Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Transit is proposing changes with the opening of the Southwest Transitway Stage 2 that will see more frequent, faster, and more reliable transit service in southwest Winnipeg.
In order to take advantage of the additional 7.6 kilometers of dedicated transitway, and offer passengers more freedom and flexibility in their travel, Transit is proposing a brand new spine-and-feeder network in southwest Winnipeg. The “BLUE Line,” a new route that will run along the entire length of the Southwest Transitway will connect Downtown with the University Manitoba and St. Norbert. The BLUE Line will form the “spine” of the network, while the neighbourhood routes in southwest Winnipeg will form the “feeders.”
The “feeder routes” from the various neighbourhoods in southwest Winnipeg feed into the BLUE Line and Pembina Highway at stations or major stops. Passengers will catch their neighbourhood feeder bus, take it to a BLUE Line station, and transfer to a BLUE Line bus, instead of waiting for one specific bus.
Highlights of the BLUE Line service plan include:
- Frequency and service reliability that gives passengers more flexibility and freedom in their travel
- Feeder routes that stay on schedule by avoiding congestion Downtown
- Frequent BLUE Line buses which aren’t affected by delays on Pembina Highway while operating on the transitway
- Average 2-3 minute wait times for transfers from feeder routes to the BLUE Line
- Average 5-8 minute wait times for transfers from the BLUE Line to feeder routes
- Travel time on the corridor will improve by 8-10 minutes in ideal conditions
- Nearly all connections will be made at stations or major stops with heated shelters
- Upgraded passenger information displays at stations
Winnipeg Transit undertook extensive public and stakeholder engagement earlier this year and received much positive feedback. We also received constructive feedback on particular routes, which was used to make improvements to the proposed service plan.
Construction of the Southwest Transitway Stage 2 began in 2016, and was completed in October 2019. Following a period of testing, commissioning, and training it, it will open for service in April 2020. It adds 7.6 kilometers to the Southwest Transitway, bringing the total length of dedicated transitway to 11.2 kilometers.
The administrative report will be considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal & Public Works on Monday, November 4, 2019.