Winnipeg, MB – We’re expanding our polycarbonate bus shelter pilot after early results showed the stronger material is helping keep shelters in service for riders.
We installed polycarbonate panels at 22 shelters during the fall of 2025, after shelter glass replacement costs soared to more than $1 million the past five years. By the end of 2026, more than 70 shelters will have polycarbonate panels.
The pilot is designed to test how polycarbonate performs compared to safety glass. Polycarbonate, which is lightweight and flexible, costs only 15 percent more than safety glass. It is also 250 times more impact- and damage-resistant.
“Riders count on having a safe place to wait for the bus, especially during Winnipeg winters,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “By installing stronger, more durable panels, we’re making sure shelters stay in place and stay usable. It’s a practical step that improves service for Transit riders while protecting taxpayer dollars.”
We selected pilot locations based on high rates of vandalism. Of the 22 shelters equipped with polycarbonate panels, 14 were not vandalized. Another six shelters had panels popped out of place. Our on-street crews were able to reinstall the same undamaged panels.
We only had to replace panels at one shelter where a motor vehicle collision occurred. While the panels survived the vehicle’s impact, they were stolen before our crews arrived on site.
We’ve also expanded polycarbonate use to our other on-street assets. All 24 of our rapid transit display signs now have double-layered polycarbonate panels. Fourteen of the signs also have new 75-inch display screens. The other 10 signs will have these screens installed in the spring.
Polycarbonate panels will be installed at six new shelters this spring. In April, we will receive our largest shipment of panels. This will allow us to equip 47 more of our 5’ x 11’ shelters and three more 8’ x 15’ shelters by the end of 2026.