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Help needed to streamline new bus network: mayor

Transit planner tacked on to 2026 budget

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2025/12/16/epc-adds-transit-p...

THE mayor’s cabinet wants to hire a full-time transit planner to chart out adjustments to the controversial spine-and-feeder network that’s been the source of persistent complaints since it was rolled out in June.

The executive policy committee voted Tuesday to add the permanent planner to the proposed 2026 budget. The full council must vote on it.

“We knew there would be adjustments needed this (coming) year. And, so, to expedite the work that is needed to make the system better requires a transit planner. We want to give our staff the resources they need, so that citizens see the ongoing improvements,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

The network overhaul, which took effect June 29, affected virtually every local bus route. The concept includes direct spines along major corridors that are supported by a network of feeder routes throughout the city.

The changes were designed to increase bus frequency on main routes, but many riders have complained they now require more transfers and much more time to reach their destinations. Some have been stranded at work or school due to reduced night-time service.

In some cases, passengers have reported buying vehicles to avoid frustrating delays.

The city added more late-night service to some on-request zones on Dec. 14, while the budget proposes to extend hours on some fixed routes in April. Winnipeg Transit’s On-Request operates in some areas when feeder bus routes are not in service.

The mayor said the new transit planner would help guide additional changes next year.

“I’m confident it was the right decision to go with the new transit network. I’m not entirely thrilled, to be honest with you, at the number of adjustments we’re having to make, but we’re making them,” said Gillingham.

Coun. Janice Lukes, chairwoman of the public works committee, said the new position should help speed up Transit’s response to common complaints.

“We’re really happy about all the feedback we’re getting and we really want to accelerate the changes,” said Lukes (Waverley West).

A transit activist said he’s pleased the city is planning ahead for additional network changes.

“Having somebody in place to help ensure that the city is thinking long term and also helping recognize the urgent need for specific infrastructure is very exciting,” said Kyle Owens, president of Functional Transit Winnipeg.

Owens said the city must add more buses and drivers to ensure its network can meet riders’ needs.

“What we’re seeing is that the years of lack of investment (in the past) mean that this one change is not enough. They are going to need to offer real improvements in service and investments. The (network) changeover was emergency foundation repair,” he said.

Other new additions to the city’s proposed 2026 budget aim to pursue a new crime-prevention pilot project and expand needle cleanups at parks.

One would seek federal funding to support an “inter-agency crime and incident prevention pilot” project.

Gillingham said that would be part of the Safe Winnipeg Initiative he announced in March, which aims to increase collaboration between safety related organizations.

“I’ve talked about co-ordinating our public safety agencies to provide a blanket of safety in the downtown. Crime rates have shown a drop in the last few years in the downtown, but there’s more work we have to do,” he said.

The mayor listed the Winnipeg Police Service, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, Downtown Community Safety Partnership and the Community Safety Team as agencies that could participate.

Details of the project itself are still being determined, he said.

EPC also wants to expand a program that clears needles, weapons, drugs and other dangerous debris from parks.

City staff removed thousands of needles and more than 150 weapons from 16 “high-risk” downtown parks and green spaces between April 14 and Oct. 3 via the seasonal program, according to a recent report.

An amendment would see staff clean up six additional sites two to three times per week, including Vimy Ridge Park, Jacob Penner Park, Cornish Library, Alderman John O’Hare Park, Broadway Neighbourhood Centre and the Dynasty Building, if council approves.

“We have seen a significant impact (from) our needle cleanup initiative. It’s making parks safer for families,” said Gillingham.

The change is expected to cost $28,200 more each season, once the program resumes next spring.

Another budget amendment would ensure three temporary full-time staff continue to be devoted to the unsafe conditions response team, allowing their work to continue throughout 2026. The team, made up of bylaw officers and building inspectors, expedites the city’s response to hazardous properties, included rubble-filled sites left behind after fires.

That change is expected to cost $267,000 in 2026.

The city could use the revenue from vacant and derelict building fees to help fund those positions in 2027, 2028 and 2029, pending future budget approvals.

City council will cast a final vote on the 2026 budget today.

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