Community Toolkit for the Primary Transit Network and its feeder routes

Winnipeg Transit overhauling route network, advises passengers to plan ahead 

A new way of getting from A to B is coming to Winnipeg Transit users.
On June 29, 2025, the Primary Transit Network and its feeder routes will replace our current transit system. That means new routes, new stops, and new destinations. 
The new network will be more frequent, direct, connected, and simplified. 
You will be able to plan trips on the new network starting in late April, when schedules will be available online. 
In the meantime, Winnipeg Transit says you can look at the system map at winnipeg.ca/primarytransitnetwork  

Goodbye current Winnipeg bus routes; hello Primary Transit Network 

We’re sharing some important news with our community members who take the bus. Be advised: Winnipeg Transit is getting ready to replace its entire network of bus routes and stops, overnight. 

On Saturday, June 28, buses will travel on routes like the 11, 16, and 47 for the last time. The next day, all new bus routes – with new stops, streets, and destinations – will start to operate. Only a handful of routes will be similar to before. 

The benefit will be transit service that is more frequent, direct, connected, and easy to use. 

“Winnipeggers want bus service they can rely on, that can take them from anywhere in Winnipeg to anywhere in Winnipeg,” explains Kevin Sturgeon, Senior Transit Planner with Winnipeg Transit.  “The new bus network is designed with these goals in mind.”

At the heart of the new system is the Primary Transit Network. It’s made up of higher-frequency routes, most effective for cross-town travel. Meantime, a network of feeder routes avoids congested areas, helping buses stay on schedule. 

On-Request service works similarly to fixed feeder routes. It provides service in areas with lower demand for transit outside of peak hours. When On-Request is operating, passengers request to be picked up at a virtual stop nearby and dropped off anywhere else within the zone.

So how should bus passengers get ready? 

“There’s an all-new network. But the best tool for that will be Navigo or the Transit app,” said Sturgeon. “Schedules for the new network go online at the end of April. 

Late April is also when 311 will be able to help people plan trips on the new network, Sturgeon said. 

People will also start seeing changes at bus stops soon, he said. Stops will be moved to make transfers easier, with improved spacing. All stops will get new signs. Some stops will also be upgraded over the next couple of years as part of the project. Stop upgrades will include infrastructure, like shelters, accessible platforms, and information displays.

For now, Sturgeon says you can visit winnipeg.ca/primarytransitnetwork to learn more and look at the map of the new network.
 

Goodbye current Winnipeg bus routes; hello Primary Transit Network 

We’re sharing some important news with our school community members who take the bus. Be advised: Winnipeg Transit is getting ready to replace its entire network of bus routes and stops, overnight. 

On Saturday, June 28, buses will travel on routes like the 11, 16, and 47 for the last time. The next day, all new bus routes – with new stops, streets and destinations – will start to operate. Only a handful of routes will be similar to before. 

The benefit will be transit service that is more frequent, direct, connected and simplified. 

“Winnipeggers want bus service they can rely on, that can take them from anywhere in Winnipeg to anywhere in Winnipeg,” explains Kevin Sturgeon, Senior Transit Planner with Winnipeg Transit.  “The new bus network is designed with these goals in mind.”

At the heart of the new system is the Primary Transit Network. It’s made up of higher-frequency routes, most effective for cross-town travel. Meantime, feeder routes avoid congested areas, helping buses stay on schedule. 

On-Request service works similarly, in areas with lower demand for transit outside of peak hours. When On-Request is operating, passengers request to be picked up at a virtual stop nearby and dropped off anywhere else within the zone.

Changes to school routes

Many community feeder routes are designed to provide regular service to schools. This will mean a change for junior high and high school students who are used to taking school charters.

“We do school charters now because the regular system doesn’t have the capacity for students,” says Sturgeon. “The new network puts capacity where it’s needed, so the extra school buses aren’t necessary.”  

So how should bus passengers get ready? 

“There’s an all-new network. But the best tool for that will be Navigo or the Transit app,” said Sturgeon. “Schedules for the new network go online at the end of April. 

Late April is also when 311 will be able to help people plan trips on the new network, Sturgeon said. 

People will also start seeing changes at bus stops soon, he said. Stops will be moved to make transfers easier, with improved spacing. All stops will get new signs. Some stops will also be upgraded over the next couple of years as part of the project. Stop upgrades will include infrastructure, like shelters, accessible platforms, and information displays.

For now, Sturgeon says you can visit winnipeg.ca/primarytransitnetwork to learn more and look at the map of the new network.