The governments of Canada and Manitoba, along with the City of Winnipeg announced funding to improve Winnipeg’s public transit infrastructure.
“Today marks a significant step in transforming Winnipeg’s public transit system for a future population of a million people,” said Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman. “With over half a billion dollars in tri-level investments, Winnipeg Transit will implement critical elements of an entirely new transit network that will better respond to the needs of transit riders including: transitioning to zero emission buses, establishing a new network layout that will double the homes with transit through a short walk, designing the new downtown rapid transit corridors and build a much-needed upgrade to Winnipeg Transit’s North Garage.”
The three levels of government will together invest in:
- The purchase of approximately 100 electric buses and the necessary charging and fueling infrastructure;
- The purchase of 135 additional diesel buses to meet growing transit needs;
- And the construction of a new LEED-certified energy efficient bus storage and maintenance facility, to replace the 70-year old North Garage.
Subject to the necessary approvals process, the Government of Canada will invest up to $183.7 million towards these projects. The Government of Manitoba will provide over $153 million, while the City of Winnipeg will contribute more than $122 million.
“Manitoba is proud to invest nearly $170 million to improve and modernize Winnipeg’s public transit system. These new infrastructure projects will help to reduce our carbon footprint while also promoting job growth and opportunities for Manitoba businesses,” said Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson.
The funding will also invest in:
- A redesign of the Winnipeg Transit network and the preliminary design for the proposed downtown Rapid Transit corridors.
- Introduction of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) on buses to replace existing bus radio hardware and equipment.
- And the replacement of 325 wheelchair securement devices on existing transit vehicles, to keep transit accessible for everyone.
The Government of Canada is investing over $19.9 million towards these projects. The Government of Manitoba is providing over $16.5 million, while the City of Winnipeg is contributing more than $13.2 million.
“Winnipeg is a fast-growing, thriving city. If we want to continue welcoming more residents in a sustainable fashion, we need a public transit system that is reliable, accessible and user-friendly,” said Kevin Lamoureux, MP for Winnipeg North. “This federal funding will go a long way towards achieving those objectives by adding dozens of buses, many of them electric, on Winnipeg’s roads, and improving the transit system’s technology. The investments we’re making in transit will help connect Winnipeggers to work, to school and to each other while creating jobs and reducing emissions.”
Featured image: (Winnipeg Transit)
