The same Manitoba government that pulled funding for northern highway busing now says it will commission a study that could restore the service, though it’s not clear to what extent.
Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced the study this week, more than three years after his government ended a subsidy for Greyhound that led to a downscaled bus schedule in northern Manitoba.
“We are committed to finding a solution to the lack of bus service in the province that will create government efficiencies and provide public transportation,” Ashton said in a news release. “This study will give us help from an independent expert to suggest how to develop an efficient service that reduces government travel costs while restoring service for the public.”
The release said the province spends significant dollars on travel and that by contracting a bus service to meet those demands, the government would also make public bus service available in communities where the service is lacking, particularly in the North.
Ashton said this would also address service reductions made by commercial carriers over the last few years.
Consultation with government departments to determine their needs, as well as public consultations, will take place before the province issues a request for proposals for an intercity bus services contract, he said.
By designing the bus service to meet the needs of government workers and the potential travelling public, the province said it would be able to bring the service to fruition using funds already allocated for government travel.
If the concept proves successful and ridership is increased, the initiative has the potential to reduce government costs, Ashton said.
“Today we are starting the process to bring this initiative closer to reality,” he added. “The consultant will look at the particulars of potential routes, schedules, drop-off and pickup locations, parcel express service and all other elements that are necessary to determine precisely what will be contracted out to carriers. The goal is to offer public transportation that is fully accessible and is cost-neutral.”
With files from a Government of Manitoba news release
