Both hands on the wheel: Transit is at 55% of ridership but that’s better than most cities
COVID-19 has visibly taken a toll on transit ridership in Winnipeg. However, while most cities are experiencing more extreme ridership losses of 40% Winnipeg in contrast is at 55% of ridership. The steep decline in transit revenue is visible and concerning.
It is always important to keep both hands on the wheel, but during the pandemic even more so.
My first year in office the Prime Minister and Mayor Bowman did an announcement at the Fort Rouge Garage. While a whole team of federal Members of Parliament were there, not one provincial Member of the Legislative Assembly was there because they had contributed no provincial money. I continue to be underwhelmed at the provincial support for transit. During the pandemic, as other jurisdictions are enjoying provincial money for transit this government is not sufficiently at the table. Federal flow-through is insufficient. Winnipeg requires contributions from the provincial government.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities along with the Canadian Urban Transit Association have done important work. My priorities during the pandemic and within budgets include:
1. Investing in making transit more reliable and faster;
2. Support barrier-free Winnipeg; Funding Active Transit including pedestrian and walk/bike paths;
3. Continue to support COVID-sensitive operations like distancing on-board and cleaning; and
4. Recalibrate to reflect ridership holding strong until it returns, (e.g., like the city did when it added more buses in response to the school bus strike).
In the recent round of collective bargaining one of my priorities was to see competitive wages for our mechanics. I go into budget working group each year protecting the new bus purchases including considering electrification of the fleet. However, our mechanics are focused on quality of the fleet. I’m proud they can re-build buses and get them on the road extending their life.
It is important we maintain investments, and continue investments in transit despite evidence of ridership losses. The Canadian Urban Transit Association has informed cities thinking here. This article is among the best and most thorough discussions. For more information