Winnipeg Transit Proposes Major Service Expansions for 2024

City officials in Winnipeg have unveiled a series of proposals aimed at significantly expanding the city’s public transit service. These initiatives, which would extend bus routes to outlying areas, could incur costs amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. The proposals are set to be discussed during the city council’s budget process, with the expectation that they will be evaluated alongside other municipal priorities.

Janice Lukes, chairwoman of the public works committee, emphasized the importance of extending service to areas like Highland Pointe and the nearby high schools, Oak Park and Shaftesbury. She expressed her confidence that the council will explore these expansions, although she raised concerns about how they would compete for funding against other pressing needs. “We are hearing loud and clear from residents that they cannot get home at night, and the bus schedule is not as accommodating as it should be,” Lukes remarked.

The proposed changes include extending existing routes as well as adding new ones. Specifically, the plan outlines extending Route 334 to Highland Pointe, which would necessitate hiring 4.4 additional staff members and incur an operating cost of $304,035 in 2026. If implemented in June, costs would rise to $634,895 by 2027, along with an additional $135,000 in capital expenditures.

Another significant recommendation involves Route 22, which would be extended to Festival Drive. This change would require 6.1 new staff positions and would increase operating costs by $372,051 in 2026, escalating to $775,181 in 2027, alongside $79,200 in capital costs.

Lukes highlighted that these proposed changes come in response to community feedback, particularly regarding the limitations of the current transit network. “There’s a need in all of these areas,” she stated, pointing out that developments in the city’s northwest are increasing demand for transit services.

The third proposal aims to connect Linden Woods with both Oak Park and Shaftesbury high schools. This initiative would involve three key route changes, including extending Route 641 and adjusting Route 885 while eliminating Route 223. The anticipated costs for this plan include 1.9 new staff positions and an additional $177,924 in operating funding for 2026, with no extra capital expenditure projected.

In light of these developments, Chris Scott, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505, expressed support for improvements to service but reiterated the need for extending service hours as a priority. He noted that many riders are struggling with limited transportation options during evening hours, indicating that this has resulted in some individuals losing their means of getting home from work.

The proposals will be presented to the public works committee on September 11. While the council weighs these options, officials from Winnipeg Transit have indicated that the new primary transit network, implemented on June 29, focused on redesigning existing services rather than extending them. As a result, the potential expansions were not factored into the network’s recent reconfiguration.

In a bid to ensure that future transit changes reflect public needs, Lukes encouraged residents to provide detailed feedback. “It’s crucial that we receive specific information about what people feel is inadequate,” she urged, emphasizing that the transit system is complex and any alterations require careful analysis to avoid unintended consequences.

The upcoming discussions are expected to shape the future of Winnipeg Transit and its ability to meet the growing demands of its residents. As city officials prepare for the budget process, the outcome of these proposals may play a pivotal role in enhancing the city’s public transportation framework.