Winnipeg, MB – As Winnipeggers continue the conversation about our Primary Transit Network, we’re continuing to listen and make changes to improve service.
Our spring schedule launches April 12 with service on 10 routes extended until after midnight and with more buses added to busiest routes. Additionally, the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works will soon consider the first major route changes since the network launched last July, aimed at improving access to and reliability through downtown.
“Winnipeg Transit is continuing to make improvements to the new network by listening to riders and refining service where it’s needed most,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “These proposed route changes respond directly to ideas brought forward by passengers and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ — improving connections to jobs, events, and services while making our bus network more reliable.”
Spring schedule improvements
When the schedule launches April 12 there will be:
- More trips on:
- The F5 line, which serves Notre Dame Avenue and McPhillips Street
- The F8 line, which serves Pembina Highway and Henderson Highway
- Route 74, buses added to section between Polo Park Mall and Old Commonwealth Path only
- Route 557, which serves South Osborne, Southdale, Island Lakes, and Sage Creek
- Route 676, from St. Vital Centre to Bridgwater Center, and from St. Vital Centre to Creek Bend Road
- Service extended until after midnight on D10, D14, D16, D17, 28, 38, 43, 70, 74, and 680
- Adjusted service on the FX3 east of Kildonan Place mall to reflect lower ridership at some times of day
- This will reduce the number of buses travelling each day on Victoria Avenue East
- Adjusted service on the FX4 north of McLeod to reflect lower ridership
- Refined schedules across the network
“Earlier this season we extended evening On-Request service and added trips to crowded routes,” said Councillor Janice Lukes, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works. “We know the new network is an adjustment and it’s important that Winnipeggers know we are adjusting behind the scenes to make Transit work for them.”
Proposed route changes this summer: D16, D18, and D19 (downtown improvements)
A report published today as part of the SPC Public Works agenda recommends changes that could be implemented as soon as June. The changes would build on schedule improvements and service extensions made earlier this winter and more to come this spring, and reflect feedback from passengers and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ.
To bring buses closer to the Winnipeg Clinic and Graham Avenue, Council will consider changing the routing of D19. This responds to feedback that passengers needed a closer connection to these downtown destinations.
We’ve also recommended changes to the D16 line for simpler, more reliable downtown service. The route is currently experiencing poor on-time performance because it is so long and complex. A new schedule wasn’t enough to fix the problem, so we’re recommending splitting this route into two:
- A revised D16 line would go from Polo Park to Downtown via Academy, River/Stradbrook, Tache and Main
- A new 18 route would go from RRC Notre Dame to Downtown via Notre Dame and William
The Committee will consider these changes on March 4. If approved, the changes would go into effect with the summer schedule in June.
Supporting passengers
We continue to seek feedback from our passengers and community members. Every change we’ve made since launch has been informed by what we’ve heard.
We’re also excited to launch revamped information sessions with our travel trainers this spring. These weekly sessions will start in mid-March to help passengers get the most out of their transit system. They’ll cover a rotating list of topics that includes navigating our network, On-Request and Transit Plus.
Registration will open in early March, and details will be posted to our Travel Training page.