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 Winnipeggers 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.
Be part of our KeepMBHealthy campaign and send a letter today at https://functionaltransit.com/keepmbhealthy-public-transit-with-physical-distancing/
The reality is that the provincial and federal levels of government must work together to ensure adequate resources are available for Winnipeg Transit to enhance its service frequency during COVID-19, and for ensuring a robust economic recovery. Unfortunately, the Pallister government is operating as a road block instead of a partner.
We know the benefits of investing in public transit go past our immediate health needs. As we look forward to a post-pandemic future, robust and long-term investments in public transit will help stimulate the economy and put Manitoba on the road to recovery.
Now is the time for the provincial government to show leadership on public transportation by keeping Manitobans safe while helping our economy recover. Help us send this message to the Pallister government today.