Transit by-law adds police cadets to Winnipeg buses

Some Winnipeg Transit routes will now have police cadets on board.

The change comes as part of a new transit by-law approved by city council Wednesday afternoon.

The new by-law has extensive provisions for conduct on buses, fines for not paying fares and a provision that calls for two police cadets added to the Winnipeg Police Service specifically to ride troublesome routes with drivers.

Driver James Van Gerwen said the changes are long overdue. 

“At the way it’s going, it’s not going to be long before people are shot and stabbed on the bus on a regular basis,” he said.

So far this year, there have been 18 assaults on Winnipeg Transit drivers.

Transit driver Tim Stones said he has been assaulted three times while at work.

“I have been punched in the face. I’ve had my sunglasses taken off and smashed on the windshield,” said Stones.

The Winnipeg Labour Council said they believe the cadet presence on buses will help curb violence.

“If someone sees a police officer or security figure, they are more likely to behave accordingly,” said David Sauer, the council’s president. “We do see this as a positive step.”

City council reviewed the new by-law Wednesday afternoon and voted to approve it.