Transit to explore cultural greetings on buses

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This article was published 10/10/2023 (730 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Perhaps it’s a sign of the cultural times.

The City of Winnipeg is considering using electronic signs on Winnipeg Transit buses to mark major holidays through cultural greetings — not just bus route numbers and destinations.

On Tuesday, council’s public works committee voted to order a report on displaying “appropriate cultural greetings” on the signs for major holidays and festivals, such as Diwali, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanzaa and Ukrainian Christmas. The motion suggested starting with “Happy Diwali” on Nov. 12, though the committee decided to consider all potential messages at once.

The head of the union that represents Winnipeg Transit drivers said sharing such messages could make buses more inviting to all residents and raise morale among Transit’s diverse staff.

“Embracing and recognizing the important cultural events, like Diwali, sends a powerful message that we value and respect the traditions and reinforces the idea that our city is a welcoming place for people from all walks of life, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds,” said Chris Scott, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505.

Scott said some transit systems already share cultural greetings.

The committee directed city staff to report on the idea, amid some concern the change could come with a risk of unintentionally leaving out some cultural celebrations.

“I love the concept, but when you look at the practicality and the reality of making it happen without wanting to offend anyone … I don’t know where to begin and where to end,” said Coun. Janice Lukes, council’s public works chairwoman.

Following the vote, Lukes said she’s hopeful other cities could share expertise on how to make the change without excluding anyone.

Winnipeg Transit has to date not acknowledged religious holidays on its signs. The displays have shared the messages “Go Jets go!,” “Go Bombers go!,” “Grey Cup Champs” (for the Blue Bombers) and “Lest We Forget” (on Remembrance Day). They’ve also been used at times to remind riders to wear masks, to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to acknowledge Transit employee appreciation day.

Staff said any changes must still allow for clear display of route number and destination to help riders choose the correct bus to board.

Priyanka Singh, president of the India Association of Manitoba, said the displays would be a “really nice gesture” in a city as diverse as Winnipeg.

“The community would welcome it,” she said.

Singh believes the messages would help to raise awareness about certain holidays, and possibly encourage Winnipeggers to learn more about them.

The city must ensure it doesn’t miss any significant holidays while acknowledging others, she said, because people may feel left out.

It must also ensure holiday names are spelled correctly, said Singh.

“I’m sure (they will do) their due diligence and research, so that nothing is missed,” she said.

Meanwhile, the public works committee also opted to pursue new powers to ensure city bylaw fines get paid. If council approves, the city will seek provincial clearance to ensure driver’s licences and vehicle registrations can be denied for people with outstanding fines.

The city would also ask the province for permission to add any of its bylaw fines to property-tax bills. City officials said that wouldn’t mean all fines are actually enforced through both methods.

Lukes said the crackdown is necessary as the city awaits payment on $12 million worth of outstanding bylaw tickets, including $8 million from parking offences alone.

“The bottom line is we really, really hope the province will support this, because this is a lot of outstanding money and we just don’t have enough tools in our tool kit to get people to pay,” she said after the vote.

City staff will also study the hotly debated idea of posting speed limits for bikes, electric bikes, scooters and other devices on active transportation routes.

Coun. Shawn Dobson successfully lobbied the public works committee to explore the idea, which he hopes would better protect pedestrians.

“I encourage everyone on this committee to have our department report back with options for speed limits to make our paths safe for everyone,” said Dobson.

Some critics have questioned whether it would be feasible for the city to enforce such a rule.

— with files from Chris Kitching

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga