Steinbach eyes public transit

A public transit system for Steinbach would include an on-demand model, operate four vehicles and offer rides at an estimated $2.50 per one-way trip.

Called Link Transit, the proposal was made by the South East Equity Coalition to city council at their strategic priorities committee meeting on Tuesday.

With a mission to provide reliable and affordable transit services to Steinbach residents, the group says this will enhance mobility and connectivity while reducing social inequalities in the community.

Surveys have shown that there is a need.

A 2023 survey of Southeast residents showed that 26 percent of respondents would use transit more than seven times per week. Twenty-seven percent said they would use the service four to six times per week.

Those numbers produce estimates of 381 rides per day on average.

Link Transit would include pickup by phone or the app Blaise.

It would include designated neighbourhood stops, planned to be near community mailboxes in residential areas. In commercial and industrial neighbourhoods businesses would have the opportunity to sponsor a designated spot.

The service could also be brought in for special events such as Pioneer Days, SAC events, farmers’ markets and tourism.

Link Transit also hopes to hold public forums and work to attract sponsorships as next steps.

According to a business description provided to council, the first phase includes the launch of an on-demand transit service with a four-vehicle fleet. Stops will be within walking distance and booking will feature an online system with a call-in option.

They will also encourage park and ride for special events, employee transportation incentives, conduct customer satisfaction surveys and identify ridership trends.

The initial funding model calls for $100,000 from each of the federal and provincial governments, $100,000 from donations and sponsorships, $96,000 in city grants (plus $6,000 for charter fees), $44,200 from ridership and $12,000 from advertising.

Sponsorship will play an important role.

Council was presented with 12 sponsorship options that will be offered to local businesses ranging from a low of $6,000 plus $34 per month over five years for a bench with signage or vehicle equipment to $300,000 plus $1,667 per month, to be the sole sponsor of a vehicle.

Link Transit hopes to be operational by June 2026.

However, city council confirmed they couldn’t move as quickly as the group wanted.

At the meeting they requested an endorsement letter which would in turn help them secure sponsorships, seed money of $6,000 for administration costs, office supplies and printing costs and city staff assistance with grant applications.

Councillors offered verbal support, thanking the group for their detailed plan.

“I like this proposal,” Coun. Jac Siemens said after admitting he thought the cost would be higher. “I think it’s very positive.”

However, verbal support was all they could offer.

A funding decision must be made at a public council meeting, and funding requests are routinely discussed at their study session which will take place in July.

Instead, council agreed they would consider an endorsement letter at an upcoming council meeting.