Winnipeg, MB – As part of its ongoing commitment to operator and passenger safety, and following the recent endorsement of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works, Winnipeg Transit’s new emergency signal system will be fully operational on all Winnipeg Transit buses by December 15, 2021.
The new system will allow operators to alert members of the public outside the bus and the Transit Control Centre at the same time, that emergency responders are needed. When operators enable the signal, exterior bus signs will read “Emergency Call 911” and “Do Not Board Bus”.
“This investment represents the latest in a series of transit safety initiatives assisted by collaboration with the Transit Advisory Committee, continuing to demonstrate our commitment to a safe, pleasant, and effective public transportation system,” said Matt Allard, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure, Renewal and Public Works.
Intending transit passengers as well as other members of the public are asked to call 911 and stay off the bus if they see this message.
Bus operators are trained to use the signal in an event where emergency responders are needed.
The emergency signal system was developed in consultation with the Transit Advisory Committee (TAC), which is Chaired by Councillor Allard and includes representation from the Amalgamated Transit Union, the Winnipeg Association of Public Service Officers, the Winnipeg Police Service, and Functional Transit Winnipeg. TAC also includes a bus operator representative and representation from Winnipeg Transit management.
Winnipeg Transit invested a total of $9,100 on technology development and installation for the emergency signal system.
The emergency signal system is another layer of protection for operators and passengers. It is one of the many safety initiatives undertaken by Winnipeg Transit over the past five years, including the expansion of the audio/video surveillance system on board buses which led to an increase in the successful identification of assailants, the installation of bus operation safety shields on the entire fleet, and training focused on de-escalation and how to recognize and address residents under the influence of methamphetamine, among others.