City officials unveil new details on the Link Bus Rapid Transit system, set to improve transit efficiency and accessibility by 2028.

From March 17 to March 19, the City of Saskatoon hosted open houses on campus to unveil updates regarding the city’s bussing system, Link, which is slated to be in operation by 2028. These events showcased how Link will function along College Drive between Preston Avenue and Clarence Avenue, featuring new renderings of these intersections.

This project, originally approved by Saskatoon’s City Council in 2019, will implement a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. 

What is BRT?

Designed to be more efficient and reliable than conventional buses, BRT features optimized routes and dedicated lanes, allowing for faster travel without the high costs of light rail. It maintains the flexibility and affordability of buses while improving capacity and reducing travel time through fewer and shorter stops. 

BRT’s efficiency comes from reduced stop frequency and improved scheduling. It intends to benefit all road users by encouraging more people to use transit, thereby easing congestion and lowering emissions. A full bus can replace 27 cars on the road, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Saskatoon’s BRT system aims to support the city’s growth while enhancing public transportation. 

The system will consist of three lines: the Red Line will run east-west, from Blairmore to Briarwood; the Green Line will also run from east to west, but from Confederation to University Heights; and the Blue Line will run north-south from Lawson Heights to Stonebridge. Key corridors on College Drive and 1st Avenue will include dedicated bus lanes.

Construction of the BRT stations has already begun, with eight stations completed last year and work continuing on the remaining 44. Currently, these stations appear as simple concrete slabs with tubes sticking out of the ground, but they will be fully developed in later phases.

The final stations will include heated shelters, lighting and security cameras to enhance passenger comfort and safety. The design of the transit shelters is still being finalized, and it is expected to be revealed by the end of the year.

As Saskatoon’s population grows, improving public transit will help manage urban density, reduce infrastructure costs and support a more sustainable city. The BRT system is expected to move up to 1,440 passengers per hour in each direction, making transit a more attractive and practical choice.

College Drive BRT Updates

Dedicated Transit Lanes & Multi-Modal Improvements

College Drive will have two dedicated transit lanes running down the center of the roadway from Preston Avenue to Clarence Avenue. Alongside these transit lanes, there will be two lanes of vehicle traffic in each direction. The redesign aims to balance different modes of transportation, ensuring improvements not only for transit users but also for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Pedestrian infrastructure will be enhanced by widening all crosswalks to accommodate more foot traffic. In addition, small traffic islands, known as channelization islands, will be removed to improve safety. Currently, these islands require pedestrians to stand in the middle of traffic when crossing, often having to look over their shoulders for oncoming vehicles. The new design eliminates this risk by allowing pedestrians to cross more safely without interruption. Drivers will, therefore, face a normal right turn at these intersections. Multi-use pathways will also be extended along College Drive to support pedestrians and cyclists, such as on both sides of the Stadium Parkade, where none currently exist.

Overpass Removal

The iconic pedestrian overpass on College Drive will be removed to improve accessibility and streamline traffic flow. One of the main challenges with the overpass is its design, which requires users to take a 150-metre detour instead of a more direct 40-metre crossing at street level. The ramps are consistently sloped, making them difficult for individuals using wheelchairs, strollers, or other mobility aids, especially in winter.

Although removing the overpass will require vehicles and transit buses to stop more often for pedestrian crossings, the trade-off is improved accessibility for all users. This decision reflects a balanced approach to transit planning, ensuring efficiency while prioritizing pedestrian safety.

New Transit Hub & Routing Changes

A major change to the University campus will be the relocation of bus boarding from Place Riel to center platforms along College Drive. This adjustment means that passengers will need to walk further to access their buses. However, it will significantly improve overall transit efficiency by reducing unnecessary stops.

Right now, buses entering and exiting Place Riel add approximately seven minutes per trip. By eliminating this stop and utilizing dedicated transit lanes, buses will move more smoothly through College Drive, reducing travel time for all passengers.

Although Place Riel will no longer serve as the main transit hub, discussions are ongoing about potential local bus routes that may still enter the area. A finalized local transit design is expected to be presented to the community later this year.

Looking Ahead

Although the launch year of 2028 seems far away, many first-year university students will be among the initial users of the fully operational system. While construction will cause temporary disruptions, the long-term proposed benefits of the BRT system, such as reduced travel times, increased transit reliability and improved transportation options for students, hospital visitors, and nearby residents, are an exciting development for both the campus and the city.