WINNIPEG - January 15, 2010 - Today, the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg announced that Winnipeg Transit projects funded under the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA), valued at $4.86 million, are complete, and “iBUS” technology is now installed on the Winnipeg Transit fleet. This technology uses GPS vehicle tracking technology to transmit real-time bus departure information via the Internet, Telebus, and electronic signs (iSTOP) currently being installed at major bus stops. This project is part of a comprehensive Transit Improvement Program approved by City Council in 2006 (including new buses, improved waiting areas at major stops and terminals, on-street transit priority measures, new park and ride facilities, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology) to improve the speed, reliability, comfort, and convenience of transit service.

“The introduction of this new technology is a key to delivering a more reliable, safe and convenient service for transit customers,” said Mayor Sam Katz.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects that use innovative technologies to improve service to Canadians,” said Minister Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “The use of intelligent transportation system technology is helping to modernize Winnipeg’s transportation services, providing passengers with the best possible information and making it easier for them to use transit with confidence.”

“This technology will improve service for the growing number of Winnipeggers who choose transit,” said Manitoba Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux. “Riding the bus will become a more viable option with these improvements to service and will result in better performance and improved on-time bus arrivals.”

iBUS features include:

• Advanced on-board technologies (GPS-based Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and communications systems) that continuously monitor the location of each bus in relation to its schedule so that “real-time” bus departure information can be provided to passengers. Real-time information is now available via www.winnipegtransit.com for the NAVIGO trip planner and iSCHEDULE (route timetables and stop schedules) services, via Telebus, and via new electronic signs (iSTOP) being installed at major bus stops. New services, iTEXT and iMOBILE, will soon be introduced that provide real-time transit information via SMS on cell phones and via web applications on “smart” handheld devices.
• Automated ”Next Stop” displays and announcements.
• Security camera/audio system to improve safety for passengers and bus operators.

Signed in 2004 and now in its final year, the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA) has committed all of its funding. It has supported 245 projects with a total investment of $75 million. The WPA has funded projects that support downtown development; neighbourhoods; Aboriginal participation in Winnipeg’s economy; and economic development through technology and innovation. The funds announced today come from Component IV – Supporting Innovation and Technology.