Transit system overhaul, immigration policy reducing Winnipeg bus ridership Revenue drop projected to be significantly worse than predicted in 2026 budget By: Joyanne Pursaga Posted: 5:43 PM CDT Monday, Jun. 8, 2026

Winnipeg Transit warns it may earn $18.4 million less from rider fares this year than its budget calls for.

When the city’s 2026 budget was released, Transit estimated it would earn $97 million in fare revenue throughout this year. However, it also listed an “outstanding risk” that fares could fall $11.1 million lower due to a drop in ridership.

A finance update, based on figures up to the end of March, notes that risk has since increased.

“As of the first quarter, Transit is forecasting a reduction in revenues of $18.4 million,” the report notes.

City council’s finance chairman said the system overhaul last June, which changed virtually every Winnipeg Transit route, appears to have led some Winnipeggers to switch to other forms of transportation.

“For some who were regular bus riders, the new system is not as ideal as the (old one.) For a lot of people that the new system is better for, (many) haven’t necessarily tried Transit yet,” said Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan).

Browaty said old technology doesn’t help, which is why he’s seeking newer payment options on buses.

“I’m trying to push that to be replaced as soon as possible. Most cities now, you are able to use an Interac card or a credit card to pay for your fares,” he said.

“As of the first quarter, Transit is forecasting a reduction in revenues of $18.4 million.”

A city press release notes people who board buses without paying, as well as fewer international students and foreign workers (who tend to be frequent riders), are also key factors in the reduced-fare forecast.

Winnipeg Transit did not grant an interview request Monday.

In an email, the service noted ridership actually began to decline in late 2024 following federal immigration policy changes.

“This resulted in a drop in international students and temporary foreign workers living in Winnipeg. We know these demographics rely heavily on public transit. Transit systems across Canada have since experienced a decline in ridership,” spokesman Brandon Logan wrote.

Winnipeg Transit buses had an estimated 164,482 average weekday boardings on fixed routes throughout winter 2025-26, down 11.1 per cent from 185,038 the previous winter.

In winter 2018-19, the average was 196,352.

The numbers are estimates based on automatic passenger counters in a portion of the overall fleet and don’t count on-request rides.

Logan noted Transit has also made several scheduling changes since its new network was added, based on customer feedback. That includes extending some night-time service and adding trips on some main routes as well as some smaller community routes.

Still, the union representing Winnipeg Transit drivers blamed the network overhaul as a key reason why some former riders stopped taking the bus.

“We’re noticing it at the fare box. There’s a lot more people that are not riding the bus,” said Derek Hanley, vice-president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505.

“They… cut the weekend and night services back so drastically that they’re forcing people to use other modes of transportation.”

Hanley said many routes actually remain well-used, though on-request service sees less demand. Drivers have also spotted online complaints from people who said they waited 20 minutes for a bus, only to give up and book a ride-hailing service.

“They… cut the weekend and night services back so drastically that they’re forcing people to use other modes of transportation,” he said.

Hanley said community safety officers and a recently announced increased police presence on buses should help ensure more fares are paid, though efforts so far are just starting to make a difference.

“It’s making a dent but we need it to make a much bigger impact,” he said.

He said safety improvements are also desperately needed, as riders who witness driver assaults, or are harassed themselves, are more likely to switch to a different form of transportation.

Browaty said a new “Try Transit” ad campaign aims to help raise awareness of improvements to the city’s bus routes and, hopefully, attract more riders.

“The new primary transit network was a very ambitious relaunch of Transit services in Winnipeg. Basically, every route was touched. We’re getting a lot of positive feedback…. But there are some trips, some certain instances that are not as good in the new system. We’ve identified some of those shortcomings and we continue to make changes,” he said.

Overall, Winnipeg Transit expects to end 2026 with a $17.8-million shortfall, which also factors in rising fuel costs and higher Workers Compensation Board claims, offset by savings from vacant positions.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

X: @joyanne_pursaga