DIAMONDS are a transit rider and cyclist's best friend -- starting today.
Diamond lanes, that is.
As part of a comprehensive transit improvement plan approved by Winnipeg city council, new diamond lanes take effect today.
The specially marked lanes are for transit vehicles, cyclists and right-turning vehicles -- which must turn right at the first opportunity -- during weekday peak periods.
They're designed to improve the speed and reliability of transit service and motorists who misuse them face a minimum fine of $190.80 and two demerit points.
The new lanes in effect today are located at:
Portage Avenue:
* Westbound from Colony to Strathcona (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
* Eastbound from Raglan to St. Mary (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Main Street:
* Southbound from Smithfield to Jarvis (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. only)
* Northbound from Jarvis to Inkster (3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m only)
Goulet Street:
* Westbound from Youville to Tache (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. only)
McPhillips Street:
* Southbound from Hillock to William (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
New on-street parking restrictions will be also in effect to accommodate new diamond lanes on westbound Portage Avenue and on northbound Main Street.
Diamond lanes were first implemented in Winnipeg in 1995.
There are about 30 kilometres of reserved lanes on major corridors throughout the city.
The $2-million diamond lane project is funded by the federal gas tax and the Public Transit Capital Trust (PTCT) "for projects that enhance transit service in communities across Manitoba," the city said in a press release.