July 7, 2022
Manitoba Government Announces Investment of Almost $170 Million to Improve Winnipeg's Public Transit System
– – –New Infrastructure Projects Will Improve Capacity, Efficiency and Safety, Support Electrification of Transit System: Premier
Watch news conference
The Manitoba government is investing nearly $170 million to improve and modernize Winnipeg’s public transit system in partnership with the Government of Canada and the City of Winnipeg, Premier Heather Stefanson and Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Reg Helwer announced today.
“These significant and strategic infrastructure projects will help to reduce our carbon footprint while also promoting job growth and opportunities for Manitoba businesses,” said Stefanson. “Our government is keen to collaborate with all levels of government to advance key infrastructure projects that will improve the quality of life, create jobs, and build a cleaner, greener Manitoba. Today’s announcement is an example of what we can accomplish when we work together to support the growing needs of our communities. Manitoba’s significant investment in Winnipeg’s public transit system will benefit our economy and the environment today and well into the future.”
The premier noted that almost 40 per cent of Manitoba’s emissions come from transportation and said two of the projects will support the electrification of Winnipeg’s public transit system with the purchase of approximately 100 electric battery and electric fuel cell buses. In addition, 135 diesel buses will be added to Winnipeg Transit’s fleet to meet the growing demand for transit services. A separate project will see Winnipeg Transit’s 70-year-old North Garage replaced with a new LEED-certified energy-efficient bus storage and maintenance facility.
“Our government is committed to developing new approaches to promoting green transportation including innovation and economic development opportunities for clean technology in the transportation sector,” said Helwer. “These projects will benefit Manitoba’s post-pandemic economic recovery by supporting job creation and economic growth while promoting sustainability and enhancing public transit.”
Four other projects will improve the overall efficiency and accessibility of Winnipeg’s transit system including:
- redesigning the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan;
- a preliminary design for proposed downtown rapid transit corridors;
- replacing existing bus radio hardware and equipment with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology; and
- replacing 325 wheelchair securement devices on existing transit vehicles to ensure greater accessibility for all transit users.
The premier noted the projects are made possible through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), a partnership between the governments of Canada and Manitoba to make long-term infrastructure investments for the betterment of Manitoba and its communities. Through ICIP, Manitobans will see more than $3 billion over 10 years in combined federal, provincial and other partner investments.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $200 million, while the City of Winnipeg is contributing more than $135 million to the projects.
More information about the program is available at www.gov.mb.ca/fpir/strainfrasec/investing/index.html.
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