Mayor Calls for Expansion of Transit Safety Team

Released: November 26, 2024 at 12:18 p.m.

As members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) rally today for improved safety on Winnipeg Transit, Mayor Scott Gillingham called for the expansion of the City’s Community Safety Team —a program he initiated during his 2022 mayoral campaign. The team has been instrumental in protecting riders and operators since its launch ten months ago.

“Winnipeggers deserve a safe and reliable transit system, and I share the ATU’s concerns about the need to improve safety on our buses,” said Mayor Gillingham. “The Community Safety Team has been a strong start, but it’s clear we need to expand this program to make a bigger impact.”

Councillor Janice Lukes, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works, echoed the Mayor's sentiments. “The safety of our transit system is paramount,” said Lukes. “Expanding the Community Safety Team will enhance our ability to respond effectively to incidents and ensure a secure environment for all transit users.”

Since its launch, the Community Safety Team has focused on high-priority routes and stops, completing thousands of bus rides. During this time, the team has:

  • Responded to approximately 2,200 incidents, including violence, assaults, mental health crises, and addiction-related emergencies.
  • Performed over 1,500 well-being checks, ensuring vulnerable Winnipeggers received care and support.
  • Saved at least six lives through life-saving interventions like CPR and administering naloxone.

“Feedback from drivers and passengers tells us the Community Safety Team is making a difference, but also that we need to do more,” said Mayor Gillingham. “More officers mean more presence on buses, faster response times, and a greater ability to deter crime and assist riders in need. I’m committed to finding the resources needed to strengthen this program.”

The Community Safety Team was initially funded by a one-time provincial grant awarded in early 2023. Starting in 2025, the City will fully fund the program on its own from general revenues, with costs expected to reach $3 million annually by 2027.

The City of Winnipeg’s 2025 Budget Update will be tabled on December 11, 2024.

For more information, please contact:
Colin Fast
Director of Communications
Office of the Mayor, City of Winnipeg 
cfast@winnipeg.ca / 204-803-6406

Mayor's Office

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.