Hats off to Saskatoon Transit for what seemed like a fairly smooth transition to the new Go Pass today. While waiting in line to buy my monthly pass, passengers where a bit slower funneling onto buses this morning at the downtown terminal, and a few people returned to the ticket office complaining of un-activated cards; however, the transit personal where patient, friendly, and quick to help those with questions.

I opted to have my Go Pass encoded with my contact information, which will allow me to have the card deactivated and replaced should it become lost or stolen. I did forget to ask how that information is kept private, and whether my name will be attached to my recorded usage of the transit system. However, given I generally shuttle between the University and Downtown it wouldn’t be all that exciting should it be merged together in some data file.

The most exciting part of the new Go Pass is the tracking and statistical information it will provide Saskatoon Transit. Until now ridership numbers have been based on head counts and fare/ticket collections. The new automated system will give precise numbers and hopefully aide Transit in providing an even higher level of service. More >