Winnipeg, MB - Continued refusal of overtime by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) has resulted in an increased disruption of Winnipeg Transit’s ability to provide transit service to Winnipeggers.
Winnipeg Transit appreciates customers’ patience during the recent service disruptions that have resulted from the recent refusal of overtime by ATU. Most large transit systems rely on voluntary overtime to ensure full bus service at peak times. The use of overtime allows Winnipeg Transit to continue providing service while accommodating such factors as retirements, annual leaves and employee needs for time off due to unexpected illness.
As a result of the reduced overtime, Winnipeg Transit is no longer able to assure service on all of its routes, and increased service disruptions and delays are expected commencing Tuesday, May 19. Transit riders can expect an increase in late and/or cancelled bus service on any number of routes in the coming weeks and should be prepared for possible delays, or make alternate travel plans.
In an effort to provide as predictable a service as possible to the public, Winnipeg Transit will attempt to limit cancellations and delays to specific routes. Routes with frequent or alternative transit service will have some bus service reduced in an effort to minimize disruption as much as possible. Routes most likely to be affected include:
- Morning rush hour:
18, 22, 25, 30, 31, 34, 40, 41, 44, 46, 57, 58, 59, 68, 162, 163, 181, 183 - Afternoon rush hour:
11, 16, 18, 25, 29, 38, 41, 48, 54, 58, 162, 163, 183
Customers are advised to check winnipegtransit.com, TeleBUS, or contact 311 on the day they travel for the latest service information.
Handi-Transit customers are not affected, as service is provided by private contractors.
Winnipeg Transit carries over 130,000 riders each weekday and employs approximately 1,100 bus operators and 250 maintenance staff.