According to the City of Winnipeg’s recent preliminary budget, the first goal of having a public transit system is to provide “mobility to those who do not or choose not to use other modes [of transportation]” (p. 12). Aside from the very limited objective of “providing mobility”, there is something a little derisive about designating bus riders as a stubborn remainder, who for some reason, “choose” to not use a car.  We are described as Luddites who should get with the program, but until we do, the City will provide us with some bare mobility options.

The statistics on bus service reinforce the City’s low view of bus riders.  The number of buses on the road has not increased since 2005.  There are no new bus drivers planned for transit in 2009.   In other words, riders can expect the same level of service next year as we have seen in the past. If Manitoba is to be a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and a partner in the Western Climate Initiative (whose work plan was released last week), then bus service needs to improve dramatically.  Riders do not only need to get downtown between 9 am and 5 pm, they need a comprehensive system than links all neighbourhoods of the city throughout the day and night.

In some other cities, notably in Los Angeles and Vancouver, Bus Rider Unions have been organized to fight for better service and social justice.  Winnipeg could use this idea.  We might call it a Coalition of the Unwilling.