Saskatoon transit, taxi services to continue operation

While many businesses around the province continue to close amidst the growing COVID-19 scare, Saskatoon’s transit services and taxi companies aren’t going anywhere, despite some hard times.

“Business has definitely been affected by this. We have a lot of regular trips with seniors, you know the nursing homes have cancelled those types of things. Definitely the school closing has affected our drivers as well,” said Michelle Reaburn, fleet manager at riide in Saskatoon.

“But, no we are not moving towards cancelling the taxi service. People still need to get to medical appointments, people still need to get back and forth from work. So I don’t foresee in the immediate future our taxi service shutting down completely.”

According to Reaburn, riide has started cleaning and sanitizing the cars after every trip and has switched to using commercial-grade disinfectants as well.

However, the increasing concern around the virus and the decreasing demand for taxis has some of the drivers worried.

“Yes most definitely, they absolutely are [concerned]. We are trying to get inventive as far as trying to help them out as much as possible,” said Reaburn.

“The owners have been in discussion since Monday on how to help a little bit more financially and that sort of thing. And I know some of our vendors have been impacted as well.”

Uber will also be continuing their service but in a statement on their app they encourage people to do their part in stopping the spread of the virus by only booking rides if you absolutely need to.

“Please help flatten the curve by taking a moment to consider if this trip is essential. This will help limit the spread of COVID-19 and make sure rides are available for those who truly need them,” said the statement.

“If you must travel, please keep your driver’s well-being in mind by washing your hands before and after entering the vehicle, giving your driver space by sitting in the back seat, and covering your mouth or nose if you cough or sneeze.”

Following suit with these other transportation services, Saskatoon’s buses will “continue to operate regularly-scheduled transit service,” according to an update on the city’s website.

They say as an “extra level of precaution” they are ramping up cleaning of their buses at this time by switching to medical-grade disinfectants and wiping down all touchpoints like railings, straps, doors, exit buttons and seats each night.

However, they urge any individual who may be experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms to do their part to stop the spread and not take Saskatoon buses.