#KeepMBHealthy - Public Transit with Physical Distancing

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, tens of thousands of Winnipeggers are still depending on the transit system to get them where they need to be. Whether it’s essential health care workers getting to their jobs on the frontlines of this pandemic, families taking their kids to daycare, or seniors going out for groceries, everybody deserves access to an affordable, accessible, and frequent transit service.

However, the pandemic has amplified long standing issues in our transit system.

We all have a responsibility in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 by following the fundamentals, including frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, wearing a mask if possible and physical distancing. Although riders are now required to wear a non-medical cloth mask on buses, they do not offer full protection; physical distancing is still important for further reducing risk of transmission. Packed buses and insufficient service have made that difficult, if not impossible, for too many Winnipeggers.

That’s why we are asking you to join our #KeepMBHealthy letter writing campaign urging the Pallister government to utilize up to $65 million of federal funds dedicated to improving transit service during the COVID-19 pandemic (Winnipeg Free Press, Pallister Ponders Federal Transit Money, 23 July 2020).

If fully utilized, these federal funds can improve transit frequency on routes across the city, and help ensure Winnipeggers can sufficiently physically distance on buses, therefore reducing spread of COVID-19, and ultimately, saving lives.

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cc: Hon. Brian Pallister, Premier cc: Hon. Cameron Friesen, Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living cc: Hon. Rochelle Squires, Minister of Municipal Relations Every day, Winnipeggers count on the transit system to get them where they need to be. Whether it’s essential health care workers getting to their jobs on the frontlines of this pandemic, families taking their kids to daycare, or seniors going out for groceries, everybody deserves access an affordable, accessible, and frequent transit service. A well-funded transit system keeps them, and our economy, moving safely. That is why I am deeply troubled by the fact that the Manitoba government has yet to commit to utilizing up to $65 million of federal funds dedicated to improving transit service during the COVID-19 pandemic (Winnipeg Free Press, Pallister Ponders Federal Transit Money, 23 July 2020). If fully utilized, these funds can improve transit frequency on routes across the city, and help ensure Winnipeggers can sufficiently physically distance on buses, therefore reducing spread of COVID-19, and ultimately, saving lives. We all have a responsibility in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 by following the fundamentals, including frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, wearing a mask if possible and physical distancing. Despite a new requirement to wear a non-medical cloth mask on buses, this does not offer full protection, and physical distancing is still important for further reducing risk of transmission. However, packed buses and insufficient service have made that difficult, if not impossible, for too many Winnipeggers. The reality is that the provincial and federal levels of government must step up to ensure adequate resources are available for Winnipeg Transit to enhance its service frequency during the COVID-19, and for ensuring a robust economic recovery. That is why I am joining Functional Transit Winnipeg in calling on the provincial government to immediately use the allocated federal dollars to improve Winnipeg Transit’s operations, ensure adequate social distancing on buses, and help kickstart our economy. --- A chronic lack of investment in public transportation, including the end of the 50-50 funding agreement for transit services, has left Winnipeg Transit struggling to maintain adequate service for riders. Thousands of Winnipeggers see the results on the bus every day, and are counting on all three levels of government to fix it. The benefits of investing in public transit go past our immediate health needs. As we look forward to a post-pandemic future, moving Manitoba forward will require strong, long-term investments in public transit, helping to stimulate the economy and put Manitoba on the road to recovery. Packed buses and a lack of service puts the lives of everyone who relies on transit at a severe risk. Now is the time for the provincial government to show leadership on public transportation, keeping Manitobans safe while helping our economy recover. As a voter and concerned citizen, I will be monitoring your decisions and holding you accountable for your position on this critical issue. (your name will automatically be added to the signature at bottom of the message)

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