Mayor Scott Gillingham and Councillor Janice Lukes, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works, said today they are committed to expanding late-night transit service as part of the upcoming 2026 budget process.
Concerns from riders and members of City Council about evening service hours were raised shortly after the launch of the new Primary Transit Network. Some shift workers and late-night commuters noted that service ended too early to meet their needs.
“From the start, we knew we would need to make adjustments to the network in response to rider feedback,” said Gillingham. “We’ve already made some changes, and we’ll keep making more. Expanding late night service is the next big step forward, and I’m committed to working with the Budget Working Group and Council to fund it in the upcoming budget.”
The Mayor, Councillors, and Winnipeg Transit have been in active discussions on options for extending service hours. At the request of the SPC on Public Works, Winnipeg Transit is preparing a formal plan for consideration by Council by November.
“People who work late shifts, or who need reliable transportation late at night, need to know the bus will be there for them,” said Lukes. “We’ve listened to riders, and with the support of fellow Councillors, we’re moving forward with a proposal to extend evening service so the network works better for everyone.”
City Council has supported the new network by approving a record-high transit budget of $261.5 million – 23% higher than 2022 – along with plans to renew the fleet with more than 100 new buses this year, roll out Canada’s first 60-foot zero-emission buses, and develop a new tap-based payment system.