Winnipeg Transit proposes faster, more reliable service model

Released: October 29, 2019 at 9:05 a.m.
Spine-and-feeder network will improve service to Southwest Winnipeg with the opening of Southwest Transitway Stage 2

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.

News

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.