Tag: Transit

Public Transit

Michael Thompson

Moving safely in the city is key to a successful city. Public transit and handi-transit are valuable and important to everyone. This is one of the larger issues that many people have asked me about. I understand how important this is because I use transit from time to time to get to work.

  • Improved routes for the ward
  • Safety on the buses and bus shacks
  • Cost of travelling
  • Protecting consumers from poor handi-transit actors

On average, the city and province cover a deficit of an estimated $70 million each year. How our city chooses to spend these funds is important. It is clear that we can do a much better job in using our resources, providing transit drivers with more support and improving routes.

Currently the city allows children age 11 and under to ride for free as of January 1, 2022.

Children 11 and Under Ride Free (winnipegtransit.com)

Goals:

  • Larger transit budget for driving hours
  • More washrooms for transit drivers
  • Address the policies for fare evaders
  • Review LRT options, learning lessons from Ottawa
  • Improved consumer protections for Handi-Transit riders
  • One month in 2023 where all riders can ride for $1 loonie.

With your support and vote, your public transit systems can be improved. Please let your neighbours know that I live in the ward and I will work for the ward.

Handi-Transit Time for Change

Michael Thompson1 Comment

Handi-Transit is critical to many people in our community and as a city it is our duty to provide sustainable, affordable, safe and accessible transportation systems for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the regular fixed-route transit system.

I have been going door-to-door for several months since announcing my candidacy for City Council because I want to make a positive difference for the citizens in the Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry.  I have consistently heard concerns about service issues with Handi-Transit.

I will work hard to implement the following changes to Handi-Transit:

  • Allow 311 Services to take phone call complaints regarding service quality
  • Remove the policy of automatic “No Show” fines and auto charging for missed rides
  • Improve training requirements for drivers in regards to disability awareness.
  • Grant permanent rider status and change the 3 year reassessment timeline to 7-10 years.
  • Increase the geographical service boundaries to just beyond the city perimeter to enable riders to make common destinations. Example sledge hockey at the Iceplex
  • Expand eligibility criteria to recognize the changes in our aging population and to comply with the Accessibility for Manitobans Act
  • Allow Handi-Transit vehicles to use transit lanes in the same way that Taxi Cabs do
  • Create a mechanism for filing and tracking complaints against drivers which leads to action in order to hold Handi-Transit accountable for poor service

The Manitoba Ombudsman is preparing a report on the service and issues facing Handi-Transit.  I support releasing this report to the community and publicly acknowledging that the system requires major work.  Dependent upon the findings of the report, one of the recommendations may be the consideration of bringing the driver system back in house so that it is employed and serviced by the City of Winnipeg.  I would respect the recommendations outlined in the Manitoba Ombudsman report in order to achieve a Handi-Transit system that is able to provide sustainable, affordable, safe and accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the regular transit system.

If comparing Handi-Transit systems across Canada, Winnipeg’s Handi-Transit would rate last or next to last.  People deserve dignity and a system that helps them stay connected to their community through their employment, education, health appointments and special occasions with family such as Thanksgiving meals or weddings.

For further information please contact candidate Michael Thompson at 204-272-9555 or Shelley Ireland, Media Relations at 204-272-9555 ext 3.