Winnipeg Transit Plus launching new booking system June 18

A transportation service for Winnipeggers with physical disabilities is launching a new trip-booking system next month that it hopes renders the service more accessible.

Winnipeg Transit Plus is introducing self-service booking options through a smartphone/web app, and an automated phone service with voice response technology.

The phone service is scheduled to go live June 18. The app will launch that same day for “a select group of early adopters,” with a full launch slated for July 9.

Transit Plus is for Winnipeggers who can’t use the city’s fixed public transit routes because of a physical disability. The non-emergency medical transport company hopes the new booking service will remove pre-existing barriers.

“Winnipeg Transit Plus customers have been asking for a more accessible and reliable service and we’ve heard them loud and clear,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said in a news release.

“We’re happy to reach this important milestone for our valued customers,” added Teresa Platt, Transit Plus’s manager of client services. “Our team is available and looking forward to offering support to customers as we transition to this new system.”

CityNews has previously outlined complaints from users of the service – from inaccessible pick-up points to inconsistent pick-up times.

Winnipeg Transit Plus anticipates the new system will make routing more efficient; simplify the workflow for drivers; increase shared-ride pooling so a vehicle can accommodate more trip requests; and accelerate customer service response time.

Transit Plus is also introducing e-cash payments at a reduced rate, and customers will be able to add a debit or credit card to their online profile.