Winnipeg Mayor Advocates for Expanded Late-Night Bus Service

Winnipeg’s Mayor Scott Gillingham has committed to advocating for the expansion of late-night bus services in the city. This initiative comes in response to public complaints regarding reduced transit options following a major overhaul of the bus network in June. While Gillingham is optimistic about potential changes, he acknowledged that any modifications will depend on city council approval during the upcoming 2026 budget process.

Council Approval Required for Changes

In a press statement released on Thursday, titled “Mayor to transit riders: ‘More late-night buses are on the way,’” Gillingham outlined his vision for improved public transportation. He indicated that discussions regarding extended service hours will primarily take place during the 2026 budget deliberations. Although he expressed confidence that some council members support the restoration of late-night service on specific residential routes, he cannot guarantee the outcome of the council’s decision.

“We’re working on it as quickly as possible… I can’t predetermine what councillors are going to do (but)… one of the changes many councillors want to see is a restoration of some late-night service,” said Gillingham.

The recent reduction of bus service hours has drawn significant criticism from commuters. Many have reported difficulties in returning home after their shifts due to earlier service cutoffs. The mayor’s comments come after a series of complaints about the new bus network, prompting Winnipeg Transit to implement early adjustments and promise further changes.

Upcoming Plan for Expanded Service

Gillingham noted that a formal plan detailing the proposed expansion of bus service hours will be presented to the city council in November. This plan aims to specify which routes might be affected, the additional hours of service, and the financial implications of the changes. The mayor hopes to finalize the 2026 budget discussions by the end of this year, while also mentioning that some adjustments could potentially be implemented sooner, provided they fit within the existing resources of the 2025 budget.

“I don’t have a date on that, but (we’ll make changes) as soon as possible,” he stated, signaling a commitment to addressing the transit needs of the community.

During a city council meeting on Thursday, Councillor Sherri Rollins echoed the mayor’s sentiments, advocating for both the restoration of late-night services and the reinstatement of certain bus stops that were eliminated in the network overhaul. The overhaul reduced the total number of bus stops in Winnipeg from approximately 5,200 to 4,000.

“I want to hear today that service will be restored (at) nighttime, and I want to hear that stops in front of clinics and hospitals will be restored,” Rollins said.

Rollins raised a motion at the council meeting calling for these critical changes, as well as requesting additional information on transit ridership data and budget proposals for the upcoming year. “We need action, and we need to talk about it as a council,” she emphasized.

As discussions continue, Gillingham confirmed that all requests from residents regarding bus stop expansions and service adjustments will be taken into consideration. The motion presented by Rollins is scheduled for review during next month’s city council meeting.