Without more resources, transit overhaul can't be transformative
By now, it should be obvious to anyone paying attention: the only real way to improve public transit in Winnipeg is for the city — with support from the provincial and federal governments — to inject more resources into the system.
That means more money. More bus operators. More buses on the road. More service hours. More frequent buses. And more stops that are convenient for people who rely on transit to get to work, school, or appointments.
Without that kind of meaningful investment, we'll keep seeing the kind of trade-offs we're seeing under Winnipeg Transit's newly launched Primary Transit Network — a system that tries to modernize service with limited resources, but ultimately ends up giving to some while taking away from others.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Winnipeg Transit's newly launched Primary Transit Network ends up giving to some riders while taking away from others.
On June 29, Winnipeg Transit unveiled the biggest overhaul to its route system in decades. At the core of the new design is the spine-and-feeder model. Instead of having dozens of overlapping routes running all over the city, many of which duplicated each other or got stuck in traffic, the new system concentrates service along primary corridors.
These high-frequency, high-capacity routes are intended to form the backbone of the network, allowing riders to get across the city faster, with more predictable service, especially during peak hours.
It's a model that's worked in other cities. And in theory — and to some degree in practise — it makes sense. Many riders have already reported shorter travel times. Buses on key routes like Main Street, Pembina Highway and Portage Avenue are running more frequently and, thanks to fewer local detours, are more reliable.
But there's a catch. Like all transit systems, Winnipeg Transit has to work within a budget. And while the new system is a refreshingly innovative approach to moving people through the city, it wasn't accompanied by an increase in overall service hours.
That means while primary routes have more bus hours, feeder routes have, in many cases, seen their service reduced.
'The Primary Transit Network and its feeder routes is a service-hour neutral project,' Winnipeg Transit says on its website. 'It does not reduce or increase overall transit service hours. This means buses operate the same number of hours on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays as they do now.'
There are also fewer total stops, falling from about 5,200 under the old system to almost 4,000 under the new one. Transit calculated that adding back a removed stop would cost $21,833 a year.
The cost of adding back all removed stops would be an estimated $3.9 million annually, in large part because it would require more buses.
'While the cost of a single stop may not seem high, our resources are limited,' Transit says on its website. 'To add back stops, we'd potentially have to look at other forms of service reductions.'
The result is some people who used to have a one-seat ride to their destination now have to transfer. Others have to walk further to get to a stop. And in many neighborhoods, buses that used to run late into the night now stop around 11 p.m. — a troubling change for anyone who works a late shift or simply needs to get home after dark.
Transit officials have said this is a necessary first step. The old system was outdated and inefficient, and in many ways, they're right. There were far too many winding routes, redundancies, and buses stuck in slow traffic with few passengers aboard.
The new network is designed to lay the groundwork for a more modern system that could, with the right investment, support Bus Rapid Transit-style service in the future — faster, more reliable, more frequent.
But without increased funding, the plan risks creating a two-tiered system. Those who live or work along a primary corridor may see improvements. But those in outer neighborhoods, or those working outside of 9-to-5 schedules, may be left behind.
If the goal is to get more Winnipeggers out of their cars and onto buses — which is a necessity not just for climate targets, but for reducing congestion and supporting people who can't afford a car — the city needs to make transit not just functional, but attractive. That means faster service, yes, but also more service.
Tuesdays
A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world.
Winnipeg Transit has been under-resourced for years, if not decades. And the new system is an attempt to do more with the same — and in some places, it works. But it's also papering over the deeper issue: there just aren't enough buses and operators on the road to meet the city's needs.
There is a way forward. City council could start increasing transit's operating budget immediately and the province and the federal government could provide targeted, immediate support for mid-sized cities like Winnipeg that are trying to grow their transit systems.
The Primary Transit Network lays a strong foundation. But if the city stops there — if it fails to add more buses, restore late-night service, and improve feeder routes — then all they've done is reshuffle the pieces on the board, creating winners and losers.
Public transit only works when it works for everyone. That means more routes, more frequency, longer hours, and more investment — not just a new map.
tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca
Tom BrodbeckColumnist
Tom Brodbeck is a columnist with the Free Press and has over 30 years experience in print media. He joined the Free Press in 2019. Born and raised in Montreal, Tom graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and commerce. Read more about Tom.
