As a part of the 2017/18 budget, The Saskatchewan Party announced today that the Saskatchewan Transit Company (STC) would be shut down indefinitely.

After operating for seventy years in 253 communities, STC will close its doors in May, closing passenger services on May 31.

"As ridership has declined and costs have increased, STC’s subsidy has reached unsustainable levels," Crown Investments Minister Joe Hargrave said in a press release. "STC’s per passenger subsidy has grown from $25 per passenger 10 years ago to $94 per passenger today.

"Over the next five years, STC is forecasted to require more than $85.0 million in subsidies to continue operating. Our government believes that those funds can be put to better use elsewhere in government," he added.

According to the press release, a total of 224 staff will be impacted by the closure.

The release confirmed that the March 22 shutdown of services for the afternoon were suspended in order for STC staff to meet with management.

Within the past five years, services had already started being cutted by the province, with all bus service to and from Shaunavon being suspended in 2013.