City takes next step towards purchase of Transit shields

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This article was published 07/01/2019 (2133 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Driver safety shields could be installed throughout the entire Winnipeg Transit fleet within 18 months.

Councillors on the public works committee voted 3-1 Tuesday to dip into Transit’s 2018 surplus to finance the expected $3.1-million cost of the initiative.

“It’s embarrassing that it’s taken this long to get to this point where we are ready to move forward. I just think the safety of our employees is paramount,” Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan), who moved the motion, told the committee.

“When we come to work, we have all sorts of safety precautions here at city hall. I think we should give at least reasonable safety measures for the people who are operating our Transit buses,” he said, referencing the on-the-job stabbing death of bus driver Irvine Jubal Fraser in February 2017.

Joining Browaty in support of the motion were Couns. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) and Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan).

The proposal next goes to city council for approval.

Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface) voted against the proposal, arguing he would prefer the purchase be considered as part of the 2019 budget review process.

However, Browaty said by using Transit’s surplus — expected to be almost $12.8 million — the purchase can be approved by council this month, which would avoid the issue potentially being tied up in the budget debate not expected until at least late February.

Transit director Greg Ewankiw had told the committee he preferred the purchase and installation of shields be phased in over three years — explaining while he believes it can be done in 18 months, a three-year period was the average experienced by other transit authorities installing such staff protection.

Before the vote, the small committee room in the council chambers building was filled to overflowing with dozens of Transit drivers, along with members from other labour groups there to show support, including: Canadian Union of Public Employees, Unifor, Winnipeg Association of Public Service Officers, Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union, and Winnipeg Labour Council.

Aleem Chaudhary, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505, which represents Transit drivers, agreed it has taken city hall far too long to respond to the slaying of Fraser.

“It is about time, and council has to move forward,” he said.

On other transit issues, the committee endorsed a Transit proposal to study how best to electrify the fleet by first determining the cost of buying 12 to 20 electric buses. There is no timetable for any such purchase.

The proposal for a low-income bus pass is also part of Transit’s planning process, also with no specific timetable. Transit staff said they were developing a consultation process, and still determining the stakeholders who should be invited to join consultations.

City administration was also directed to prepare a report in 120 days examining options and costs for providing free transit to children 12 years and younger.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca