Transit plan delayed due to lack of city support

A lack of support by Steinbach city council has hurt advocates of Link Transit, who say fundraising and grant opportunities are being lost as a result.

Link Transit issued a press release highlighting the new logo for the proposed transit service for Steinbach, a result of a local contest.

The winning entry, designed by Vorobiov Roman, features the familiar Main Street clock tower with an image of a transit van.

But with a mission of providing reliable and affordable transit services to the residents of Steinbach, the organization said they’re missing the bus when it comes to grant opportunities due to city inaction.

Link Transit first appeared before city council in May 2025, receiving what they describe as an enthusiastic response. They came back in June 2025 asking for support, at least in principle.

The city was pitched on a system that would include an on-demand model, operate four vehicles and offer rides at an estimated $2.50 per trip.

Created by the South East Equity Coalition, presenters at that time shared the results of community surveys that show the need is there for the growing city.

The plan would include pickup by phone or the app Blaise and would include designated neighbourhood stops planned to be near community mailboxes in residential areas.

City council expressed their interest in transit but in a letter from Mayor Earl Funk, their response was lukewarm.

“While council recognizes the importance of accessible transportation programming, there are significant concerns regarding the capital investment and ongoing operational expenses required to sustain such a service locally,” he wrote. “After thoughtful consideration, council reached a consensus that, at this time, the financial outlay required is too great and does not align with our current fiscal priorities. As a result, council will keep your proposal on file for consideration at a future time.”

Gay Boese, from the South East Equity Coalition, said they were asked to come up with a “scaled down version”.

A second proposal has been prepared, and Boese said they requested a time to present to council on June 1.

“The date given to us was not until Sept. 8,” she said.

Steinbach city council hosts monthly strategic priority committee meetings on the second Tuesday of each month with the exception of July and August.

Meanwhile the effects of the delay in support, even in principle, have led to missed opportunities.

“The lack of support from the city has limited our ability to apply for funds from the federal government,” she said. “For example, the Canada Public Transit Fund was a perfect fit and applications are closed.”

The provincial budget this year also includes a line to subsidize public transit for youth in communities that already have transit.

Even locally, Boese said the grant application deadline for the Steinbach Community Foundation has passed and approaching sponsors without city support is also difficult.

“We have missed many opportunities to get funding to reduce the financial burden on our residents,” she said.

That’s not the case in other rural communities.

Boese said Winkler has moved ahead with a pilot project while Altona has just completed one of their own.

“Winkler and Altona city councils have taken the initiative,” she said. “We need our city council’s support to enable us to move forward.”

Link Transit hopes to highlight this as an election issue, leading up to the municipal election on Oct. 28.

“The more that city council hears from Steinbach residents about the need for public transit, the greater the possibility that they will reconsider,” she said.

The group also plans to continue connecting with businesses in the community to gauge their level of interest and learn how transit would best benefit them.

Boese said they’re asking their supporters to be vocal about the need.

“Our two surveys have shown the value, need and support for public transit to people in Steinbach,” she said. “I am personally stopped by people asking when it will become a reality. We hear about people missing work and school because they do not have transportation.”

She urged residents to let council know how important public transit is to them.

“Convince them it needs to become a fiscal priority,” she said. “Please tell all the candidates that public transit is important and we want it in Steinbach. Ask each candidate what their stand is on public transit and vote accordingly.”