Winnipeg police increase presences on transit buses

Winnipeg police has announced a plan to increase officer presence on city buses as part of an effort to address transit-related crime.

The initiative aims to improve safety for both passengers and operators through more visible enforcement.  

“Every Winnipegger has a right to be safe and to feel safe whether they’re at home, in their neighbourhood, on the bus, or at a bus stop,” said Scott Gillingham, mayor of Winnipeg.

There were 325 violent crimes reported on Winnipeg busses last year, a historic high, and Winnipeg police say that upwards trend has continued in 2025.

“We’re going to be working together to combat violence and combat some of the disruption that the city of Winnipeg is experiencing within and on our transit system,” said Brian Miln, superintendent at Winnipeg police service.

“This is a layered approach to public safety on and around our transit system, so I’m confident with all of this combined effort, we’re going to see an improvement in public safety and the perception of public safety,” said Gillingham.

Miln did not say exactly how many officers will be reallocated, though he said it will involve a tactical approach when it comes to choosing which busses and routes to target. Officials say there is no official timeline for how long the initiative will last.

“It’s not a permanent initiative, however that being said we’re going to run it to the end of this year and then we’re going to reassess based on statistics and outcomes,” said Miln.