All candidates were sent a questionnaire put together by Functional Transit Winnipeg and given several weeks to reply. Responses have been summarized below. You can read each candidate’s full response and the questions we asked by following the link underneath each summary.
Functional Transit Winnipeg’s priorities for this election are increased operating funding for transit, implementation of a frequent service network and measures to address driver and passenger safety. We have noted comments related to those priorities in the summaries.
Winnipeg’s transit system in three words: “Adequate, not inspiring.”
Gives current transit system a letter grade of C: Service is inadequate at rush hour and off-peak times, fares are not affordable for low income residents, students and seniors. Passups occur often, handi-transit does not provide equitable service, transit workers are threatened and assaulted on the job.
Would work to eliminate the 2018 $0.25 fare increase.
Improving transit use benefits everyone by creating a healthier, greener and more livable city.
Frequency: Vision: affordable, reliable and convenient service that is comfortable and safe, with high employee retention and strong record of workplace safety. Implementation of a frequent service network with every 10-minute service frequency. Transit should be the preferred mode of transportation. Improving frequency would address stresses within the system and improve safety.
Safety: Supports safety officers as an approach to improving safety. Would like to see improvements to shelters that feel unsafe such the Portage Place shelter. Recommends offering Peggo loading at Portage Place shelter.
Safety: Bus routes should terminate in more central, higher-traffic areas, to promote safety.
Operating funding; Transit must be a budget priority. Funding can be found from development fees.
Winnipeg’s transit system in three words: “Needs improving.”
Gives current transit system a letter grade of C+.
Believes transit is important as it is affordable for many.
Operating funding: Supports growing the current transit system as the city grows, from a budget perspective.
Frequency: Candidate’s vision for transit: “Affordable, Efficient and Frequent“
Safety: Supports low income bus passes, cameras on buses and transit police to improve safety.
Would fight for more funding by fighting for 50/50 funding from province.
Would advocate that the carbon tax revenue generated from the fuel use by the transit system be reinvested back into environmentally appropriate improvements to transit. (response received before recent provincial carbon tax changes).
Sarowar Miah
Did not respond to questionnaire