FREE BUS SERVICE RETURNS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

Released on December 4, 1996

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and the City of Regina are
encouraging people to Ding in the New Year by taking the bus for free
on New Year's Eve. The Ride's On Us campaign, in its ninth year in the
city, encourages people to seek safe, sober transportation while
celebrating the new year. SGI is also the major sponsor of Ride's On
Us programs in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw.

"Drinking and driving is a serious problem in Saskatchewan," said Clay
Serby, minister responsible for SGI. "We have one of the poorest
records of impaired driving in the country, which is why new
legislation was passed this year to crack down on drinking drivers.

Serby noted that there were 1,572 alcohol-related collisions, killing
57 people and injuring 978 others in Saskatchewan in 1995.

"Just a few moment's misjudgment or inattention can end in tragedy,"
Serby said. "The solution? Just don't drink and drive. Taking the
bus on New Year's Eve is an excellent option."

Beginning at 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve and continuing until 3 a.m.,
Regina Transit will offer free bus service. Buses will follow the
regular weekday evening schedule, at 30- or 60-minute intervals on most
routes. Regina Paratransit Service will also be provided to registered
clients, who are asked to book in advance by calling 777-7007.

The Transit Information Centre will operate from 7 p.m. until 3 a.m. to
provide transit route and schedule information. Call the RIDE line at
777-RIDE (777-7433).

"For the past eight years, The Ride's On Us program has helped keep the
people of Regina safe on New Year's Eve," Regina City Councillor Bill
Hutchinson said. "It has helped save lives. That is why the City of
Regina has been, and remains, such a strong supporter of this program."

Last year, more than 6,000 people rode the bus on New Year's Eve in
Regina. Since the program began in 1988, more than 100,000 passengers
have used the free bus service on New Year's Eve in the four cities.

The Ride's On Us is endorsed by the Regina Police Service, the
Saskatchewan Safety Council and Students Against Drinking and Driving.
The program is co-sponsored by the Leader-Post, STV and Z99.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Barbara Cross Karyn Mossing
Communications, SGI Marketing and Research Analyst
Regina Transit Department, City of Regina
Phone: (306) 751-1360 Phone: (306) 777-7019

LeRoy Bidlo
Public Affairs Officer
Public Affairs Division
City of Regina
Phone: (306) 777-7986