Winnipeg Transit taking the first step towards rapid transit in Downtown Winnipeg

Released: May 12, 2026 at 11:06 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – We’re exploring how rapid transit could look in Downtown Winnipeg. 

When buses and other traffic mix, it can slow down trips for everyone.  

Rapid transit benefits all road users by moving buses from regular traffic into a dedicated lane. Putting rapid transit Downtown would help our Transit system work the way people expect: Simple, reliable, and easy to use. 

As a first step, we’re collecting information and thoughts from people who live, work, and own businesses Downtown along the rapid transit corridors identified in the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan. This will help us understand how they use the streets and learn what matters most to them. 

Next, we will work on draft design options and talk to all Winnipeggers about the project.  

There is currently no funding for constructing rapid transit Downtown, but these important first steps will help us plan for resources and investments. They will build on what we heard during development of the Council-approved Winnipeg Transit Master Plan

Opportunities for involvement 

We will reach out directly to nearby stakeholders to schedule meetings for June. These meetings will help us understand how the project may affect them before we start exploring design options. 

From fall 2026 to spring 2028, we will hold three rounds of public and stakeholder engagement to gather feedback from all Winnipeggers. Each round will coincide with key design milestones. We will use this feedback, along with technical studies, to guide the design. 

By summer 2028, we will have a design that will show what rapid transit in Downtown will look like. We will also have a cost estimate that we will use to apply for funding for construction. Timelines for construction will depend on funding. 

The budget for the design project is $7 million, funded by the Government of Canada, Manitoba government, and City of Winnipeg through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. 

Learn more and sign up for project updates at winnipeg.ca/rapidtransitdowntown

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