Transit service reduction leaves many questions to be answered

April 22, 2020

WINNIPEG – The City of Winnipeg’s choice to drastically cut transit service is deeply concerning and has left many urgent questions to be answered, Derek Koop, Functional Transit Winnipeg President, said today.

“How was this level of service determined to be appropriate for riders? Was this a financial decision, or is this actually the level of service Winnipegers need during the COVID-19 pandemic?” said Koop. “If the city is claiming this is the level of service Winnipegers need, this opens a whole host of other questions that need to be answered immediately.”

The City of Winnipeg is moving to an “enhanced Saturday schedule” starting May 4^th. This will result in 253 full and part-time drivers being laid off, and 221 fewer buses on the road. According to early news reports, there is no set timeline for the return to full service levels.

“What options are being provided to riders now left with a transit service that may not work for them? How will the level of service need be monitored and restored?” added Koop. “May 4 is less than two weeks away, and this is a major concern for many Winnipeggers that rely on transit for access to essential services. Mayor Bowman must answer these questions as soon as possible.”

Functional Transit Winnipeg is a volunteer-run, member-based organization representing riders from across Winnipeg.

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