Residents of Prince Albert will once again be able to ring in the New Year without paying a fare, as the city offers free public transit service on the evening of Dec. 31 through the early hours of Jan. 1. City officials say the initiative is designed to encourage safe travel, reduce barriers to participation in community celebrations, and provide reliable transportation options during one of the busiest nights of the year.
Free transit will be available starting at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2025, and will continue until 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2026. The fare-free service applies to all public transit, including Access Transit, allowing residents to move around the city without cost as they celebrate the arrival of 2026.
The program, offered annually by the City of Prince Albert, aligns with broader municipal efforts to promote public safety and community well-being during major events. City officials say free transit helps reduce impaired driving risks while ensuring that residents of all ages and income levels can take part in New Year’s Eve activities.
Six transit routes will be in operation for New Year’s Eve: Rush Hour, All-Day, West Hill, East Hill, East Flat and West Flat. These routes will operate on their regular daytime schedules throughout Thursday, Dec. 31, before transitioning to evening service that will continue every 30 minutes until 3:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
The extended hours are intended to accommodate riders traveling to and from gatherings, restaurants, entertainment venues, and community events across Prince Albert. By maintaining frequent service late into the night, the city aims to provide a dependable alternative to private vehicles and ride-hailing services, which are often in high demand during the holiday.
Access Transit services will also be available at no cost during the designated time period. Riders who require Access Transit are encouraged to plan ahead, as trips can be booked in advance by calling 306-953-4460. City officials note that advance booking helps ensure timely service and allows transit staff to manage demand more effectively on what is traditionally a high-volume night.
Anna Dinsdale, Community Safety & Well-Being Manager with the City of Prince Albert, said the free transit program plays an important role in fostering inclusion and safety during the New Year’s celebrations.
“Free transit removes barriers for those who may not otherwise have an opportunity to go out and celebrate the start of a new year,” Dinsdale said. “This opportunity ensures everyone can celebrate safely as we welcome 2026.”
City officials emphasized that the initiative supports both individual safety and broader community outcomes by reducing traffic congestion and the likelihood of impaired driving incidents. Similar programs in other Canadian municipalities have been credited with improving road safety while increasing transit ridership during major holidays.
To help riders navigate the system on New Year’s Eve, the city is encouraging the use of real-time tracking tools. Transit users can monitor bus locations and arrival times using the online service at transitlivepa.ca, allowing them to better plan their trips and minimize wait times, particularly during the late evening and early morning hours.
Additional information, including detailed route schedules and service updates, is available through City of Prince Albert Transit’s online platforms. Officials recommend that riders review schedules in advance and allow extra travel time, as buses are expected to be busy throughout the night.
The free transit offering reflects the city’s ongoing investment in public transportation as a key component of urban mobility and community safety. By removing fares during peak celebration hours, Prince Albert continues to position public transit as a practical, accessible option for residents while supporting a safe and connected start to the new year.
City officials say they will continue to evaluate ridership and operational data following New Year’s Eve to inform future transit planning and special-event services.
