The City of Prince Albert is offering free public transit on Wednesday, September 2, as students and families prepare for the start of a new school year, while local authorities are also reminding motorists that reduced speed limits are back in effect in school zones.
The free transit initiative will apply across the city’s public transportation network, including Access Transit for eligible riders. City officials say the measure is intended to help students reach school, obtain transit passes and become familiar with the routes they may use throughout the academic year.
Free Prince Albert Transit Available September 2
Public transit in Prince Albert operates each weekday beginning at 6:45 a.m., with routes serving locations throughout the city. The network provides transportation for students travelling to school as well as residents commuting to work or attending after-school activities.
On September 2, passengers will be able to use regular public transit services without paying a fare. Access Transit, which provides transportation services for qualifying passengers, will also be free for the day.
“The free transit day helps students get to school, purchase their passes, and get familiar with their routes,” says Charlene Tebbutt, Community Mobility Coordinator for the City of Prince Albert. “We also encourage students to print their names on their bus passes as Transit operators may request government-issued photo identification to confirm ownership of a pass. Clearly identifying your pass may also help it be returned if it is lost and turned in.”
The initiative gives students an opportunity to test their regular commute before settling into their school-year transportation routines.
Bus Passes Available at Prince Albert Schools
High school students have several options for purchasing monthly transit passes. Passes are available at École St. Mary, Carlton Comprehensive, Wesmor and Prince Albert Collegiate Institute.
Post-secondary students can purchase semester bus passes and monthly passes at Prince Albert City Hall. Students attending Saskatchewan Polytechnic can also obtain a bus pass at the technical building on campus.
To qualify for a post-secondary or semester bus pass, students must provide photo identification along with proof that they are enrolled at an accredited educational institution.
The availability of passes at schools and other locations is designed to make transit more accessible as students establish their transportation plans for the new academic term.
Prince Albert School Zones Return to 30 km/h Limit
Alongside the transit initiative, the beginning of the school year means school-zone traffic rules are once again an important consideration for drivers.
Motorists travelling through school zones across Prince Albert are required to reduce their speed to 30 km/h. Police are urging drivers to pay particular attention as pedestrian and vehicle activity increases around schools.
“The start of a new school year should come with an awareness of increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic in specific school zones,” said Chief Patrick Nogier. “Our officers will be visible and will enforce traffic laws as we work to keep our students, pedestrians, and other road users safe. We are reminding drivers to slow down and observe the 30 km/h speed limit in school zones, obey traffic signs, watch for children and pedestrians, and avoid distractions while driving. Keeping our children safe is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play in ensuring everyone’s safety.”
Police Urge Drivers to Watch for Students and Pedestrians
The return of students can lead to significantly more activity around schools, including children walking, cycling or being dropped off and picked up by family members.
Police say officers will maintain a visible presence and enforce applicable traffic laws as part of efforts to protect students, pedestrians and other road users.
Drivers are being asked to follow posted signs, remain alert for children entering or crossing roadways and avoid distractions behind the wheel. Particular attention to the 30 km/h school-zone speed limit will be important as regular school traffic resumes.
The combination of free transit and renewed school-zone safety messaging forms part of Prince Albert’s preparations for the beginning of the academic year. For students, September 2 provides a fare-free opportunity to become familiar with public transportation, while motorists are being reminded that the return to school also brings additional responsibilities on city roads.