Airport transit route could be cleared for takeoff in Regina

A new bus route to help people get to the Regina airport has been given the green light by the city’s executive committee.

The committee unanimously voted Wednesday in favour of the bus route, which would connect downtown to the Regina airport and area.

James Bogusz, the president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, said the route will bring opportunities for airport staff to have better transportation to work.

“It’s a great win for our community. For those wanting to travel by bus, they’ll now have the option for May of next year,” said Bogusz.

The bus service is anticipated to begin in May, with the Regina Airport Authority committing $100,000 per year for the next three years. The City of Regina will cover the remaining costs.

Ridership is expected to start at 15 riders per bus hour.

“Hopefully with this new service and this new awareness campaign, those who want to use public transit will now have a serious option to do so because it’s going to drop them off in front of the building,” said Bogusz.

Currently, the closest bus stop to the airport is 1.2 kilometres away and riders have to cross Lewvan Drive. Bogusz hopes an increase in ridership will lead to the creation of bus stops in the city.

“I know the airport will be promoting this as well as city council,” said Bogusz. “Hopefully we can watch ridership build.”

The route will run Monday through Friday during busier traffic areas. It will run on a 30-minute frequency between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., a 45-minute frequency between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., and a 30-minute frequency again between 9 p.m. and midnight.

The route also will provide the opportunity for travellers visiting Regina to access affordable transportation to downtown areas.

The transit route will now go to city council for approval.