December 5 , 2002

Free Bus Service Available on New Year’s Eve
"Ding In The New Year" returns for 15th year.

This New Year’s Eve will be the 15th that SGI and Regina Transit will have provided free bus service to thousands of partygoers as part of the “Ding In The New Year” program. In addition to free rides, those using the service that night are eligible to win great prizes, such as a night for two at the Hotel Saskatchewan and brunch the next morning, a personalized license plate from SGI, 12 monthly adult Regina Transit passes, or a number of smaller prizes.

The free bus service starts at 7 p.m. on December 31st, with the last buses leaving downtown at 2:15 a.m. All routes will operate on an hourly schedule (HERITAGE). An additional route will be added to carry passengers to and from the Turvey Centre and Warehouse District.

Information detailing routes and schedules will be delivered to all Leader-Post home subscribers in the next few weeks. Information about “Ding In The New Year” will also be available by visiting Regina Transit’s Web site at www.reginatransit.com or by phoning the Ride Line at 777-RIDE (7433).

In 1988, SGI piloted the first free New Year’s Eve bus program in Regina, called the “Ride’s On Us.” The program is now offered in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and Saskatoon.

This year’s “Ding In The New Year” program was announced at a media conference at City Hall this morning.

Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag said: “SGI encourages everyone to take a responsible approach to celebrations on New Year's Eve and throughout the year. Alternatives to drinking and driving, like taking a taxi or having a designated driver, are always available and having free bus service on New Year's Eve makes it as easy as ever to get to and from the festivities.”

Mayor Pat Fiacco said: “My thanks to SGI for their 15 years of support for ‘Ding In The New Year.’ Thousands of people have been able to welcome the new year safely. Taking a bus or taxi is the safe way to party and to welcome Regina’s Centennial year.”

Last year, the Regina Police Service investigated 267 alcohol-related collisions. From January 1 to November 18, 2002, police laid 485 criminal charges for alcohol-related driving offences. “These statistics represent dollars lost in property damage, wages, medical costs and insurance costs,” says Deputy Chief Clive Weighill of the Regina Police Service, “but we can’t measure the cost of human suffering caused by drinking and driving. Every Regina citizen can choose to be part of the solution by planning a safe ride home this holiday season. We’ll be out there to make the streets safe.”

“Ding In The New Year” is sponsored by SGI, Z99, Rock 94, CJME, the Leader Post, City of Regina, Global Television, and Printwest.

For media inquiries only, contact:
Julianne Jack
SGI Communications
Regina
(306) 775-6907

For all other inquiries, call 1-800-667-8015.

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