The future of the tunnel bus, a vital transportation link for many traveling from Windsor to Detroit for events and sports games, is uncertain as Windsor tightens its budget for 2025. Mayor Drew Dilkens unveiled a draft budget with a projected 2.99% tax increase, down from an initial 12% hike. While cuts are anticipated, Dilkens did not confirm if the tunnel bus would be affected. The budget includes $1.4 million in Transit Windsor cuts, but specifics are unknown.
Dilkens stated that city council faces tough decisions this year, hinting at a possible review of the tunnel bus service. The international nature of the service necessitates Windsor to provide employees with ten federally mandated sick days, adding to its operational cost. Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino emphasized the service’s importance but acknowledged the need for a thorough examination of its costs.
Transit Windsor’s tunnel bus operates daily between downtown Windsor and Detroit, crossing the border via the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. With about 20 stops on both sides, the bus departs from Windsor’s downtown terminal hourly. Council member Kieran McKenzie highlighted the need to assess the service given the financial pressures faced by the municipality.
The tunnel bus experienced a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, and ridership has not fully rebounded. The budget also proposes a 3.23% fare increase, slated for implementation by April 2025. The community awaits city council’s decision on the service’s fate amid budget constraints.