Tom provides commentary and analysis on political and related issues at the municipal, provincial and federal level. His columns are built on research and coverage of local events. The Free Press's editing team reviews Tom's columns before they are posted online or published in print – part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
17 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ten Commandments monument returned to spot near longtime home in Assiniboine Park
A monument to the Ten Commandments has returned to Assiniboine Park following years of debate over whether it was an appropriate home for the religious statue. The 60-year-old monument, which was moved into storage during the construction of The Leaf in 2017, was reinstalled Friday, Assiniboine Park spokesperson Lindsay Hughes said in an email statement. The large stone statue now sits beside some trees near a footpath in The Grove, a themed garden area located southeast of The Leaf building, near the monument's original location. TYLER SEARLE / FREE PRESS The Ten Commandments monument was reinstalled at a new location near a copse of trees south-east of The Leaf. 'It was placed in storage and, at the time, there was uncertainty about what should be done with it and whether the park is the best location for this type of monument,' Hughes wrote. 'This quiet, peaceful setting was chosen carefully in an effort to balance the needs of all park visitors and respect the different perspectives they may have on the matter.' The new location was selected after nearly one year of consultation with City of Winnipeg officials and other stakeholders, Hughes said. Assiniboine Park asked the city to review the future of the monument in 2022, under the Welcoming Winnipeg policy — which helps guide the removal or renaming of historical markers with the goal of reconciliation. City council's executive policy committee held a vote last September and ruled the monument should remain in a public space. 'Basically, as a council, we directed our administration, our CAO, to work with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and community members. They have done that. They followed the process that council set up for them. So I'm pleased with that,' Mayor Scott Gillingham said Monday. Assiniboine Park previously intended to return the monument to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, which donated it to the city in 1965. 'Initially, they responded favourably. We made tentative arrangements to move the monument, at our expense, to a location of their choosing and informed the City of Winnipeg of our plans. These plans were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic,' Hughes said. The fraternity briefly showed interest in taking over possession of the monument again in 2024, but ultimately decided against it, she said. 'This quiet, peaceful setting was chosen carefully in an effort to balance the needs of all park visitors and respect the different perspectives they may have on the matter.'–Lindsay Hughes Wednesdays A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom. Requests for comment from the fraternity's local branch were not returned Monday. Some in Winnipeg previously expressed concern over the future of the monument, including philanthropist Gail Asper, who called for it to be returned to the park. About 1,200 people signed an online petition calling for the same, and several delegates spoke in favour of the monument ahead of council's vote last September. Asper was not available for comment Monday. The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Tyler SearleReporter Tyler Searle is a multimedia producer who writes for the Free Press's city desk. A graduate of Red River College Polytechnic's creative communications program, he wrote for the Stonewall Teulon Tribune, Selkirk Record and Express Weekly News before joining the paper in 2022. Read more about Tyler. Every piece of reporting Tyler produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Good-work warrior
Carina Blumgrund lives and breathes philanthropy every single day. Fully immersed in countless community walks, charitable projects, causes and grassroots initiatives helping people, groups and organizations (literally pages long), she was presented with the Mayor's Volunteer Service Award for Winnipeg last year. But she's more than a volunteer. She's helping the helpers, building community connections and inspiring everyone she meets along the way, all while working full time and dealing with physical challenges. Whether she is giving people rides, raising awareness and promoting organizations and groups, bringing surplus food and water to encampments, picking up or dropping off in-kind donations, or organizing kits and supplies for distribution to the city's most vulnerable, Blumgrund says all of it makes her happy. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Carina Blumgrund (right) with frequent Main Street Community Walk partner Cindy Singer. 'Values of giving back to the world and respect for others came through my upbringing and belief in social justice,' she said. 'Look at what's possible to be done, the purpose and understanding that I can make a difference, the sense of satisfaction. My life is a good life right now,' she said, noting that she sees helping as healing. The mother of two and grandmother of two more considers herself fortunate, and is known as a person who will always use her uplifting voice to help wherever and whenever she can. Community outreach worker Mitch Bourbonniere has been a mentor to some of the city's most vulnerable over many years. He's seen the profound needs, hardships and struggles on the streets of Winnipeg, so when he sees kindness in action he takes note. 