A recent report by transportation planning firm Leading Mobility revealed that Winnipeg Transit is facing a $37-million operating budget shortfall, which is causing a decrease in service levels. The shortfall has already led to cuts in operating times, resulting in longer wait times for riders. This has also put transit employees at risk of violence, as frustrated riders may take out their frustrations on operators. The report highlighted that the majority of the funding for Winnipeg Transit comes from property taxes and fares, with only two percent coming from advertising and city programs.
The pandemic has exacerbated the operating funds shortfall for Winnipeg Transit, as there was a loss of ridership and fare revenue. This has also led to an increase in fare evasion, with the ATU reporting over 4.4 million instances of fare evasion in 2023 alone. Leading Mobility’s founder, David Cooper, recommended new funding sources for public transportation, such as a vehicle levy, off-street parking taxes, or a Transportation Network Companies fee. These new funding sources have been successful in other cities across the country and could help alleviate the financial strain on Winnipeg Transit.
City councillor Janice Lukes expressed concern over the impact of the operating budget shortfall on future transit projects, such as a new route network and transitions to electric buses. Lukes advocated for provincial and federal government support to ensure the sustainability of public transit in Winnipeg. However, Lukes acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that improving transit service requires more funding, which can be a challenge to secure. She suggested that diverting revenue from the carbon tax into transit could be a beneficial solution that would reduce reliance on fossil fuels while improving public transit service.
Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 1505 president Chris Scott also emphasized the need for provincial and federal government support to salvage public transit in Winnipeg. He suggested implementing a national transit strategy at the federal level to provide operational funding for transit systems. Scott highlighted the importance of investing in public transportation to reduce the carbon footprint and combat climate change. Cooper echoed Scott and Lukes’ calls for government support, noting that other countries like the United States, Britain, and Germany provide significant funding for public transit at various levels of government.
Despite the challenges facing Winnipeg Transit, there is hope for increased operating funds in the future. The province has committed to increasing annual operating funds for public transit, although specific details were not provided. Municipal relations minister Ian Bushie’s office stated that they are listening to municipalities regarding public transit and look forward to further engagement with municipal partners on this issue. However, continued advocacy and support from all levels of government will be necessary to ensure the sustainability of public transit in Winnipeg and provide reliable transportation options for residents.
In conclusion, the current operating budget shortfall for Winnipeg Transit poses significant challenges for the system’s sustainability and service levels. The pandemic, loss of ridership, and increase in fare evasion have further exacerbated the financial strain on transit operations. Moving forward, it will be essential for the provincial and federal governments to provide additional funding and support for public transit in Winnipeg to ensure its long-term viability. Implementing new funding sources, improving service quality, and exploring innovative solutions will be crucial steps in addressing the issues facing Winnipeg Transit and providing efficient and reliable transportation for residents.
