WINNIPEG WILL have its first park-and-ride bus stations by spring, despite the misgivings of Winnipeg Transit director Rick Borland.
The city's works and operations committee authorized $16,000 to establish two pilot projects at Main Street and Jefferson Avenue and Grant Avenue and Chalfont Road. "Be realistic. We're not going to get hordes of people gravitating to transit because of this," Borland warned the committee. "The potential is quite limited unless you have rapid transit." Transit riders can leave their cars free of charge in large parking lots, then take transit to their jobs.
Borland said other cities have had good success with park-and-ride if they have rapid transit systems. However, Calgary has found far less success with its lots when they serve buses rather than rapid light rail, he cautioned.
Coun. Harry Lazarenko (Mynarski) was furious that the Main-Jefferson lot was chosen and accused the committee of "picking on" his ward.
Shoppers don't want transit riders hogging their parking lot, Lazarenko said, although Borland said Transit has already been assured by stores at Main and Jefferson that they're happy to have a daily group of potential customers picking up items on their way home.
Lazarenko said the city is merely providing free parking for out-of-town commuters who should be paying downtown parking fees to work in Winnipeg.
Commuters will have nowhere to plug in their cars, he added.
Borland said the two sites are placed to ensure a wide suburban population will be served. "I'm only sorry there isn't one on Pembina Highway," said Coun. John Angus (St. Norbert).