From Scalable Systems to Modernized Tools, Here’s How Vontas Powers Canadian Transit

Transit ridership in Canada is on the rise. In March 2025, urban transit systems across the country logged nearly 136 million passenger trips, a 2% increase from the same time last year. Ridership has now recovered more than 82% of pre-pandemic levels, and this past March saw an unseasonal spike in trips, up 12% from February, thanks in part to weather-related disruptions earlier in the year.

The momentum in Canada is real, and so is the opportunity for agencies. Vontas is proud to support that momentum. Our intelligent transit systems help agencies nationwide deliver more accurate, reliable, and responsive service. With customers like Saskatoon Transit and Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), Vontas is committed to helping Canadian agencies modernize operations and meet rising rider expectations.

A Canadian Transit Transformation in Action

Saskatoon Transit is a shining example of what this transformation looks like on the ground. As part of their migration to Vontas OnRoute, the agency gained access to real- time data that has dramatically improved how their team handles service issues and rider complaints.

“Our customer service staff can answer customers’ questions in minutes,” said Cory Shrigley, Customer Support & Engagement Manager at Saskatoon Transit. “Now, we can provide hard evidence rather than just anecdotes.”

Using OnRoute’s GPS-enabled tools and video playback, staff can quickly validate service complaints, pinpoint exactly what happened, and deliver confident responses without escalating to a supervisor. Complaints are closed faster, passenger trust increases, and team confidence grows.

And it doesn’t stop there. When detours arise, dispatchers can draw and publish updated routing maps using simple point-and-click tools, instantly alerting operators and passengers. With proactive tools, Schedule Adherence Administrators can better manage on-time performance for key routes and fix issues before they become escalations.

Saskatoon has also used OnRoute to drive a larger cultural shift. With real-time data, they’re training drivers to focus on consistent travel speed instead of racing between stops and waiting, which is a more reliable and less frustrating experience for riders.

“We’re working on utilizing OnRoute to maintain more consistent travel speed,” said James McDonald, Director at Saskatoon Transit. “We want to get to a more headway- based approach. We’re trying to change the culture with drivers…and time adherence by stop is becoming more important.”

Introducing the Vontas Canadian User Forum

Vontas’s presence in Canada goes beyond implementation. The Vontas team continues to attend and support key industry events like the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Conference. And now, our team is proud to announce a new initiative: a User Forum, exclusively for our Canadian customers.

This upcoming event will bring together transit leaders across the country for a one-day, hands-on. experience to share strategies, product insights, and industry challenges. It’s a unique opportunity for agencies to learn from one another and shape the future of Canadian transit, together. Find out more about the Vontas Canadian User Forum here.

Partnering with Canadian Agencies to Support What’s Next

Canada’s ridership recovery is just the beginning. With transit agency revenue increasing more than 8% year over year and new investments in technology, it’s clear that Canadian cities are ready for smarter, more connected mobility. Vontas is here to help make that future possible. From scalable CAD/AVL systems to modern dispatch tools and passenger information platforms, we’re proud to support Canadian transit agencies in improving service today and preparing for tomorrow.

Want to learn how Vontas OnRoute can transform your operations? Get in touch with one of our experts.