The City of Saskatoon is planning for a future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that will be more efficient and reliable, getting you where you need to go faster. Transit riders will benefit from larger transit shelters, an information display and a larger space to allow transfers at each of the BRT station locations across the city.
Why a pilot station?
- To test infrastructure in all weather conditions.
- To show stakeholders what a BRT station platform will look like.
- To gather feedback from the public.
- To improve design for additional stations.
Why at the Civic Operations Centre?
- For staff to closely monitor the successes and failures.
- To allow for failures without impacting residents in a more public location.
Key Features of a BRT Station
The components of a Bus Rapid Transit station are different from what is offered with today’s transit system. The design of the transit shelter is based on stakeholder feedback for a well-lit, easily maintained, and highly visible structure. There will be over 90 BRT stations built, along the three BRT routes. Feedback gathered from the Pilot Station may be integrated into the final design of these stations.
- Larger transit shelter with radiant heaters, LED lighting, security cameras and speaker
- Radiant heaters are controlled by a push button to turn them on and off and use a timer to remain on for a set duration of time
- Lighting will come on at dusk and will be turned off at 1 a.m. when transit service ends
- Speakers are being tested to offer audible announcements and incorporate public art audio pieces in some locations
- An information display using an e-paper digital screen with next bus information
- This structure also holds the electrical equipment that operates the transit shelter and advertising panel
- 36m by 4m raised concrete platform is at a similar height to transit buses to allow riders to step onto the bus with ease
- A yellow tactile strip has a vibrant and bumpy surface to help direct people with low vision
- Seating will be included inside and outside of the transit shelter.
- A BRT public art strategy has proposed incorporating public art into BRT stations in the following ways in select locations:
- Standalone artwork
- Shelter roof-mounted artwork
- Audio piece
- Public art collaboration with organizations
- Concrete imprints (all locations)
- Digital video pieces (all locations)
- Shelter glazing artwork
- The following components have been installed at the pilot station, but may not be present at all BRT station locations:
- A garbage receptacle may be included in some locations where garbage pickup is efficient
- A trench drain will be included in locations where additional drainage is required.
- Paving stones have been installed at the pilot station to test how they could be integrated in locations where paving stones already exist.
- A tree will be planted and a tree grate installed later in 2023. These components will be included in select locations where there are existing trees.
- A standalone advertising panels may be included at BRT stations, pending an agreement with a transit advertising provider. Other advertising opportunities may be present at BRT stations depending on the final contract. The locations chosen would be dependent on market demand and content of the advertising must follow the rules set out by the Advertising Council of Canada (ACC).
