Ask family or friends for a ride, says STC minister in light of hitchhiking concerns

The Saskatchewan Transportation Company's annual report, released Tuesday, provides a more detailed picture of what state the Crown corporation was in before it was shuttered.

In 2016-17, ridership dropped to 185,670 from 190,190 the previous year:a 2.4 per cent decline.

Passenger revenue was down $2.5 million, which the minister responsible for STC, Joe Hargrave, called "pretty substantial."

The decline in ridership led to increasing subsidies. According to the 12-month annual report, the operating subsidy was $12.4 million as of March 31. The report offered 15-month fiscal numbers as a comparison for 2015-16, which saw a subsidy of $13.25 million.

Response to hitchhikers

In light of STC'sclosure on May 31, only a few companies have taken over passenger routes so far, leaving many of its previously-covered cities and towns without bus service.

• Of the companies taking over STC routes, only 1 providing service off Highway 11 so far

The closure has prompted criticism from a few corners, including concerns that it will lead to more potentially dangerous hitchhiking.

• 'Dangers are out there': Highway of Tears researcher says STC closure puts more hitchhikersat risk

"You always worry about people hitchhiking, but people have always hitchhiked," saidHargrave.

"In theheydaysof STC there were stilla number of hitchhikers. So, we don't want to see anyone hitchhiking and we encourage them [to]not."

Hargraveadvised people to check with family and friends for transportation options.

Finishing off the job

TheSTC'scontract as a partner of Greyhound Canada continues, with about 100 front-line staff working until the end of September.

Hargravesaid the government hopes to begin selling off Crown assets within the next few weeks.

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