Winnipeggers invited to virtually test drive new transit network ahead of June launch

You can now start planning your routes before this summer’s massive Transit system overhaul rolls out.

Riders can now preview Winnipeg Transit’s updated schedules and routes before the official rollout of the largest network overhaul in the service’s history.

The new Winnipeg Transit primary network and its feeder routes are set to launch June 29.

The city has added the new schedules on Winnipeg Transit’s website and app so riders can preview their new routes and test out trip planning features.

At a news conference Thursday, public works committee chair Janice Lukes said this online training will help demystify the new network.

Still, with a transformation this large, she said there are bound to be a few hiccups.

“We’re launching it so that before the summer, we can work through these if there are any, but I have complete confidence that the major transition will go very, very smoothly.”

Meanwhile, Winnipeg Transit drivers are also getting up to speed on the new system.

Bjorn Radstrom, manager of transit service development, said drivers were given their new route maps well in advance and are already doing trips to test out the new system.

They will also get training and education on the new network in the coming weeks, with added support staff on-hand to guide them.

Radstrom said it’s important transit drivers understand the new network, as they are responsible for more than driving a new route.

“Bus drivers are also our front-line customer service people. They’re the ones who interact with the public more. They’re the ones that have to answer questions.”

Winnipeg Transit is currently operating at a six per cent service reduction to offset funding shortfalls and recruitment challenges.

Lukes said the goal is to get back to full service by the fall.

Currently, there are enough drivers ready to service the new transit network through the summer, but Radstrom said they need to recruit for when service ramps up in the fall.

“It’s looking better than it has in a very long time,” he said.

The philosophy behind the new Winnipeg Transit network

The new transit network will run buses on primary lines, which are bus routes that are simpler, straighter and have fewer stops than the past network.

The hope is this will enable transit service to run faster and more frequently, so people wait less and reach their destinations faster.

At the busiest times of day, Lukes said primary lines will arrive so often, riders won’t have to follow a schedule at all.

Meanwhile, a new feeder route network will be made up of a community of connector routes meant to avoid congested areas and stay on time more often. This will connect into the primary transit network.

The feeder network will also offer on-request bus service in 12 areas of the city, where riders can call and have the bus come to them on evenings and weekends.

“Overall, this will create a more resilient transit system for the City of Winnipeg, a transit system that’s poised to grow with us,” Lukes said.

Transit network rework a big, bold change: Gillingham

The sweeping changes were approved by city council last summer and come with a $20.4 million price tag.

Radstrom said they considered implementing the new transit network in phases, but there was no way to divide the city in a way that made sense for riders.

Plus, the 2020 rollout of the blue line and its feeder routes in southwest Winnipeg served as a pilot project, of sorts.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said the one-day network revamp is ambitious, but in line with his vision for the city.

“We’re sometimes criticized in the city for not taking big, bold action,” he said.

“Make no mistake. This is big. This is bold change but in the end, we’re making transit more useful for more people, and that’s key to making Winnipeg more connected, more accessible and a more sustainable city, as well.”