Winnipeg | Transit | Rapid Transit

[cheswick]

Originally Posted by pegster

Two relevant transit things today:

Probe Research, on behalf of the Downtown BIZ, released the results of a survey concerning the effects of the transit changes on downtown: https://downtownwinnipegbiz.com/wp-c...EB_FEB2026.pdf

The survey had a large sample size (n=1,395), and while not a random sample (it was voluntary, I was one of the survey respondents), the results are pretty damning:



Another important news item (and perhaps not unrelated to the one above): Transit is proposing some significant changes this spring, including adding more busses on many routes, splitting up the D16 into two routes, and rerouting the D19 in downtown to get closer to certain locations, like the Winnipeg Clinic: https://www.winnipeg.ca/news/2026-02...changes-summer

The results are pretty meaningless when its not a randomly sampled survey. Those angry with the service may be more likely to respond. Also wasn't the whole point to change it from a downtown based system to one where getting around the other parts of the city was more convenient? Asking specifically for downtown users is skewing it already. From the report: This self-selecting survey is not representative of a random selection of Winnipeg adults, so no margin of error can be ascribed. Nor is it representative of transit users.



As for the upcoming changes, thats the benefit of the new system. It allows for easier changes to routes and tweaks which weren't possible under the old system. I've been a transit user for decades, personally think the new system is fine. Personally don't have much sympathy for people complaining about having to walk another block or two cause of changes of stops. The old system was ridiculous with its stop spacing.

[bomberjet]

The findings of that survey are exactly the case I'm in. I have not bused downtown now in a month or two. I drive.. As for the non-random survey. Ya those percentages are somewhat meaningless.

As for the route adjustments. That is exactly what needs to happen. But the City should have been better in telling the public "listen, we will NEED to make adjustments as we gather data. Please be patient, provide feedback, etc." I don't think they quite hit that message home enough.

There's a report before committee on public works I think talking about this and other things being considered.

[bomberjet]

In other news. Downtown Corridors study is being awarded. Work to start soon. Our team was not selected to complete the work. Boo.

[Authentic_City]

Re: the BIZ Survey. The methodology, more than the results, is damning. The BIZ was responsible for recruiting participants through member lists and social media, so the results clearly reflect a selection bias. I'm sure lots of people are unhappy, but the results aren't generalizable -- it says so clearly in the methodology. It's totally meaningless to say 9 out of 10 riders are unsatisfied due to the non-random sample.

I take transit downtown regularly and I never had an opportunity to participate in the survey. And my experience is the same or better than before the changes. Shame on the BIZ for this nonsense.

[Kresimir]

Originally Posted by bomberjet

In other news. Downtown Corridors study is being awarded. Work to start soon. Our team was not selected to complete the work. Boo.

Is there anything about this online? Like a public copy of the RFP/RFQ or something?

Edit: Nevermind I found the RFP. Not due for submission until June 2028. why didnt we start this in 2020 again? And why so long for a cost estimate, Christ.

[cllew]

Winnipeg Transit has released its upcoming April 12 changes

https://www.winnipeg.ca/people-cultu...coming-transit

[bon_vivant]

Originally Posted by Kresimir

And why so long for a cost estimate, Christ.

Let's study that!