Another city is using transit police to address safety concerns and fare evasion

A new bylaw under consideration would allow police to remove, ban or ticket transit riders engaging in 'unacceptable behaviour.' Allison Bamford reports.

Saskatoon is considering a new transit bylaw that would give police officers more power to address problematic riders.

Officers would have the authority to remove, ban or issue $50 fines to riders who are engaging in “unacceptable behaviour.” The broad term includes illegal activity as well as anything that threatens the safety, security, health, comfort and well-being of those on public transit.

“Right now, we don’t have any of those tools, and frankly, we’re lacking behind other jurisdictions that we’ve contacted that have a very robust set of rules,” said Sgt. Ken Kane with the Saskatoon Police Service.

‘They’re afraid’

The crackdown on safety and security concerns comes as Saskatoon Transit saw a drop of roughly one million rides last year – partly driven by safety issues and fare evasion, according to a city report.

Revenue also declined more than $1 million.

“I know there are people who are not taking the bus because they’re afraid,” said Robert Clipperton, a spokesperson for the user group Bus Riders of Saskatoon.

However, Clipperton believes the perception of fear is likely inflated and dependent on certain routes. He told CTV News he’s never come across a problem while riding the bus.

“Other people who ride different routes have seen stuff quite often,” he said.

Earlier this month, passengers were treated by paramedics after a man exiting the bus set off bear spray.

Clipperton said he hopes the new measures will bring order to the bus routes that have become disorderly.

“When I’m on the bus, I generally feel quite comfortable because it seems like everybody’s in the library. They’re quiet. They’re sitting there. They’re not causing a problem to anybody else and I guess that to me is order on the bus,” he said.

Last year, the Saskatoon city council approved a transit police program. The new bylaw would give officers a framework to follow.

“It’s just basically a set of rules that will define what is expected of someone if they’re going to ride public transport in Saskatoon,” Kane said.

The new bylaw would make it mandatory to pay for a bus fare. Transit operators currently do not enforce fare payment to avoid confrontations. Instead, under the new bylaw, an officer or transit employee could enter the bus at any time and ask for proof of payment.

The rules also prohibit actions such as swearing, throwing objects and sleeping in buses or in bus shelters.

Substance use

City officials say the rule against sleeping is not directed at riders who may doze off during the trip.

“One of the significant issues we’re finding is that people are engaging in the use of illegal substances on Saskatoon transit and then sleeping for long periods of time,” said city solicitor Cindy Yelland, during a committee meeting.

“Sometimes, that has resulted in episodes of actual violence and it certainly led to the perception of safety on Saskatoon Transit.”

Reports of intoxication and fare evasion increased last year, according to a city report, which can also lead to riders feeling unsafe.

Instances of intoxication on the bus accounted for 59 per cent of all incidents, an increase of 10 per cent when compared to 2024, the report stated.

Fare evasion rose to 1.8 per cent of all ridership in 2025 compared to 1.1 per cent the year before, amounting to $394,596 in lost revenue.

Transit rider Kiran Jod was happy to hear more protections could soon be in place.

She rides the bus almost every day. She says she feels the safest when she sits near the driver.

“During the night it might seem quite sketchy if you sit at the last seats on the bus,” she said.

Council will vote on the bylaw in July. If it passes, it will be put into force in September, which the city says gives riders enough time to learn the new rules.