Saskatoon’s Transporation committee approved an array of recommendations from administration at its meeting Tuesday.

They include the Saskatoon Transit Full-Fleet Zero Emission Bus Implementation Plan, which would electrify 100% of the transit fleet by 2030 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

They also approved that Priority 2 streets are given 48 hours after the snow falls ton be cleared, as City crews were consistently not meeting the 36-hour target.

Members also voted in favour of allowing private e-scooters on the public right of way. Once approved by City Council and the bylaw is amended, this means as long as you’re 16 or older, wearing a helmet, and traveling 24 km/hour or less, you are allowed to ride your electric scooter down Saskatoon streets.

In addition, two significant changes are making their way to the Link Bus Rapid Transit plan.

After further investigation of what needs to be done to implement the Bus Rapid Transit System on College Drive, City Administration has discovered that two major changes to its original plan need to be made. Originally, the City had hoped to construct a contraflow lane on College Drive to be specifically used for buses. This would have had buses travel in the opposite direction of adjacent traffic. The City also intended to leave in the pedestrian overpass from the Stadium parkade to the University Campus.

Instead, Administration is now recommending that the transit lanes are constructed to flow with adjacent travel, and that the pedestrian overpass be converted into an at-grade Signalized Pedestrian Crossing. Several councilors expressed that many residents use and love the current overpass and suggested that it should remain in place.

Senior City Transportation Engineer Sheliza Keltz says a crosswalk would be more accessible and consistent with the rest of College Drive.

“It’s best practice because the current overpass is not accessible. The ramps are steep. There is no landing, so there is no place for people who require a resting spot when going up the ramps.”

The changes to the plan were approved unanimously but still need the greenlights from council to move forward.