A city planning specialist has raised concerns about the negative impact of Winnipeg Transit’s revamped network on individuals with lower incomes who heavily depend on public transportation. Orly Linovski, an associate professor at the University of Manitoba’s city planning department, expressed these worries in a letter endorsed by 16 organizations, including the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg.
According to Linovski, the extended transfer times in the new system are causing inconvenience and unreliability due to the insufficient number of buses. She highlighted the potential risks faced by individuals who rely on timely bus services for work and personal obligations, such as losing pay for being late or facing extra charges for delayed childcare pickups.
The recent major overhaul of Winnipeg Transit’s routes, transitioning to a grid-like “spine-and-feeder” structure, has faced criticism for various issues, including long distances between stops and limited late-night service. While the city has made adjustments and plans for further changes, Linovski emphasized the urgent need for improvements to address the challenges faced by commuters, especially in a city with harsh weather conditions like Winnipeg.
Councilor Janice Lukes acknowledged the limitations in enhancing bus services due to outdated funding models, suggesting the necessity of increased financial support from provincial and federal sources to achieve significant improvements. She emphasized the importance of gathering feedback from riders to guide future adjustments.
Despite the city’s substantial investment in Winnipeg Transit, concerns persist among community members, including Kris Beaune from the North End Women’s Centre, who highlighted the difficulties faced by those living in poverty who heavily rely on public transport. Beaune and Janel Whincup shared how the new network’s complexities have impacted both clients and staff, leading to decreased accessibility and challenges for vulnerable groups like the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
Whincup pointed out that the changes have discouraged some from using the bus system, forcing them to resort to more expensive alternatives like ride-sharing services. The community’s struggle with the new transit system underscores the pressing need for more user-friendly and efficient public transportation services in Winnipeg.