'Carina melded into our Main Street Community Walk four years ago and it's like we've known her for 30 years,' he said. 'She quickly became a fixture at our walks, taking on all kinds of responsibilities, including purchasing the products we needed for the street and — with her partner-in-crime, Cindy (Singer) — evolving a whole hygiene and feminine hygiene aspect to what we offer our relatives. 'She has become integral in the running of our beautiful walk community. She is sweet and kind and helpful and we all love her so much. 'We appreciate what she gives us in time, energy and spirit. She is one of our angels on earth.' With a focus on engagement, participation, inclusion and community building at the heart of who she is, Blumgrund is passionate about community work, meeting new people, and supporting individuals and groups to pursue their full potential. 'There is a need for this to be done,' Blumgrund said, emphasizing that it's about bringing kindness and humanity where it is much needed. Working in the inner city has opened up her world and given her opportunities to understand people where they are: 'There's a sense of purpose, making a little difference in their lives but also in mine. The learning that comes from it.' As a result of an accident in her teenage years, both walking and standing for any length of time can be painful for Blumgrund. 'People look at me as if I'm wheelchair-bound, but I'm wheelchair-liberated,' she said with a laugh. 'The walker has become a way to do things. It's allowed me to be out and about.' Her determination to contribute began about 10 years ago when she discovered Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY), and started gathering food donations to feed homeless kids. 'I enjoy finding creative ways of filling the gaps,' Blumgrund said. She started putting together fleece throws so that kids could them carry in their backpacks. For several years, she organized fundraisers for the blankets for RAY. When the pandemic came, different needs started to emerge and Blumgrund was there to help. 'Nobody was welcoming people indoors. The system was placing people into empty apartments: no towel, no spoon, just a shower, a stove. People were sleeping on jackets, saying, 'I don't have a can opener,'' she explained. 'I started asking anybody and their mother, 'Do you have anything?'' she added, noting that her one-bedroom apartment became a warehouse. With a degree in psychology, and a background in cross-cultural communication, language teaching and employment counseling, Blumgrund loves to see people giving what they can, with compassion. 'If you think of yourself as a good person, try to connect with the suffering of others and see at what level you can relate. Talk to the people — that may wake up something in you.' Wednesdays What's next in arts, life and pop culture. Longtime friend Cindy Singer is inspired by Blumgrund's energy and her ability to get people involved. 'Every fall, Carina runs a glove drive to raise funds to purchase gloves for our relatives on the streets. These gloves are donated to at least five charities that work with those in need. She volunteers at least weekly with Leftovers Foundation, a food rescue group. She picks up, delivers, raises awareness of them. On Tuesday mornings she volunteers with a group of us that operate out of Main Street. They give out food, clothing and toiletries,' Singer said, adding that Blumgrund has introduced her to some of the most caring people working, helping and living in Winnipeg. 'On Canada Day, Carina was set up at the Forks with her walker and a case of water to give out to anyone needing it. On Father's Day, there was a walk in honour of missing men in our lives. Carina was there with her walker and a cooler full of Freezies. I was at an event and we had leftover food and drinks. I called Carina. Within a few minutes she was there to pick up the food and deliver it to Red Road Lodge. 'If you meet Carina, you won't forget her. She just cares and it's obvious from the second you meet her.' fpcity@
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Conventions shift in shadow of wildfires
Thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses were to gather at the RBC Convention Centre this weekend. Instead, groups will meet in their home congregations, live-streaming event programming — an adjustment they learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary shelter for wildfire evacuees has taken the place of their annual three-day convention. Since the latest provincewide state of emergency, declared July 10, Tourism Winnipeg has assisted four conferences that have postponed, cancelled or switched to virtual settings. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS files An international soils research gathering and an annual Jehovah's Witnesses convention are two of the recent events the RBC Convention Centre has had to adjust its initial plans for. An uncounted number of hotel-based conferences have followed the same trend. Meanwhile, urban tourism businesses and restaurateurs have altered operations — and seen fewer patio-goers — as cities receive wildfire smoke-related air quality alerts. 