Free transit for New Year’s Eve revellers in Winnipeg

Don’t start your new year with a terrible mistake, and plan a safe ride home.

That’s the message from the City of Winnipeg and Manitoba Public Insurance as they have again partnered up to ensure members of the public get home safely after celebrating the new year.

That’s because the Free Ride Program is returning as 2024 wraps up and 2025 begins, with all regular transit buses and Transit Plus services free on Dec. 31 starting at 7 p.m.

“The Free Ride Program is an important tradition that ensures Winnipeggers can celebrate New Year’s Eve safely and responsibly,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham in a news release.

“The results from this year’s Winnipeg Police Service Checkstop Program show that too many people are still driving while impaired. By providing free transit service, the City of Winnipeg and Manitoba Public Insurance are offering a safe and convenient way to get home after a night out.”

In a recent post on its social feeds, the WPS advised residents they needed to take better care not to drive under the influence, recording 35 impaired drivers, telling the public even one is too many.

“This isn’t just a safety concern; it’s a call to action,” said the WPS post. “We must do better, Winnipeg. Plan ahead. Arrange a safe ride home. Never, ever drive impaired. Let’s protect our roads and the lives of everyone who uses them.”

According to information from the City of Winnipeg, so far this year there have been 13 people killed on Manitoba’s roadways due to impaired driving and another 86 people who have suffered injuries.

The City of Winnipeg stressing many others have been put at risk, as this year, 2,164 drivers were found to be driving impaired.

“Alcohol-related driving deaths are 100 percent preventable,” said Coun. Janice Lukes, Chair of Winnipeg’s Standing Policy Committee on Public Works, in the release. “We are proud to partner with MPI to give Winnipeggers a safe and dependable way home.”

Free Rides have been offered in Winnipeg since 2011 and officials with MPI say there’s no reason for Manitobans to be dying because of impaired driving.

“The best amount of alcohol to consume before getting behind the wheel is none. Collisions involving impairment by alcohol or drugs are responsible for killing far too many Manitobans, and it does not have to be that way,” stressed Maria Campos, MPI’s vice-president and chief customer and product officer, in the release.

“Partnering with the City of Winnipeg through Winnipeg Transit to ensure people have a free ride home on New Year’s Eve is vital for MPI, as our top priority is to have every Manitoban get home safely. Please make a plan to get home if you plan to drink or consume cannabis, so the New Year can be a time of celebration, not mourning.”