Ridership for Saskatchewan’s government-owned bus company dropped six per cent in 2014 even as revenues and operating expenses increased.
Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) tabled its 2014 annual report on Monday.
“2014 was a year with many challenges,” said Jennifer Campeau, minister responsible for STC.
The report shows STC carried 261,531 passengers last year, down nearly 14,600 from 2013.
Revenues totalled $16.6 million in 2014, up $200,000 from 2013. Operating expenses climbed to $30.2 million, up $400,000.
STC’s operating grant came in at $10.3 million, down $200,000 from 2013. The capital grant was also down $200,000, to $3.3 million.
In 2014, STC completed the discontinuation of two unpopular routes, Eastend-Swift Current/Mossbank and Regina-Lanigan.
These adjustments began in 2013 in response to route discontinuations in neighbouring provinces dating back to 2011.
“These changes continue to have an impact on the bottom line and ridership as fewer connection points are available in neighbouring jurisdictions for passengers and shippers,” said STC president and CEO Shawn Grice. “Tools such as the online e-Ticketing service and Park and Ride locations in Regina and Saskatoon have been implemented to enhance convenience of ridership.”
Travelled
All told, STC buses travelled about 4.7 million kilometres in 2014, serving 253 Saskatchewan communities, including Creighton.
STC said it maintained a 94 per cent passenger satisfaction rating in 2014 and improved its parcel express customer satisfaction rating to 92 per cent, up from
88 per cent.
“These ratings highlight the value of STC bus passenger and freight services and the dedication of the staff toward ensuring our customers received the best services available,” said Campeau.
The 2014 STC Annual Report is available online at
www.stcbus.com.
– Compiled from a Government of Saskatchewan news release
