Let’s have the transit system we deserve

As a resident of Brandon and a worker, I read the article and opinion piece on 50-50 funding in Tuesday’s Brandon Sun, and I was struck and angered at our provincial government. Our public transit systems in Brandon and across Manitoba are being expected to do more and more with less and less supports. Our systems are buckling under the weight of this underfunding, yet we are seeing record use of the service right here in Brandon. This is an essential service that the working people and students of Brandon use every day to get to work and school.

I had the privilege of attending the rally in Winnipeg mentioned in the article, where I spoke alongside Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505 president James Van Gerwen at the climate action rally and campaign kickoff. Workers, advocates, and community members at the rally loudly and enthusiastically supported the call to return to 50-50 funding for transit. I attended the rally to ensure that the legislature and those attending would know that this isn’t just a “Winnipeg issue” — it is a Brandon issue, a worker’s issue and a Manitoban issue.

Workers are trying to get to their shifts on time and get home at a reasonable time afterward. Seniors are trying to reach medical appointments without paying for expensive cab rides. Students are trying to get to class. Families are trying to keep transportation affordable during our current inflationary crisis.

But since 2017, when the previous government dismantled the 50-50 funding agreement with Brandon, we’ve watched our transit infrastructure start to erode. Our city councillors are forced to raise property taxes just to keep our core services alive. We shouldn’t have to choose between fixing a pothole on Victoria Avenue and making sure a health-care worker or a grocery worker can get to their shift on time on our transit system.

Yes, we see the current government’s $10-million commitment for youth transit, and it is a great start and a bold move.

However, free transit doesn’t work and won’t build a generation of transit users if the bus doesn’t get our youth where they need or want to be.

The call at the 50-50 campaign kickoff was simple: it is a call on Premier Wab Kinew and our own Brandon East MLA, Glen Simard, to reinstate what has been called the “gold standard,” restore the partnership between cities and the province, and bring back 50-50 transit funding. This would move us beyond the current ineffective “basket funding,” which lacks accountability and transparency. It would provide the long-term, stable and predictable funding necessary to expand our service and ensure our transit system works for those who need it most.

It is time for the workers of Manitoba to have the transit system they deserve.

KIRK CARR, president

Brandon and District Labour Council