In the heart of Saskatoon, the Link Bus Rapid Transit project is not just about improving commutes; it’s about transforming public health. Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are discovering that public transit can be a powerful tool for enhancing physical and mental well-being, as well as fostering a sense of community.
The INTERACT study, led by Dr. Daniel Fuller an associate professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, is shedding light on how public transit influences our daily lives in ways we might not expect. With new federal funding, this decade-old study is gaining momentum and could reshape how cities plan and implement transit systems.
Public transit as a health intervention
Public transit is often seen as a means to an end, a way to get from point A to point B. However, Dr. Fuller’s research suggests that it can be much more than that. “Public transit is not a health system idea, it’s a public transportation intervention… that could have health impacts,” he explained. The study aims to understand how new urban elements in our environment influence physical activity, social connectedness, and
The research team is collecting data through surveys and an app, focusing on the higher-traffic public transit period from September to the end of the year. This approach allows them to capture regular transit and commuting behavior, avoiding the slow seasons. By collecting data before and after the implementation of the new Link bus rapid transit system, they hope to gain data-driven insights into the health and wellbeing benefits of the new system.
The physical and mental health benefits
There is already evidence to suggest that taking the bus can increase the Walking to and from transit stations can add significant steps to a person’s day, contributing to their physical activity needs. “They tend to walk to the transit stations and walk to the bus and walk back home, which does contribute to their physical activity needs,” said Dr. Fuller.
But the benefits don’t stop at physical health. Public transit can also have a positive impact on mental health and social connectedness. Interacting with others in the community through taking the bus might improve people’s wellbeing and feeling of connectedness with their community and city. “One of the things I like to say is like transit or mobility, sort of getting around the city is kind of like the weather. Everybody talks about it and everyone has an opinion about it,” Dr. Fuller added.
Safety concerns and differing opinions
While the health benefits are promising, some residents have expressed safety concerns. “Some people… sometimes going crazy. People are screaming and something smells very yucky,” said one transit rider. However, others have found that public transit has helped them manage mental health conditions. “I actually have a bipolar illness and it’s probably true because you get out in public and you’re able to get used to people instead of sitting at home and getting worse mentally,” shared another rider.
The broader implications
The INTERACT study is part of a cross-Canadian initiative involving researchers, community partners, and city officials. The study aims to understand the design and impacts of healthy cities. With support from a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant, the project will continue to collect data for years to come.
One of the team’s ultimate goals is to create a tool for municipalities to use to objectively measure the long-term public health outcomes of city-led projects like these. “One of our main goals is building this tool where anyone can use it and be able to answer the question, what’s the benefit of this in five years or 10 years?” said Dr. Fuller.
As the Link Bus Rapid Transit project continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of the role public transit can play in promoting health and community. The findings from this research could potentially change how cities plan and implement transit systems, making them not just more efficient, but also more beneficial to the health and well-being of their residents.
