.
By pairing the promotion with reminders on school zone safety, Prince Albert is framing the back-to-school period not only as a time for students to adapt, but also for the community to reinforce habits that contribute to safety and sustainability.
For students, the initiative provides a practical incentive to explore city transit as a regular option. For the city, it is part of a longer-term vision of strengthening public transit and ensuring residents have reliable, safe, and affordable mobility choices.
