Winnipeg’s public transit infrastructure gets big boost
By Adam Freill
Construction Green Construction InfrastructureTri-level agreement set to invest more than $500 million to update and upgrade buses and transit facilities.
Winnipeg is set to gain more than 230 new buses, new charging and fuelling infrastructure, as well as a new LEED-certified energy efficient bus storage and maintenance facility as the city revamps its public transit system.
Through a tri-level agreement, the Government of Canada, the Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg will together invest roughly a half-billion dollars to purchase 100 electric buses and the necessary charging and fueling infrastructure, along with 135 additional diesel buses. The plan also includes the construction of a new bus storage and maintenance facility, to replace the city’s 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 Manitoba government will provide more than $153 million, while the City of Winnipeg will contribute more than $122 million.
Also in the works, and accounting for an additional $50 million, are a redesign of the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan and the preliminary design for proposed downtown Rapid Transit corridors, the 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.
“Manitoba is proud to invest nearly $170 million to improve and modernize Winnipeg’s public transit system,” stated Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson. “These new infrastructure projects will help to reduce our carbon footprint while also promoting job growth and opportunities for Manitoba businesses.”
“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,” added Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North. “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.”
“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.”
