Winnipeg transit fare hike draws mixed reaction
Posted January 2, 2026 6:33 pm.
Last Updated January 3, 2026 10:20 am.
Winnipeg transit riders are divided on the latest fare hikes that came into effect Thursday.
As of New Year’s Day, bus fares increased across the board from a 10-cent increase for a single ride ticket to $4 increase for a monthly pass.
Winnipeg transit said the fare increase was approved by city council as part of the multi-year budget process.
Some Winnipeggers say they didn’t mind the increase.
“I didn’t really notice any change; I just tapped my card as usual,” said one Winnipegger. “I didn’t really pay attention to the cost.”
“Well, it’s $2 and I have the WinnPass — it’s still affordable, I guess,” said another.
Meanwhile some bus riders say they saw the price hike coming, following the primary transit network overhaul this past summer.
“Price went up. It’s not a really good thing. But, it’s whatever, I just have to work with it.”
Most bus riders CityNews spoke to said even the $2 to $4 increase to their regular fare could be a concern for those on a tighter budget.
“When you look at your paycheck it’s not increasing, and we are spending so much on transportation. And you have all these bills to pay, it’s not convenient for a lot of people.”
Some riders said that the rate hike is confusing as their commute became less convinient following the transit system overhaul.
“That’s the part I don’t like, because I used to be able to take like one bus, two buses to go anywhere, now it’s like two to four buses a day. It’s really horrible,” said one regular transit user.
“I couldn’t stand it, so I called an Uber, and it was $32. And I am being paid less than $17. That’s a job of two hours.”
The City said eligible passengers can apply for the WinnPass program to access monthly bus passes for 50 per cent of the full rate.
