New passenger bus service launching in Saskatchewan

WATCH: A large international bus company is expanding its Canadian service to Saskatchewan. Wayne Mantyka reports.

A new bus service is coming to Saskatchewan – promising to give passengers another transportation option to and from Alberta.

FlixBus will begin its intercity services on July 1. Daily service will connect Calgary, Edmonton, North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Regina.

“This is a big moment for Saskatchewan,” spokesperson Karina Frayter said.

“For years, people here haven’t had a simple way to travel across provinces without a car or expensive flights. We’re changing that. Whether you’re a student heading to university, someone visiting family, or just looking for an affordable way to explore Canada, this route opens the door.”

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Pickup points include the Kahkewistahaw Gas & Convenience in Saskatoon and the Victoria Square Shopping Centre in Regina.

According to the company’s website, Flixbus entered the Canadian bus market in 2022 and has expanded its operations across Ontario, Quebec, B.C. and Alberta.

Access to bus transportation in the province fell off after the dissolution of the STC in 2017. Greyhound pulled out of western Canada a year later – and permanently shutdown operations across the country in 2021.

Flixbus, described as a travel-tech company, was founded in 2013 in Munich, Germany. It currently operates in more than 40 countries on four continents.

Flix in launching its prairie service on the same route served by Calgary-based Rider Express.

That company has been operating for eight years. President Firat Uray says the arrival of FlixBus could jeopardize existing services.

“There is no place for a second company in here,” he told CTV News. “There is not enough business for two companies to run the same route.”

Uray also said that it would better if FlixBus offered routes not currently served such as along the Trans Canada Highway. He suggests that the provincial government go back to regulating bus routes.

The Government of Saskatchewan says it welcomes additional bus service in the province. It currently has no intentions of regulating bus routes.