WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Improving public transportation, restoring removed bus stops and securing additional funding are among the major priorities facing Winnipeg’s newly elected city councillors as they prepare to take office.
Following the October 28, 2026, municipal election, nine new councillors are preparing to join city council, bringing fresh perspectives to discussions about public transportation and other municipal services.
Several incoming councillors have identified Winnipeg Transit as an area requiring attention, particularly following changes to the city’s bus network that left some residents with fewer convenient stops and limited access to certain services.
Their priorities include improving route accessibility, increasing service reliability, restoring important stops and working with the provincial and federal governments to secure additional financial support.
New Councillors Want Better Transit Access
Ray DuBois, the councillor-elect for St. Norbert-Seine River, identified improving public transportation as one of his main priorities.
DuBois said he intends to consult residents to understand the challenges they experience when using the city’s transit system. He acknowledged that he is new to municipal politics but said he plans to push for improvements and determine what authority councillors can use to address residents’ concerns.
Other incoming councillors have also highlighted the need to make transit more accessible and responsive to neighbourhood requirements.
The concerns come after Winnipeg introduced a redesigned transit network in June 2025, changing routes and reducing the number of bus stops across the city. While the overhaul was intended to create a more efficient system, some passengers have raised concerns about longer walking distances and reduced access to convenient stops.
Funding Remains a Major Challenge
Securing additional funding is another important issue for councillors seeking improvements to Winnipeg Transit.
The incoming council will need to consider how the city can increase transit investment while managing competing demands on its budget.
Some municipal candidates have called for the restoration of the former provincial 50-50 transit funding arrangement, under which the Manitoba government matched municipal contributions to public transportation.
The funding arrangement was discontinued in 2017, and advocates have continued calling for greater provincial involvement in supporting transit operations.
Restoring matching funding could help Winnipeg increase service levels and strengthen its ability to access federal infrastructure funding. However, any renewed agreement would require cooperation between the provincial and municipal governments.
Housing and Homelessness Also Feature on Council’s Agenda
Transit is not the only issue attracting attention from Winnipeg’s newly elected representatives.
Jeff Palmer, elected in Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry, said he wants the city to have a stronger voice in housing and homelessness strategies.
He plans to encourage discussions with provincial and federal officials to improve coordination between different levels of government.
Palmer said housing and homelessness are important concerns for residents throughout his ward and believes the city can make progress by working more closely with its partners.
His comments reflect broader expectations facing the incoming council, as residents look for improvements in housing affordability, public safety and access to essential services.
Residents Expect Better Communication
Lora Meseman, the incoming councillor for Transcona, has also emphasized the importance of communication and accountability.
She plans to organize a community forum within her first 30 days in office to meet residents and hear directly about their concerns.
Meseman said many residents want councillors who respond to telephone calls and emails, remain accessible and provide updates about issues affecting their neighbourhoods.
Her approach highlights the importance of maintaining regular communication between elected representatives and the people they serve.
For residents, effective representation involves more than making campaign promises. They also expect councillors to follow up on complaints, explain decisions and provide updates on municipal projects.
Winnipeg Transit Faces Pressure to Improve Service
The City of Winnipeg’s Transit Master Plan identifies continued service development, improved route frequency and expanded service hours as important parts of the system’s long-term development.
However, the city says further service improvements will depend on available funding and approval from council.
Infrastructure projects, including downtown rapid transit corridors, are also part of the city’s longer-term plans, with design and public engagement continuing through 2028.
The new councillors will therefore face decisions about balancing immediate passenger concerns with longer-term investments in public transportation.
New Council Faces Expectations for Change
With more than half of Winnipeg’s councillors expected to be new faces when the next council meeting takes place, the incoming representatives will have an opportunity to influence the city’s priorities.
Restoring bus stops, improving service reliability, securing additional funding and strengthening communication with residents are among the issues they have identified.
As the new council begins its work, residents will be watching to see how these commitments translate into practical improvements.
For Winnipeg Transit users, the immediate expectation is a system that provides reliable connections, convenient access to bus stops and service that reflects the needs of communities across the city.
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