Residents and transit advocates in Regina are voicing concerns over a proposed 10 per cent increase in bus fares, saying the change could disproportionately affect students and low-income riders.

Members of local advocacy groups gathered at city hall and delivered letters to council, while a petition opposing the increase has attracted hundreds of signatures, according to officials and organizers.

Atticus Kolody-Watt, a member of Better Bus Youth, says higher fares would create additional challenges for young people who rely on public transit to attend school, work and support their families.

“A lot of students have jobs and responsibilities, and affordability matters in a city that’s supposed to be accessible,” Kolody-Watt said.

Ward 8 Councilor Shanon Zachidniak said she opposes the proposed increase, arguing transit users were not adequately consulted before the change was approved at committee.

“This change was both proposed and approved without any consultation for transit riders,” Zachidniak said. “Many people are only learning about it now through community outreach.”

According to the City of Regina, transit ridership reached nearly nine million trips in 2025 — the highest annual total on record.

Zachidniak said the rising numbers highlight the importance of maintaining affordability and investing in transit service.

“Our ridership is higher than ever. There are no empty buses,” she said. “Ideally, we should be expanding service rather than making it harder to access.”

Transit operators and labour representatives have also raised concerns. Pat Nichol, vice-president of the Amalgamated Transit Union local, said fare increases can have the greatest impact on vulnerable populations.

“It’s very important to have a good transit system and an affordable transit system,” Nichol said. “We strongly support maintaining accessibility for everyone who depends on it.”

Education officials say many students rely exclusively on transit. Ted Jaleta, a trustee with the Regina Board of Education, said nearly half of high school students in his subdivision use buses to get to school.

“For many students, public transit is not optional — it’s essential,” Jaleta said. “Without affordable transportation, attendance and academic success can be affected.”

Advocates with the Regina Citizens Public Transit Coalition say fare increases could discourage ridership and create additional barriers, particularly during winter months.

In a statement, the City of Regina said the proposed fare changes would take effect April 1 if approved at a council meeting scheduled for Feb. 25. Administration officials said they would not comment further until council makes a final decision.