A proposed Winnipeg bylaw is aiming to silence singers on buses.
The rule is raising eyebrows for threatening to fine trilling transit-riders up to $100.
Other Canadian cities have similar rules that forbid playing musical instruments or commercial performances on buses. But the apparent severity of Winnipeg’s proposed rule is attracting disapproval.
While the other rules seem to target busking, the Winnipeg rule could potentially punish anybody who simply feels like singing a tune.
Critics of the proposed bylaw say that the act of singing is harmless, and call the bylaw “Victorian.” Supporters, on the other hand, say the ban is part of a group of proposed bylaws that would help keep buses safe, clean and orderly.
Beyond Winnipeg, weird transit rules are nothing new to Canadian commuters. CTVNews.ca has compiled a list of strange transit bylaws from across the country:
1. Halloween party goers beware: In Toronto there is a bylaw that allows TTC employees to kick you off the train for wearing a costume.
The law says authorities may refuse passengers who use “a disguise intended to obscure or otherwise alter their appearance.”
2. Hungry commuters in Edmonton need to watch how they eat.
Food and drink are only permitted if they’re “under control” in a sealable container. “A person shall not spill or permit to be spilt any food or drink in a Transit Vehicle,” according to the bylaw.
3. Anyone heading to their weekly Live Action Role Playing event in the capital might be surprised to hear that their fake swords aren’t allowed on local buses or trains.
The Public Transit Bylaw in Ottawa says you can get a $500 fine for bringing real or “imitation” swords or cross-bows onto transit vehicles, or to a transit shelter or station
4. Roller-bladers in York, On., have to remove their wheels before getting on board buses there, thanks to a bylaw that forbids transit users from wearing roller skates or inline skates onto transit vehicles.
5. No shirt, no shoes, no bus service in Mississauga. Regardless of summer heat, unsightly stains, or personal style, Mississauga bus riders are not allowed to “fail to be fully clothed.”
6. Late for your morning commute? Slow down, says the transit company in Sarnia, ON.
It’s not a law, but the company’s guidelines state “Never run for a bus. You may slip and fall or be hit by another vehicle.”
7. Calgary dog owners are allowed to bring their dogs onto the bus, as long as the canines are on a leash.
However, they may not give their dogs a seat on the bus. Those are reserved for humans.
8. Adults in Victoria face a $217 fine for “Failing To Remove Matter Emanating From Dog Or Other Animal Or From The Animal's Container” – children, on the other hand, can only be fined $74 for the same offence.
