The decision to end Saskatchewan Transportation Company bus service in the province has prompted concern, mainly from those in rural areas.

The government eliminated STC in last week's provincial budget, saying they couldn't afford to keep subsidizing provincial bus service - a cost they say amounted to $94 per rider.

Minister for STC, Joe Hargrave says making public transportation work in our province is difficult, especially when anyone who has the option of driving to their destination, usually does.

"It used to be one car families, now it's two, three, four car families, everybody is driving. That's why over the years you see the ridership continue to drop and drop and drop."

For many, catching the bus was the only way to get to appointments in major centres.

However, Hargrave says STC only served about half of Saskatchewan's 500-plus communities, and those who didn't have access have been able to find travel solutions.

"They still have doctor appointments, they still have seniors in those communities. They want to come to Regina, they want to go to Saskatoon, they want to come to Prince Albert to visit family, friends, to see a doctor, to do whatever, they've all managed to find other ways."

The government said it would have cost $85 million to keep STC on the road for the next five years.

There are no staff at Humboldt's bus depot on the STC payroll, the government contracted out the management of that service at Kemway Lanes.

The service will end in May.