Regina parking changes, transit fare increases on the way

It’s no joke: changes to parking in Regina will take effect on April 1.

The amendments to The Regina Traffic Bylaw include updates to parking zones, rates, fines and payment options, according to a release from the City of Regina.

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According to Faisal Kalim, director of community standards, the changes will “help modernize Regina’s parking system and improve how parking is managed across the city.

“Introducing different parking zones allows us to better match pricing with demand and improve access in high-use areas,” Kalim said in the news release.

New parking zones will be introduced with updated rates. High-demand areas like the downtown core will increase from $2 to $2.50 per hour. Less in-demand areas in the downtown periphery will be set at the lower rate of $1.50 per hour.

Parking fines are increasing by $10 per ticket and there will be a 50 per cent increase to fees for temporary street use permits.

According to the city, existing exemptions will remain in place. This includes accessible parking stalls.

Coin payment for on-street parking has been removed and will now be paid with the digital PayByPhone option, by app, online or by phone. Prepaid parking vouchers can be purchased at City Hall for residents who cannot pay digitally. Each of those vouchers is valid for one hour when displayed on a vehicle dashboard. The city said the vouchers must be used in accordance with posted time limits and regulations.

Some parking rules have also been updated. Parking is no longer tied to a specific meter location, according to the city, so vehicles can park in any legal curbside parking space.

Regina transit fare increase coming next week

The City of Regina is reminding people that transit fares in the city are increasing next week.

Starting Wed, April 8, Regina’s transit fares that are paid electronically – with debit cards, credit cards or the Umo app or card – will increase from $2.90 to $3.20.

That increase will apply to all fixed route and Paratransit riders, the city said in a news release on Tuesday.

“There are a variety of fare types and ways to pay to get around Regina,” said deputy city manager of city operations, Kurtis Doney, in the release. “We’re reminding all transit riders to check Regina.ca/Transit to find your fare.”

Regina transit fares were last increased almost a decade ago, in 2017. According to the City of Regina, the fares “remain aligned or lower than those of comparable Canadian cities.”

The city said the increase differs slightly, depending on the fare type. It is expected to generate about $585,000 per year, which the city said will help offset transit expenses.

There are affordability programs offered by Regina Transit for riders and non-profit organizations. More information is available online for those interested in eligibility and how to apply for the Fare Assistance Program, an affordability pass and the discounted 31-day pass.

Paper transfers and a new $5 fee for new Umo cards have been instigated through the passing of The Transit Fare Amendment Bylaw, 2026. Paper transfer removals will affect about three per transit riders who pay with cash. Transfers are automatically applied for riders paying electronically.

The city noted that the increase in transit fares was approved in the 2026-2027 budget.