Winnipeg Transit said service to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers game on Thursday will be reduced.
In a tweet, it says this is because of a “higher than normal number of bus operator absences” on the day of the season home opener.
The warning comes the same day the transit union said bus drivers wouldn’t be enforcing or informing riders to pay fares, after it rejected a second contract offer from the city.
The City of Winnipeg told CTV News seven bus operators called in sick, that the service is doing its best to supplement and it is using more articulated buses to minimize impact.
Meantime, the Amalgamated Transit Union said it has been told that Winnipeg Transit is properly funded and staffed, but if this isn’t the case, it should make an appeal to council for additional funding.
“Operators wait daily on report and spareboard waiting to be assigned for work, so we're unclear why this is happening,” said a statement issued Thursday afternoon.
“Unfortunately, Transit hasn't reached out to the ATU or the Blue Bombers at this point.”
Winnipeg Transit said the reduction in service could also affect those who ride the routes that run to the University of Manitoba. The city said the warning is not meant to be alarmist but it wants people to be informed in case of delays.
