With a little more than two months before the city's new busing schedule takes effect, city officials are calling on outside forces to assist in letting residents know of the changes.

A request for proposals (RFP) was issued Wednesday for its public education campaign on the new loop-based bus system that's set to take effect July 1.

"As part of the city's preparations for this system changeover, the city will be conducting a public education campaign to inform both existing and potential riders about the details of the new transit system,” city spokesman Matthew Grant said in a statement.

"The city issued a RFP on the transit education campaign ... and it is our hope that our local business community shows interest in this opportunity.”

The city opted for the RFP rather than having city staff work on it in order to ensure there's someone completely dedicated to the two-phase project.

"It's going to be a pretty significant undertaking,” Grant said in an interview, noting the city has a number of projects already underway, keeping staff busy.

The city has budgeted $40,000 for the campaign, with $30,000 coming out of the $3.2-million transit budget for the year and the remaining $10,000 coming out its sustainability branch.

The first part of the campaign, beginning in June, will focus on informing current riders of the impending changes with the second phase to begin in the fall and focus on getting new users on board, Grant said.

The new system will see buses travelling on one-hour loop routes connecting neighbourhoods via the downtown area. With more than one route going through various neighbourhoods, many residents may notice several buses in their neighbourhood over the course of an hour.

"This new system was outlined in our recent operations and maintenance budget and will dramatically improve the transit service offered to our residents,” Mayor Bev Buckway said.

"Along with more frequent service, transit riders will also benefit from a schedule that has eliminated service gaps and is much easier to remember.”

The RFP is set to close May 13.