Saskatoon City Council adopts revised transit bylaw, eliminates child‑supervision requirement

Saskatoon City Council approved a new transit bylaw that takes effect on Sept. 1. The ordinance makes fare payment mandatory at boarding, imposes fines of up to $50 for violations, and gives bylaw officers authority to deny boarding or ban riders for unacceptable behaviour. It also sets rules on footwear, profanity, sleeping on buses, and requires pets to be confined in kennels, while exempting service animals. Council said the measures aim to improve safety for riders and staff, and will be enforced by transit police and support workers.

During the debate, councillors removed a provision that would have required children under six to be accompanied by a parent or adult aged 16 or older. The change passed by a 7‑4 vote after some members argued there was no evidence of safety problems with unsupervised young children on buses and that the rule would burden drivers. Community advocates raised concerns that the $50 fine could disproportionately affect low‑income residents and people experiencing homelessness.