Pilot project for On-Request transit service coming to these Winnipeg neighbourhoods
Winnipeg Transit is launching a pilot project for an On-Request transit service.
The City of Winnipeg announced the new initiative on Wednesday, saying the service will use trip-planning software and GPS technology to plan bus routes and respond quickly to passengers.
“With the challenges Winnipeg Transit has faced during the pandemic, On-Request transit was seen as a way to make Winnipeg Transit more efficient, while also improving rider experience by focusing on the needs of those who need to get from Point A to Point B,” said Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman at a news conference on Wednesday.
The pilot project, which is set to be launched on Aug. 12, will be available for passengers in three zones that are serviced using dial-a-ride-transit (DART). These areas are in south and southeast Winnipeg and include St. Amant – Plaza Drive; Southdale – Island Lakes; and St. Boniface.
The city noted that On-Request service will replace DART in these areas.
Passengers will be able to book a ride with the On-Request Service through the Winnipeg Transit On-Request App, which is expected to be available by Aug. 6; using an online web browser; or by calling 311.
After booking their trip, passengers will receive walking directions to their pick-up location; the approximate time the bus will meet them at this location; where they will be dropped off; and walking directions to their final destination.
Several other Canadian cities, including Edmonton, Regina and Saskatoon, have also piloted or deployed the On-Request transit service.
“While the outcomes vary, the common theme that we see being observed is increased service efficiency and decreased wait times for riders,” Bowman said.
“This is a common theme as part of the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan, which is seeking to transform a transit system, initially designed for our grandparents, to one for us and our kids and the future.”
The pilot project costs $140,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.