A bus schedule should be released to the public soon. (File photo/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

SAKAW Transit

Operations begin for LLRIB bus service

May 20, 2025 | 1:40 PM

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band has launched a new local bus service called Sakaw Transit.

The service, which includes a 24-passenger bus with a wheelchair ramp, has 36 stops, mostly on-reserve and in La Ronge. Bus stop signs should be installed soon, and once they are, a schedule will be released to the public.

“When I decided to do this project, it wasn’t to make money,” explained Coun. Ann Ratt, noting a fare costs $3 and it is open to all residents of the tri-communities.

“It was to provide a service to my community members, safety for walking, and I know a lot of people when they take a taxi from Bell’s Point to La Ronge, it is like $30 one way, so I thought that was too expensive, especially with inflation and the cost of food.”

The service currently operates Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bradley Charles was hired as the driver back in April and he will be at each bus stop once per hour.

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There are many stops on-reserve with some stops in La Ronge at the Co-op Food Store, Northlands College, La Ronge Health Centre and two stops downtown. The band will also start advertising for a second driver soon.

There are 36 bus stops along the route. (Town of La Ronge)

A bus will stop at each location once per hour. (Town of La Ronge)

“He said it has been quite consistent,” Ratt said.

“So far, he said it has been good. People will flag him down or if people are walking, he will ask them if they wanted to catch the bus for $3 and they’ll hop on and give him the $3.”

The Town of La Ronge council discussed the service at a regular meeting last week. They were all supportive of it and gave administration the go ahead to assist with installing bus stop signage in the municipality.

“This is so exciting,” said Coun. Abby Besharah. “The band is showing incredible leadership in a lot of areas.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com