STC 2010 ANNUAL REPORT RELEASED

The Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) released its 2010 Annual Report today.

Highlights include:

• ridership of 268,335 passengers, up 9,801 or 3.8 per cent over 2009;
• The addition of on-bus amenities such as free Wi-Fi along select routes to enhance passenger travel; 
• Terminal improvements, such as new seating, charging stations for electronic devices and personal workspaces;
• Support for Saskatchewan's economy, with 87 per cent ($11.3 million) of corporate purchases made in Saskatchewan;
• Continued positive results from the seat sale campaigns; and
• Passenger satisfaction rating of 92 per cent.

"I am pleased to see that an increasing number of our residents and businesses are relying on STC to transport passengers and freight to their destinations in a safe and cost effective manner," Minister responsible for STC Jim Reiter said.

In 2010, STC carried 268,335 passengers and generated $16.2 million in passenger and parcel revenues, up from the $15.7 million generated in 2009. The increase of almost 10,000 new riders is attributable to seat sale successes and the company's efforts to modernize services.

More than 20,000 seniors took advantage of special fares during STC's two senior seat sales in 2010. STC also repackaged its youth pass and saw a remarkable increase in its use. In 2009, only 264 two-month passes were sold at $75 each. In 2010, when passes were sold for $40 during a one-month period, more than 2,500 passes sold.

In 2010, STC continued its focus on improving both the perception and experience of bus travel. The company equipped additional coaches with features such as extended leg room, fold-down trays, AC outlets and blinds. The environmental benefits of bus travel continued to be emphasized to further promote ridership.

"In addition to the company's efforts to use renewable fuels produced here in Saskatchewan, it is important to note that one STC bus can displace the emissions of up to 55 passenger vehicles," Reiter said.

STC's passenger satisfaction rating grew to 92 per cent in 2010, up from 91 per cent in 2009. President and CEO Shawn Grice indicated that STC will continue to build on the success of 2010.

"STC will continue to listen to the feedback from our customers," Grice said. "On-board Wi-Fi will be expanded from roughly 20 per cent to 75 per cent of coaches. We're also planning trial offerings of video entertainment on-board. Our current customer satisfaction rates are the highest in the company's history and our staff have been terrific in supporting the changes."

The authorized operating grant level for STC in 2010 was $9.0 million. However, STC required only $8.4 million.

The 2010 STC Annual Report is available online at www.stcbus.com.

About STC

The Saskatchewan Transportation Company is a provincial coach company that provides safe, affordable and accessible bus passenger and parcel express services to 290 Saskatchewan communities.

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For more information, contact:

Dean Madsen
Saskatchewan Transportation Company
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4583
Email: dmadsen@stcbus.com