Mayor Extends Transit Windsor Suspension Until May

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Mayor Drew Dilkens has extended the suspension of Transit Windsor operation until at least May 1st.

The Mayor announced the extension Thursday afternoon with an order under the authority of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

The City of Windsor says the original order was set to expire on Sunday, April 12th. They say Transit Windsor was asked to evaluate the prospect of a return to service in the near term and prepared a memo to inform the Mayor’s decision.

Officials say when considering the local circumstances, observations from other transit operators across the province and the significant public health risks to both riders and drivers, Transit Windsor leadership recommended the continued suspension of service.

“This isn’t a decision that anyone wants to make,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “This is a decision we had to take to help flatten the pandemic’s curve in our community and save lives in the City of Windsor.”

Windsor City Council has already approved a one-time payment for individuals who purchased a Transit Windsor pass between February 19th, 2020 and March 19th, 2020 or held a monthly pass valid for the period between February 19th, 2020 and March 19th, 2020.

Officials say subject to verification, the one-time payment will be processed across three broad categories:

• The City of Windsor provides over 2,500 passes to low-income and vulnerable individuals who receive a bus pass as part of their social assistance program. These individuals will not need to apply and will receive a $75 payment.
• Regular pass holders (Adult, Student and Senior) will need to apply for a payment on-line to be eligible for a $50 amount.
• University of Windsor students who currently hold an eligible Transit UPass will need to apply on-line to receive a $25 amount.

Full details on how to apply and more can be found at www.transitwindsor.ca.

“I know this is a decision that will cause some anxiety within our community, especially for those who rely on Transit Windsor to get around town,” says Dilkens. “We are doing our best to coordinate with community groups, such as the United Way and others, to make sure that everyone can get the support and assistance required at this time.”

“At the end of the day, this is about trying to reduce the community transmission to save lives in our community,” he said.