There were two reported incidents last week in which riders were assaulted while using our transit system. Safety of riders is fundamental. Safety issues facing riders is part of a broader trend in crime in Winnipeg and in most cases crime must be addressed by levels of government above Winnipeg Transit. Addressing root factors of crime is more substantive that addressing crime as it happens.
 
With that being said, Functional Transit Winnipeg has identified several ways that Winnipeg Transit could address safety for riders. These were highlighted during our campaign and we asked all candidates what their position on safety was. You can read the positions of your elected councillor here. Here are steps FTW supports to improve safety for riders:

  • Frequent service so that riders aren’t sitting at bus stops longer than necessary.
  • Separate inspector and security roles on buses (ie a transit security role within transit but separate from inspectors).
  • Build on current program to have drivers trained at Main Street Project.
  • Plan for researching best practices in other cities and ongoing consultation with riders and drivers to continue to learn and address safety challenges.

If you would like to provide your input on safety issues on transit and how they can be addressed, please consider attending our next member/public meeting taking place on December 6 at 7 PM. If you would like more info, please email contact@functionaltransit.com

Safety on transit