Winnipeg Transit plans to restore regular service Dec. 20

Winnipeg Transit says it aims to restore its regular schedule on Dec. 20, over three months after it abruptly scaled back service because of a bus shortage.

Meanwhile, the city is holding back funds to buy new buses until the mechanical problems are solved.

Transit service was reduced on numerous routes in early September due to a bus maintenance backlog that was taking longer than expected to clear, caused by a problem with the emissions control systems in some of the buses.

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When the changes were announced, officials said the reduced schedule would remain in effect until December at the earliest.

Transit director Dave Wardrop told council's public works committee on Tuesday that the mechanical issues have "stabilized," and he hopes to resume a regular schedule next month.

The city has been working with engine manufacturer Cummins for months, and some repair work has resulted in some affected buses returning to service, Wardrop said.

However, he acknowledged that the emission problems continue to plague at least 60 buses. As well, he said it's not clear whether the current solution is what's required for the long term.

The issue affecting Winnipeg buses have also hit other cities, so municipalities are working together to find a long-term solution, he added.

Long-term ridership effects 'very concerning'

St. Norbert Coun. Janice Lukes, who chairs the committee, said she's worried the current problems may affect long-term transit ridership.

"It's very concerning. It's very upsetting," she said after the meeting.

"I mean, the city's growing and growing and really, more buses on the road and the less cars on the road is a lot better for the sustainability perspective in many, many avenues."

The city has money in the budget for new buses, but they're waiting until the emissions problem has been resolved, Lukes said.

"We are waiting to try and solve this problem," Lukes told reporters Tuesday morning.

The city is still taking possession of buses with the faulty emission system that were ordered in the previous budget year.

Officials have been looking at buying older buses from other cities that don't have the emission control system that's been causing problems for Winnipeg Transit, Wardrop said.