New first-come, first-served booking system to launch October 6
Winnipeg, MB – As part of its commitment to improving accessibility, Winnipeg Transit Plus will soon move to a first-come, first-served system of booking trips, eliminating an outdated system for booking trips that can limit access to service for its customers.
Starting October 6, all Winnipeg Transit Plus trip requests will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis using updated trip booking software.
In addition to being fairer and more equitable, the new system will also be more efficient, making it easier for Winnipeg Transit Plus to shift resources in the case of cancellations and no-shows.
“We’re pleased to see this change going forward, as it will improve accessibility and lead to a more flexible service that can better meet customer demand,” said Councillor Matt Allard, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works. “This builds on other recent changes to ensure greater access to all forms of transit, such as improved wheelchair securements on new buses in the conventional fleet and expanding the service area for Winnipeg Transit Plus.”
Currently, trips booked with Transit Plus are assigned a priority and booked accordingly, under a system that a recent review carried out as part of the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan process found to be outdated, and in practice can be perceived to be discriminatory. The review, which was recommended in an Ombudsmen’s report and carried out under the direction of City Council, found other paratransit agencies have moved away from this model. The shift to a new system of booking will also ensure the Transit Plus system of booking trip requests aligns with upcoming accessibility legislation (The Accessibility for Manitobans Act.)
“We’re communicating with our customers and supporting them with training sessions to help them prepare for a few changes to how they book trips and plan their pick-ups,” said Teresa Platt, Manager of Client Services, Winnipeg Transit. “Under the new system, Transit Plus customers will find out immediately if a trip is available at their requested time, or if we can offer an alternate time that works for them.”
Platt noted that with the change, customers will also be provided with a 30-minute pick-up window instead of an exact time, which will help address travel impacts with the service, beginning with a more flexible, efficient schedule. Customers can also opt in to be notified of their pick-up window again the night before their trip, and approximately 15-minutes before drivers arrive. While most of these changes will go in effect October 6, trip notifications will be available to customers who opt in immediately.
More information about the new booking system is available on the Winnipeg Transit website.