Numbers Up For Free New Year's Eve Bus Ride

It may have just passed its 31st year but there are no signs of Wing In The New Year of slowing down but just like last year there was a significant increase in ridership.

The annual program, a partnership between the City and SGI, allowed anyone to ride Moose Jaw Transit for free on New Year’s Eve.

Wing In The New Year is designed to offer those celebrating the New Year a safe, free transportation alternative,

This year’s edition saw 143 riders using the free bus ride an increase of 64% (56 riders) from 87 that used the service to celebrate the start of 2019. In 2018 37 riders took advantage of the program.

“We’re thrilled with our ‘Wing In The New Year” attendance numbers, which speak to the value of having a free, safe, transportation alternative,” Mayor Fraser Tolmie said in a statement. “We thank SGI for sponsoring the service, and we thank our Transit drivers for working on a night when others celebrate with family and friends.”

Using the Wing In The New Year service this year had the added incentive of a contest.

Anyone who took a picture during their safe ride on Moose Jaw Transit and used the hashtag #CityMJSafeRide on Instagram or Twitter was entered for a “Happy New Year” prize package consisting of free bus passes and gift cards to local businesses.

The winners were Christa Colenutt (Twitter) and Mel Donaldson (Instagram).