Winnipeg Transit to add more buses on busy routes; many riders unhappy with service
Posted February 25, 2026 4:59 pm.
Last Updated February 25, 2026 7:55 pm.
More buses set to roll on Winnipeg streets starting this spring, with bigger changes on the line set for June. The news comes as Downtown Biz released a survey stating over 80 per cent of transit users are unhappy with the service.
“I wouldn’t say that we are surprised with the results. I think there’s a great opportunity here to improve the system,” said Kate Fenske, the CEO of Downtown Winnipeg Biz.
The survey launched in December of 2025, over the course of six weeks, with over 1300 people sharing their experiences.
According to Downtown Biz, the survey revealed strong dissatisfaction among downtown transit users.
On Wednesday, Winnipeg Transit announced upcoming changes to some of the busiest routes.
“This is in response to a lot of the passenger feedback that we’ve been getting. As well as the data we’ve been looking at over the past couple months,” said Adam Budowski, the senior transit planner at Winnipeg Transit.
Starting April 12, transit riders will see service pushed past midnight on 10 routes, including D16. That specific route received the most backlash, according to Budowski.
“That’s the goal. To push the last terminating service on each of those routes after midnight,” Budowski explained.
The report presented to the city’s public works committee suggests the route changes for some of the downtown buses.
“When we look at the impacts on downtown businesses here on Graham, they are really feeling it. And so it’s not about how do we go backwards, but how do we move forward,” said Fenske.
One transit user CityNews spoke to says she’s been forced to use ride share apps, even if it’s financially a setback.
“In some cases, I’ve had to use an Uber, which is way more pricey than taking a bus,” said Jess, a transit user.
The city committee will consider changes on March 4. If approved, they could go into effect by the summer.
“We are not going to be done with these changes. We are continuing to refine the network as we are moving forward,” said Budowski.
