The University of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon have teamed up for “Research Junction”, a new collaboration program to help solve urban issues in the city.

Laura Zink with the U of S says a group at the university is working with Saskatoon Transit to help improve public transit in the city.

Zink says the group is taking data they’re creating a visual interface that will allow them to view all the information on ridership and routes. Zink adds that information will then allow the city to plan better.

Issues that may be addressed range from environmental and engineering issues to homelessness. Zink says the $100 thousand dollar cost-sharing program may also look at how to revitalize the downtown area to make it a neighbourhood that people want to live in play in.

The collaboration will allow USask researchers to access the city’s resources, data and expertise.