Dear Editor
Here is Brad Wall's version of how “Saskatchewan citizens could be enjoying seamless transportation... provided by private carriers.”
North Battleford to Regina:
5:40 a.m. Board Greyhound bus from North Battleford to Saskatoon. Fare $27.75.
7:15 a.m. Arrive Saskatoon Bus Depot.
Transport myself and my luggage to 619-22nd St. W. - Tim Horton's parking lot. Cab fare: $10.75.
Washroom facilities in Tim Hortons can be used by Rider Express passengers but luggage cannot be taken into the washroom. Find a Good Samaritan to watch my luggage!
8:15 a.m. Board Rider Express Van to Regina. Fare: $50.
Luggage stored in back of van (behind passenger seats).
Rest stop - Davidson - 15 minutes -Tim Horton's parking lot. Tim Horton's single washroom available for 14 passengers.
11:05 a.m. Arrive Regina - Tim Horton's parking lot 1800-11th Ave.
Travel time: 6 hours.
Total cost: $88.50.
Passenger Concerns:
Will Greyhound be on time leaving North Battleford? Greyhound is privately owned. It is often late. There is no way of knowing when it will arrive from Edmonton. Will I get to Saskatoon in time?
How safe are parking lots for passengers?
Will luggage in back of the Rider Express Van be a hazard to passengers in event of a sudden stop or unexpected turn?
Overloaded vans are a dangerous way to travel. What insurance is required by passengers?
How often are Tim Horton's washrooms cleaned?
Return trip requires waiting in Saskatoon from 11:05 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. when the Greyhound bus leaves for North Battleford. Where can I wait with my luggage in tow?
Travel time: 10 hours
This trip is fragmented, expensive and extremely stressful!
Now let's look at the Saskatchewan citizen’s version of seamless transportation provided by STC.
11:00 a.m. Board STC bus in North Battleford.
12:45 p.m. Arrive Saskatoon. Luggage transferred by STC baggage handlers.
Enter a gated and secured depot with security personal, ticket agents to direct passengers, lockers for luggage storage, immaculate washrooms and food services.
1:15 p.m. Board STC Express Service to Regina. WiFi available.
4:00 p.m. Arrive Regina. Enter a secured depot with all of the above services.
Total cost: $59.
Travel time: 5 hours
Return trip required a 30-minute wait between arrival in Saskatoon and departure for North Battleford. Travel time: 5 1/2 hours.
This trip was SEAMLESS, affordable, relaxing. Above all else, it was a safe way to travel.
L.E. Reimer
North Battleford
