In an effort to increase efficiency and continually improve the experience of Yellowknife transit users, new transit routes and schedules will be implemented as of October 1, 2024.
Download the 2024 Transit Rider's Guide for an overview of the new routes and schedules.
Explanation of New Routes
To promote clarity and frequency, the new YKTransit system structure focuses on providing one main connector route and two neighbourhood routes that work together to serve different levels of ridership and passenger needs.
Route 1 YK Connector
The Route 1 YK Connector route is the system’s new spine, connecting highest ridership destinations along 50 (Franklin) Avenue. It will offer service every 30 minutes at peak commuter times to start, with the potential to increase frequency across the day with future expansion. The YK Connector route will also serve the growing neighborhood of Kam Lake, twice daily on weekdays.
Neighbourhood routes: Borden/Forrest and Niven
Route 2 Borden/Forrest and Route 3 Niven offer local service, connecting to the YK Connector route to access key destinations. They offer service that may be less direct but goes closer to home for customers less able to walk to a stop. Neighbourhood routes offer 30 to 60 minute service across the day, with lower ridership routes reducing to 60 minute frequencies at lower demand times.
YATS becomes YKFlex
YATS will eventually rebrand to YKFlex, with the official rebranding anticipated to happen over the next year. YATS will continue to operate throughout the City to provide door-to-door service for eligible, registered users unable to use the fixed route system some or all of the time. The service will look the same, with changes to include new vehicles and expansion of the service area matching conventional transit service.
About this Project
The new transit system improvements are an outcome of the Yellowknife Public Transit Review (2019) and the Yellowknife Transit Realign (2022) projects, which focused on identifying challenges and opportunities with Yellowknife Transit and developing a clear and implementable plan for improving services. These projects determined where and how transit can be delivered and routed to best meet the needs of Yellowknife residents and transit riders in our city as it grows and changes.
Guiding principles for transit enhancements:
- Maximize efficiency within the existing budget to utilize infrastructure and routes to their full potential, while best serving Yellowknife residents and transit riders.
- Improve frequency and access to key destinations during peak commuter hours, ensuring transit riders are offered consistent service to popular locations.
- Ensure safety and accessibility by enhancing visibility of transit, improving passenger waiting facilities and prioritizing snow removal at bus stops.
- Rebrand YATS to YKFlex to update the Yellowknife Accessible Transit System.
Contact Us
Questions, comments or concerns regarding the new changes? Let us know.
City Hall: (867) 920-5600 / email transit