Mayor Brian Bowman says that Winnipeg Transit may be facing a loss of 120 drivers, elimination of 59 bus routes and a fare increase of 25 cents because of a $10 million shortfall after the Manitoba government cancelled an agreement to fund 50% of transit’s operating costs.

“Ten million dollars is a lot of money,” said Mayor Bowman. “As the City finalizes its preliminary 2018 budget, we are grappling with ways to address the significant budget gap the provincial decision has caused. There is no doubt that it’s going to negatively impact transit users.”

Bowman says that because of the elimination of the Building Manitoba Fund earlier this year it is a challenge for the city to achieve a balanced budget which it is required to do under the City of Winnipeg Act.

[jaw_quote author=”Mayor Brian Bowman – City of Winnipeg” ]We cannot create an effective long-term capital plan without knowing with certainty the level of funding from the Province of Manitoba.[/jaw_quote][jaw_clear]

The mayor is hoping the province will outline long-term capital funding for the city in the next provincial budget.

“I do want to stress that the City of Winnipeg remains fully committed to meeting its legislated requirement to table a preliminary budget that is balanced,” said Mayor Bowman. “I know there is only one taxpayer. It is my hope the 2018 provincial budget can strengthen the partnership between the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba, allowing us to effectively serve our citizens now and in the years ahead.”

-News 4-

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