‘Coming forward in droves’: City Councillor says transit overhaul leaving people behind

A Winnipeg city councillor says the new transit network is leaving some riders behind. CTV’s Jeff Keele reports.

Walter’s daily walk to his bus stop is longer than it used to be.

“Used to be less than five minutes, now it’s closer to 10-15,” he said.

Walter, who did not want his last name used, requires a cane to get around, so the extra steps to the bus stop aren’t ideal.

“I can still do it, [but] my knees are deteriorating,” Walter said.

It’s a similar story for some other riders who say Winnipeg’s new bus network that started in late June is problematic.

The previous system had around 5,200 bus stops and the new one has 1,200 hundred fewer. The idea being faster commute times as the bus doesn’t stop as much.

However, Coun. Sherri Rollins said this is leaving people behind.

“People are concerned, people are worried, and they’re coming forward in droves,” she said.

Rollins said she’s hearing from a number of advocacy groups, seniors, people living with disabilities, and patients trying to get to appointments who are now forced to walk greater distances to their stops or lack service at certain times.

Rollins wants immediate changes including restoring nighttime service to the North End, West End and downtown, with a focus on making the system more accessible.

“There is a deepening inequality that has been introduced into this city through the primary transit network.” Rollins said.

One of the organizations raising concerns is the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba.

Executive director David Kron said as troubling as it is now, winter will only compound the problem.

“It’s a difference between taking the bus and not taking the bus,” Kron said.

“It’s the difference between having a good experience and a horrible experience.”

Winnipeg Transit said removing stops makes buses run better, but it knows the span of service isn’t cutting it for riders on some routes and in some areas.

Transit noted it’s listening to feedback and has already made some changes with more to come, adding that it’s also hearing a lot of positive stories about how the system is running smoothly.

CTV News has talked to a number of riders who say the new network is better than the old one.

“I find it’s very efficient,” said Jessica Le Blance. “I think it’s convenient that they lessen the stops.”