STC BRINGING BUS SERVICE TO THE NORTHWEST PORTION OF THE PROVINCE

Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) Buckley Belanger today announced that STC will be implementing bus service in the northwest portion of the province in the spring of 2008.

"The plan is to run a weekly scheduled service connecting La Loche, Buffalo Narrows, Ile-a-la Crosse and Beauval with Prince Albert," Belanger said. "STC will be actively seeking a local partner to deliver this service on the company's behalf, but will undertake the service itself if no suitable partner can be arranged."

It is anticipated the service will begin in the spring of 2008, to allow the company adequate time to locate a local partner. Time will also be required to develop local agencies in the communities.

"The people in this area of the province, who have never had bus service to the south, have been asking for such a service for some time now," Belanger said. "The service will allow people better transportation opportunities for personal and business needs. It will go a long way toward addressing regional isolation and will provide public transportation access similar to service currently available in many southern Saskatchewan communities."

"In addition, it will be an enhancement to the infrastructure which will aid in the economic growth of the community, particularly with the recent explorations in the nearby oil sands."

STC's mandate is to provide safe, affordable and accessible bus passenger and freight service to Saskatchewan communities. These northern communities have identified a need for access to the province's public transportation service.

"Offering an excellent service for an affordable price is the sort of performance that the people of Saskatchewan have come to expect from their Crown corporation," Belanger said. "It is one more step in making Saskatchewan the best place to live, work and raise a family."

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For more information, contact:

Nial Kuyek
Saskatchewan Transportation Company
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7302
Email: nkuyek@stcbus.com