STC CONTINUES TO PROVIDE RELIABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Released on April 18, 2005

In the Saskatchewan Transportation Corporation (STC) 2004 Annual Report tabled today in the Legislature, STC notes it carried nearly 260,000 passengers to 275 communities last year.

"STC continues to provide a valued service to Saskatchewan communities," Minister responsible for STC Maynard Sonntag said. "Providing a reliable provincial bus service plays a part in building a green and prosperous economy."

STC experienced a loss of $4.7 million for 2004 and received an operating subsidy from the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan of $3.7 million. The subsidy STC receives amounts to 27 per cent of its yearly revenues which compares favourably to subsidies for other forms of public transit. The City of Saskatoon subsidizes its transit system up to 50 per cent of its revenues ($11.7 million in subsidies last year), while the City of Regina subsidizes its transit system up to 65 per cent of revenues ($11 million in subsides last year). ViaRail's subsidy was 61 per cent of its revenues and the Toronto Transit System received 93 per cent of its revenues in subsidy.

"Excellent customer service by STC staff and increased marketing activities helped contribute to a levelling out of ridership numbers," Sonntag said.

STC ridership dropped only one-third of one percent in 2005, which is the lowest decline in 15 years and an improvement from declines of 2.6 per cent in 2003 and 7.4 per cent in 2004.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

John Millar STC Regina Phone: (306) 787-6807