In 2021, Winnipeg City Council approved the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan. It proposes changes and improvements to our service and infrastructure.
The plan is a 25-year vision for Winnipeg Transit.
We took our first major step in making this vision a reality in 2025. Now that our spine-and-feeder route network is in place, we can pursue next steps in the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan.
In other words, our work is far from over.
Next step: Getting started on rapid transit infrastructure
Rapid Transit infrastructure expansion is at the core of the system laid out in the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan. The proposed Rapid Transit network is comprised of six rapid transit corridors linked together to form three Rapid Transit lines that extend throughout the city.
In our current network, these lines operate as the BLUE, FX2, and FX3. Of those, only BLUE uses rapid transit infrastructure for a portion of the route. We propose building new rapid transit infrastructure on these lines, starting with the downtown portion as our top priority.
We have funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for Preliminary Design of Downtown Rapid Transit Corridors. This project is now underway.
What else we’re working on
Here’s a snapshot of WTMP recommendations we’re working on, short-term and long:
| Project | Service or Infrastructure? | Status | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Transit Network (Short-term network) design and implementation | Service | Complete | Launched in 2025 |
| Primary Transit Network Infrastructure | Infrastructure | Currently ongoing | Continuing through to 2027 |
| Design of Downtown Rapid Transit Corridors | Infrastructure | Currently ongoing | Design and engagement process continuing through to 2028 |
| Ongoing Service Development: expanding routes, service hours, improving frequency of routes, and refining the network | Service | Projects will proceed when funding is in place; subject to Council approval | Ongoing post Primary Transit Network launch |
| Winnipeg Transit Plus Transition to Family of Services Model | Service | Project is upcoming. Groundwork is being laid with Primary Transit Network infrastructure to improve stop accessibility, the wheelchair retrofit project, etc. Transit Plus is working on updating policies to expand eligibility, enhance service and transportation options for customers. | Timeline TBD |
| Construction of Downtown Rapid Transit Corridors | Infrastructure | Projects will proceed when funding is in place; subject to Council approval | Timeline TBD |
| Ongoing Rapid Transit Expansion design and construction, phased from downtown outwards | Infrastructure | Projects will proceed when funding is in place; subject to Council approval | Timeline TBD – 10+ years in future |
How we got here
The Winnipeg Transit Master Plan was developed between late 2018 and 2021. It was informed by travel pattern data and three rounds of public engagement. Engagement began with an open discussion about what was needed to improve transit. Participants were also asked if the network should be maintained and improved or replaced by a modern one.
In the next round of engagement, participants weighed in on the first draft of a new network. Almost 75% of participants surveyed supported the proposed network concept.
Round two also included engagement with Transit Plus users on how to modernize the paratransit system.
During the third round of engagement, the second draft of the route network was presented. Participants were also shown a long term and a short term network plan.
- Winnipeg Transit Master Plan Phase 1 Engagement Summary
- Winnipeg Transit Master Plan Phase 2 Engagement Summary
- Winnipeg Transit Master Plan Phase 3 Engagement Summary
In early 2021, the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan went before Council and was approved, along with a: