Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg and Manitoba Public Insurance are partnering to ensure New Year's Eve revelers get home safely by offering free transit service on New Year's Eve.
The Free Ride program applies to all Regular and Handi-Transit service starting at 7:00 p.m. until end of service. The last buses leave downtown at approximately 1:38 a.m. For complete bus route and schedule information, visit winnipegtransit.com or call 311.
“As Winnipeggers celebrate New Year’s Eve, I encourage everyone to enjoy themselves responsibly and safely by taking advantage of the Free Ride on Winnipeg Transit,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “The City of Winnipeg is proud to partner with Manitoba Public Insurance to help make it easy for everyone to enjoy themselves and keep our roads and designated drivers safe.”
As a road safety leader in the province, Manitoba Public Insurance is committed to reducing alcohol-related collisions, deaths and injuries. Providing the New Year's Eve transit service in Winnipeg makes perfect sense.
“We encourage people to plan ahead and make the right decision,” said MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “If you drink, don’t drive. There are options to get home safely - take advantage of the transit buses.”
“The Winnipeg Police Service is supportive of all initiatives that keep impaired drivers off the streets. Impaired driving is still the number one criminal cause of death in Canada, and is 100 per cent preventable,” said Patrol Sergeant Kevin Cisaroski, Winnipeg Police Service. “If you are going out to celebrate over the holidays, leave the keys behind, and take advantage of other transportation options. We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season.”
Last year, more than 15,000 people rode the bus for free on New Year's Eve in Winnipeg.
The Free Ride New Year's Eve service is sponsored by Manitoba Public Insurance and The Winnipeg Sun.