Saskatoon Transit gives free bus rides on election day

Saskatoon city council has voted unanimously to givevotersfree transit rides to the polls on election day.

• Saskatoon councillor wants free bus service to polling stations on election day

"It's an opportunity to possibly engage as many people as we can reach out to, to come out and enjoy the democratic process,"saidCouncillorDarrenHill, who requested the meeting.

The initiative means Saskatoon Transit will lose an estimated $13,000 in revenue. This would mean the funding for Transit's promotions program would be over-budget by about $10,000.

In the past, Saskatoon has offered free bus rides formunicipal elections.Transit tickets were sent out with voter information flyers and were available online. Althoughpeople were encouraged to take the bus to polling stations, participationwas extremely low.

For this election, riders will be able to get on and off the bus without having to print off tickets.

Administration will also be looking at expanding the free transit program for next year's provincial election.

The City of Regina says it has no plans to provide free bus service during the federal election, but does provide free rides during municipal election days.