'Whether we're able to do it at RBC Convention Centre or remotely, we're happy to understand this year's theme about pure worship on another level,' said Chad Bower, a Jehovah's Witnesses spokesperson. Members trek from Manitoba's corners, and other provinces, for the event's Bible-based talks and videos. The RBC Convention Centre has housed the weekend-long gathering for the past two years. One room has a helpful dividing wall: it separates the roughly 3,100 English- and 1,000 Tagalog-speaking attendees during programming, Bower relayed. 'We're very supportive of the government helping out the evacuees,' he underscored. 'You want to make sure that people are taken care of.' Beds dot the convention centre's third floor; 143 were being used Thursday morning. The shelter setup began July 13. An international soils conference slated for the RBC Convention Centre on July 20-25 was shifted to the Delta Hotels Winnipeg, said David Chizda, the convention centre's director of sales and business development. A career fair slated for July 30 has been pushed to August. Third-floor maintenance work is postponed for the time being, Chizda added. 'There's no loss to the economy with the soils conference,' he said. 'The partnerships that we have with the other downtown hotels and with Tourism Winnipeg … it was very quick and very easy to help accommodate the conventions.' Chizda didn't divulge the expected monetary loss to the convention centre but said the site will be compensated for housing evacuees. The Manitoba Hotel Association doesn't yet know the breadth or economic impact of wildfire-related conference changes this summer. Seventy-eight hotels have a collective 2,532 rooms booked for evacuees, a provincial spokesperson said Thursday. As a result, several conferences — 'important revenue generators' — have been rescheduled, said Michael Juce, Manitoba Hotel Association president. 'I think just about any conference is having those conversations with their venue,' he added. 'It's tough … there's only so many event spaces.' Tourism Winnipeg, in its 2024 annual report, estimated the 76 future events and conferences it attracted would generate at least $53.3 million in direct spending. The statistic doesn't cover smaller events hotels host, Juce noted. The Manitoba Restaurant & Foodservices Association is also waiting on the full economic impact of the wildfires. 'We've seen a monumental decline in the amount of patio business this year,' said Shaun Jeffrey, executive director of the MRFA. Generally, sales are down year-over-year, Jeffrey said. He attributed the dip to bouts of poor air quality. Winnipeg has logged 23 days' worth of air quality alerts since May 31, per Environment and Climate Change Canada. Brandon sits at 18 days. The air quality health index has reached or exceeded 10 — a high to very high health risk warning — at least 18 days in Winnipeg. Thomas Schneider nearly closed Tommy's Pizzeria's patio one smoky day. With the haze, people are opting to sit inside during the usually busy patio season, Schneider relayed. 'I just want to give our customers the best dining experience possible,' he said. 'When it's smoky, it's a little difficult to do.' The Corydon Avenue eatery's sales appear lower this July compared to last, Schneider said. He's frequently checking the weather — and the air quality index — to see if he needs to reduce staffing. Anecdotally, fewer tourists are stopping by, Schneider added. In contrast, Pasquale's Italian Ristorante has clocked more customers than last summer, said owner Joe Loschiavo. Still, some patrons have avoided the Marion Street rooftop patio because of the smoke, he added. 'We know it's been difficult for … Manitobans,' Loschiavo said. (He joined every person the Free Press interviewed in expressing their support and condolences for wildfire evacuees.) Winnipeg Waterways, a boat tour operator stationed at The Forks, is giving discounts to evacuees showing their Red Cross cards — as long as the boats are running. Air quality has caused Winnipeg Waterways to halt operations for two or three full days and a handful of partial days this summer, said co-owner Griffin Hewitt. 'We're always monitoring,' Hewitt stated, adding the decision to close comes from a mix of weather apps, government websites, staff comfort and conditions on the river. More than 100 tourism operations have been affected by wildfires, per Travel Manitoba tracking. The total impact won't be known for a while, especially as wildfire season continues, Travel Manitoba's president said. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'We're very concerned about all of the issues that we're dealing with,' Colin Ferguson said. 'First of all, very concerned with all of the evacuees … Hopefully, we will see them returning to their homes soon.' Some northern tourism operators have been 'devastated,' Ferguson noted. Fishing and hunting lodges in emergency zones have been forced to shutter during their busiest months; at least two have burned. Upwards of 45 commercial lodges have been affected. However, much of Manitoba is still open for tourism and the province's current state of emergency doesn't ban non-essential travel, Ferguson stressed. He highlighted free entry to provincial parks. Approximately 7,050 evacuees were staying in Manitoba hotels on Thursday morning. Another 659 people resided in congregate sites in Winnipeg. Gabrielle PichéReporter Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle. Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
