Pandemic delays low-income bus pass, may lead to service reductions

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This article was published 02/04/2020 (1483 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Transit is delaying the introduction of its low-income bus pass and may also claw back weekday bus service, as the city copes with pandemic-related closures and financial losses.

In an online update, Transit announced the long-awaited pass has been “put on hold.” It was slated to start offering a discount to low-income riders by May 1.

“With (multiple) Winnipeg Transit customer service centres closed and (social) distancing measures in place, it would not have been feasible to implement the new program at the current time,” the update states.

Transit said it will begin accepting applicants for the low-income pass on May 1 but won’t start the program until the service centres reopen. At this point, there’s no set timeline for that to occur.

Anti-poverty advocates say the delay will hurt low-income Winnipeggers, some of whom provide essential health-care, grocery store and retail services.

Josh Brandon, a community animator with the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, urged Transit to stop collecting fares altogether to support low-income riders, while also reducing the need for close interaction between drivers and customers during the pandemic.

“It’s understandable that they’re rethinking (Transit)… given the crisis that we’re facing. But at the same time, if it is unsafe for workers in (service centres), it’s equally unsafe for Transit drivers (to take fares),” said Brandon.

The pass was expected to initially offer a 30 per cent discount from the regular adult monthly fare of $102.05 for eligible riders. That would grow to a 40 per cent discount in May 2021 and reach 50 per cent in May 2022.

Mayor Brian Bowman said he still supports the pass and hopes the delay is short.

“Obviously, we want to see as little disruption as possible for its implementation,” he said.

The postponed pass launch may not be the only Transit service being changed.

Jason Shaw, Winnipeg’s assistant chief of emergency management, said Transit officials are exploring a potential switch to “enhanced Saturday service” on weekdays.

“Transit ridership has decreased significantly over the past few weeks. We continue to ensure that riders have enough room on the bus to ensure appropriate social distancing,” said Shaw. “We also need to prepare for any constraints that we may experience during the current COVID-19 crisis.”

Coun. Scott Gillingham (St. James) previously estimated Transit ridership has dropped to between 10 and 20 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

The city said the Saturday service option would reduce the frequency of weekday buses, with some service added to feeder routes. Additional trips could also be added on some major routes, however, to avoid overcrowding.

Shaw said there’s “no talk of layoffs” for Transit drivers and mechanics, should the service cuts be pursued.

“There’s nothing that I’ve been made aware of in the near future,” he said.

Meanwhile, the city will also close its skywalk and underground walkway system.

“The entire walkway system, along with the underground concourse at Portage and Main, will be temporarily closed, as of (Friday) evening, to all members of the public as a precaution of public health and safety,” said Felicia Wiltshire, the city’s communications director, in an emailed statement.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga