TRANSIT UNION – OPERATIONAL FUNDING HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING
WINNIPEG, December 29, 2022 – The Manitoba Government announced it will release over $34 million over the next 2 years to reduce the deficit in transit operational funding – Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1505 welcomes the news, but it’s been a long time coming.
“Of course, we are happy about the funding coming in; it will help alleviate the current transit budget deficits caused by almost three years of pandemic restrictions and low-ridership.” Said Romeo Ignacio, President of ATU 1505. “This is what we have been advocating for since 2020 in addition to increased operational funding before COVID-19 hit.”
“Transit operations have been chronically underfunded for years; it was not caused by the pandemic, although it definitely made matters worse.” Continued Ignacio. “Transit’s 50/50 operational funding was frozen at the 2016 levels and resulted in the City’s inability to recruit and retain transit workers – as many left to pursue better opportunities elsewhere – thus affecting the City’s ability to provide adequate transit service.”
“Furthermore, the pandemic-related budget deficits have been incurred in the last three years, yet the funding is coming in over the next 2 years; we will be playing catch up hoping there will not be other inflationary factors that will result in further budget deficits. What happens after that?” Ignacio wondered.
“What we need is adequate, consistent, and guaranteed operational funding to expand and maintain a fleet capable of meeting increased demands for Public Transportation.” Said Ignacio. “Our passengers deserve it; our members deserve it.”
