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This article was published 20/1/2015 (2069 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Last year's municipal election accommodated a healthy discussion about public transit. Many people voiced the opinion at town halls and public debates that efficient, frequent and affordable transportation creates a vibrant city and is necessary if we are to take climate change seriously. An efficient transit system is seen as the key to connecting communities, but the ability of past city administrations to expand services to keep pace with urban sprawl is wanting. There are high expectations our new mayor and council will finally bring Winnipeg's transit system into the 21st century.

Since 1970, Winnipeg's area has expanded by 80 per cent. During the past 25 years, its population has grown by more than 105,000 -- about 15 per cent more. This means more people need to travel greater distances.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES The bus fleet has seen a net increase of 10 vehicles during 25 years - only 10, representing a two per cent change. That's hardly enough to accommodate a city that's significantly larger.

How has Winnipeg Transit responded to these demands?

Not very well. The bus fleet has seen a net increase of 10 vehicles during 25 years - only 10, representing a two per cent change. That's hardly enough to accommodate a city that's significantly larger.

Inter-city comparisons provide some more reference for how well Winnipeg's transit system serves us. Winnipeg has 570 buses. Edmonton has 942; Calgary 989; and Ottawa 936. These cities are somewhat larger than Winnipeg, but all have some form of light-rail transit (LRT) to support the bus fleet.

West central Winnipeg, the North End and the growing suburban south communities are being populated by newcomers and aging persons who either prefer public transit or cannot afford to own their own vehicles. But poor service in non-peak hours and safety concerns are preventing some from using transit, and the same conditions help keep thousands of Winnipeggers in their cars when they could be taking the bus.

While it is important to finish the south leg of rapid transit as soon as possible, at the same time we have to recognize this improvement is not going to help the many living in other parts of the city who rely on transit to get to work and school, go shopping and attend appointments.

Winnipeg Transit employees are certainly doing their part. They do an admirable job considering the lack of resources.

In 2014, Winnipeg Transit was recognized by the Ontario Municipal Benchmarking Initiative as the top transit system in Canada - and for good reason. The total cost to operate a bus-per-hour in Winnipeg is the second lowest of 12 major cities, and Winnipeg's revenue-to-cost ratio is the highest of the same 12 cities, at 60 per cent. In other words, Winnipeg makes more revenue from fares to cover operating costs than in all the other cities.

Imagine what kind of a public transit system we could have if we provided our hardworking transit employees with the same resources other cities provide theirs. Now imagine how that sort of public transit system could transform Winnipeg.

The city should concentrate on four core service improvements.

First, increase the bus fleet by a minimum of 200. This will reduce the number of over-packed buses during rush hour and allow for more buses on feeder routes.

Second, increase the number of buses in service during off-peak hours to accommodate those who rely on public transit for shift work, getting to recreation facilities or appointments, shopping or visiting family and friends.

Third, increase security measures for passengers and operators.

Finally, make a low-income bus pass, similar to the one offered in Calgary, available to Winnipeggers.

Winnipeg Transit has to improve service. It must meet the needs of those who rely on public transit -- seniors, low-income people, youth and persons with disabilities who cannot drive.

It also has to get people out of their cars and into city buses. Each of us has a responsibility to deal with climate change and the high cost of urban sprawl, but we need efficient publicly funded services so we can do our part.

Let's hope our new city council is up to the challenge.

Lynne Fernandez is the Errol Black Chair in Labour Issues at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and Harry Paine is a member of Transportation Options Network for Seniors.