Winnipeg, MB - City of Winnipeg officials today renewed their offer to partner with the Winnipeg Football Club (WFC) with the provision of Winnipeg Transit services for the 2014 season.
“We carefully reviewed the request received from the WFC regarding Transit services for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 2014 season and could not grant their request for a discount from 2013 rates,” said Deepak Joshi, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, City of Winnipeg. “We are, however, pleased to be able to offer Transit’s services as a transportation alternative to and from events at Investors Group Field. As a partner, we believe that our support is one of the factors which have contributed to the robust financial situation which the WFC was recently able to report.”
As a partner in BBB Stadium Inc. and a longtime supporter of the WFC, the City was instrumental in developing the Integrated Transportation and Parking Plan along with the WFC and the University of Manitoba, in consultation with neighbourhood stakeholders and fans. The Plan is in effect for all events with attendance of 15,000 or more.
During the opening season at Investors Group Field in 2013, the Transportation and Parking Plan was successful in achieving a split between transportation modes that saw approximately 35 per cent of attendees taking Transit to and from events. This was a major increase from about five per cent of attendees that used transit on event days at the old stadium site.
The Public Service believes that this level of ridership will be important to continue in order to maintain efficient traffic flows, as upcoming major events are anticipated to increase attendance at Investors Group Field in 2014 and 2015. In addition to the promotion of active transportation options, the use of transit is a more environmentally-sustainable transportation mode.