Winnipeg Transit is proposing a supposedly faster and more reliable service model with the opening of Southwest Transitway Stage Two.

Winnipeg Transit says a spine-and-feeder network will provide frequent, faster, and more reliable transit service in southwest Winnipeg.

The CIty says they hope to, "Offer passengers more freedom and flexibility in their travel."

Part of Transit's proposal includes the “BLUE Line,” a new route that will run along the entire length of the Southwest Transitway and connect Downtown with the University of Manitoba and St. Norbert. The BLUE Line will form the “spine” of the network, while the neighbourhood routes in southwest Winnipeg will form the “feeders.”

The City explains, "The 'feeder routes' from the various neighbourhoods in southwest Winnipeg feed into the BLUE Line and Pembina Highway at stations or major stops. Passengers will catch their neighbourhood feeder bus, take it to a BLUE Line station, and transfer to a BLUE Line bus, instead of waiting for one specific bus."

Transit hopes the feeder routes will stay on schedule by avoiding congestion Downtown. Passengers could hope to expect an average of two to three minute wait times for transfers from feeder routes to the BLUE Line.

"Nearly all connections will be made at stations or major stops with heated shelters and passenger information displays at stations will be upgraded," says the City.

Winnipeg Transit undertook extensive public and stakeholder engagement earlier this year and received much positive feedback. We also received constructive feedback on particular routes, which was used to make improvements to the proposed service plan.

The Southwest Transitway Stage Two was completed in October of this year. After a period of testing, commissioning, and training it, it will open for service in April 2020. It adds 7.6 kilometres to the Southwest Transitway, bringing the total length of dedicated transitway to 11.2 kilometres.