Winnipeg to see over half a billion dollars in public transit improvements

Winnipeg will be getting some transit upgrades, thanks to a new agreement between the city and higher levels of government.

The upgrades will include new electric buses and improved existing infrastructure.

“Manitoba is proud to invest nearly $170 million to improve and modernize Winnipeg’s public transit system. These new infrastructure projects will help to reduce our carbon footprint while also promoting job growth and opportunities for Manitoba businesses,” said Premier Heather Stefanson.

A combined $458.7 million investment ($183.7M from the Government of Canada, $153M from the Manitoba government and $122M from the City of Winnipeg) will be made for the following:

  • The purchase of approximately 100 electric buses, and the necessary charging and fueling infrastructure;
  • The purchase of 135 additional diesel buses to meet growing transit needs;
  • The construction of a new LEED-certified energy-efficient bus storage and maintenance facility, to replace the 70-year-old North Garage.

 

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman calls this a “significant step” in planning for a future population of a million people.

“With over half a billion dollars in tri-level investments, Winnipeg Transit will implement critical elements of an entirely new transit network that will better respond to the needs of transit riders including: transitioning to zero emission buses, establishing a new network layout that will double the homes with transit through a short walk, designing the new downtown rapid transit corridors and build a much-needed upgrade to Winnipeg Transit’s North Garage.”


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An additional $49.5 million investment ($19.9M from the Government of Canada, $16.5M from the Manitoba government and $13.2M from the City of Winnipeg) will be made for the following:

  • A redesign of the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan and the preliminary design for the proposed downtown Rapid Transit corridors;
  • Introduction of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) on buses to replace existing bus radio hardware and equipment;
  • The replacement of 325 wheelchair securement devices on existing transit vehicles, to keep transit accessible for everyone.

 

Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureaux says if the city wants to bring in more residents in a “sustainable fashion” reliable, accessible, and user-friendly public transit is essential.

“This federal funding will go a long way towards achieving those objectives by adding dozens of buses, many of them electric, on Winnipeg’s roads, and improving the transit system’s technology. The investments we’re making in transit will help connect Winnipeggers to work, to school and to each other while creating jobs and reducing emissions,” said Lamoureux.

The announcement comes as part of the Government of Canada’s plan which will see $33.5 billion invested into public infrastructure across the country over the next 11 years.

“Improvements to municipal infrastructure are a priority for the Manitoba government for economic and environmental reasons, and the city’s transit corridors are one of Winnipeg’s most important assets. Through the investments in these projects, the city will increase its transit system’s efficiency and mobility to keep up with the demands of Winnipeg’s growing population while making this infrastructure more accessible and environmentally friendly,” explained Manitoba Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Reg Helwer.

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