River bus returns to Winnipeg after 6 years

For the first time in six years, Winnipeggers can once again enjoy the beautiful views of the Assiniboine River on their morning commute, as the city’s new water bus has embarked on its maiden voyage.

“We have this secret little super highway right in the middle of town and it’s banked by big beautiful trees, nothing’s better than that,” explained Will Belford, the co-owner of Winnipeg Waterways.

“Whether it takes you to work or to fun, we want to be your number one.”

Belford had originally planned on introducing the bus service earlier this summer but was forced to delay the start date due to the high amount of rainfall.

But estimates that nearly 300 passengers came aboard Sunday for their first day of operation.

“We’ve had such a strong response from people excited to have the water bus coming back as a new option.”

The two taxis will provide transit services on weekdays from 8 to 10 in the morning and 3:30 to 9:30 in the evening. With buses running every 15 minutes, with a live online map showing their current locations.

Belford and his business partner Griffin Hewitt developed the schedule and route after surveying nearly 2,000 Winnipeggers. Some of the stops include docks at The Forks, the Manitoba Legislative Building, and the Esplanade Riel.

“Winnipeg is a really good when you have a guide, we wanted to be that guide and just take it to the next level, being that friendly face that says welcome to Winnipeg,” said Belford.

Belford says they will stay in the water as long as river levels allow, with the hopes of adding additional stops in the years to come.