SASKATOON — Saskatoon Transit has assigned two from its fleet of buses for a special bus route this holiday season to make Christmas shopping hassle-free for residents.
On Monday, Saskatoon Transit director Jim McDonald invited residents to use the Route 1225 Jingle Bell Express to “experience the convenience of holiday shopping” for the fifth straight year.
Masks are mandatory in boarding the Jingle Bell Express, which is decorated with different Christmas trimmings with holiday music playing to get you in the spirit of the season and enjoy the ride.
McDonald said the Jingle Bell Express is their way of supporting residents’ shopping trips to the city’s malls. The service will run from Dec. 6 to 23 with free rides on Boxing Day, Dec. 26.
The Jingle Bell Express bus route will have stops at Midtown, Centre, Market, Confederation, and Lawson Heights malls.
“For all of you that want to take the worry out of your journey and not worry about parking, come on to 1225 and ride the Saskatoon Transit. The Jingle Bell Express removes the hassle of driving, while providing riders with access to malls they may not otherwise visit,” McDonald said.
“Let’s enjoy. Take some out of the [holiday shopping] stress out of your life and work with us… We’re all enjoying working together and enjoy camaraderie, comradeship, and fellowship as we start again the Christmas season this year.”
McDonald added that regular fares will still apply in the more than two-week long operation of the Jingle Bell Express. “And if you’re returning presents on Boxing Day, the ride is on us.”
The Jingle Bell Express will be available weekdays from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and weekends from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
On Boxing Day, the Jingle Bell Express will operate as a free service between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Jingle Bell Express passengers will also get a chance to win one of five $100 gift cards from the participating malls if they complete a short survey.
Residents can check the route schedule of the Jingle Bell Express on the Saskatoon Transit website or use the Transit or Google Maps apps in planning their trip.
