The State of Public Transportation in Portage La Prairie: a Discussion Paper

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The State of Public Transportation in Portage la Prairie: A Discussion Paper

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Portage Community Revitalization Corporation

March 2015

Funded by: Prepared by:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 3

BENEFITS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ...... 3

THE NEED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ...... 4 Local Studies and Reports ...... 4 Local Demographics and Statistics ...... 7 Who does our lack of public transportation impact? ...... 9 Business Perspectives ...... 12

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE ...... 13

OTHER MANITOBA COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES ...... 14

MODELS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ...... 15 Public Transit Systems ...... 15 Dial-a-Ride/Dial-a-Bus ...... 17 HandiTransit/Paratransit ...... 18 Chartering buses, vans or seats ...... 18 Fixed-Route Shared-Ride Taxi Service...... 18 Ride sharing...... 18 Car sharing ...... 18 Vanpool services ...... 19 Transportation Management Associations ...... 19 Active Transportation ...... 19

WHY CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY? ...... 19 Funding Opportunities Available to the City ...... 20

CONCLUSION ...... 20

APPENDIX A – POSSIBLE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FEASIBILITY STUDY ...... 21

APPENDIX B – EXAMPLE OF SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE FROM SELKIRK TRANSIT ...... 22

APPENDIX C – “IS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEEDED IN PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE?” FACT SHEET ...... 23

BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 25

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INTRODUCTION Since the creation of the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) in 2008, the topic of public transportation has continually emerged in discussions with community members, service providers, and other stakeholders. In 2014, the PCRC identified transportation as a priority area for study and action in our strategic plan.

This discussion paper aims to:

1. highlight the need for some form of public transportation in Portage la Prairie. 2. present models for public transportation that have been used elsewhere, ranging from conventional public transportation services such as buses to more novel approaches such as car- sharing co-ops. 3. present a recommendation for collaborative action to address the transportation needs in Portage la Prairie.

BENEFITS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Numerous indirect impacts and benefits can be expected from investment into public transit such as: improved accessibility, new urban developments, environmental, economic, and health benefits. The American Public Transportation Association reported that every dollar invested in public transport generates an average of six dollars in economic returns.1

Other identified benefits include:

 Public transportation removes one barrier to accessing education (both secondary and post- secondary) - in the Phase III Labour Needs Assessment (2011), it was stated that Skill Level A jobs will experience a 27% retirement eligibility rate over the next 5 years (majority in health care, as well as Education and Finance).  Decreases the need for a second (or third) vehicle for couples and families with youth living at home.  Increases residents’ access to employment opportunities as they can apply for jobs outside of their neighbourhood or area of the city.  Improves work attendance rates.  Improves accessibility to health care services for seniors and those without vehicles, including families with young children.  Improved environmental outcomes as one-person vehicles could be taken of the road resulting in less greenhouse gas emissions.

1 http://www.publictransportation.org/takesusthere

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THE NEED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Local research with residents and service providers has indicated that public transportation would remove barriers to:

 attending school,  finding and keeping employment,  full participation in the community, and  accessing services.

The need for public transportation in Portage la Prairie has been identified in a number of studies conducted over the past five years. It is well documented that youth, lower-income individuals/families, and seniors are the most likely groups to be impacted by a lack of reliable, affordable public transport, but there are other segments of our population who also struggle with having reliable, affordable transportation.

Local Studies and Reports The following table gives a snapshot of reports and surveys that have been carried out since 2009 that note transportation as an issue for Portage la Prairie residents.

Study Name and Who Transportation Related Findings Participated

Portage la Prairie Social  “Many residents reported having inadequate access to key Planning Initiative Phase I activities (employment, services, shopping, recreation) in the report2 (Institute of Urban community as a result of poor mobility options (no vehicle, Studies, August 2009) too far to walk).”

 Shopping and services have become impractical destinations for many limited-income households. Big box stores were felt Participants: member agencies to be too far to walk to, especially in winter. (p. 61) of the Portage Community Report Recommendations Network, six smaller focus groups, two public forums.  The city should explore in more detail the possibility of a public transportation system as both a social equity issue as well as part of a more sustainable future.

 Public transportation options could be an urban and economic development opportunity that can enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of Portage. (p. 61)

 Create partnerships by exploring the cost- benefit/effectiveness of shuttle services from downtown to big box stores in the west end. (p. 62)

2 http://www.portagecrc.com/PDF/Portage%20Final%20August%2025.pdf

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Portage la Prairie Youth with  87% of 230 youth respondents were 16 or older but only 24% Barriers 5-Year Community had a driver’s licence Employment Strategy (2011): A  Lack of transportation was cited by over half of participants report and recommendations to (51%) as a significant barrier to obtaining employment or address the issues and barriers getting a different job. (p. 9) youth at risk face when trying to  Lack of awareness and transportation are barriers to attain and retain employment in participants engaging in employment programs and 3 their community. (Rural education beyond the public school system. (p. 13) Communities in Manitoba, April  Over 65% percent of employers did not see transportation as 2011) a barrier, in direct contrast to youth survey participants who reported it as the most significant problem facing them in

their quest for employment. (p. 15) 230 youth, 15 – 30 years old; 49  The majority of education and employment program and businesses surveys service providers agree that transportation is the most significant barrier to employment for this survey participant group (p. 19)

Report Recommendations

 It was recommended that businesses look for creative ways to deal with the issue of employee transportation (utilizing the shuttle system, paying employees with vehicles an additional allowance for picking up other employees). (p. 21)

 Work with the City of Portage la Prairie to jointly secure funding for a Transportation Study. (p. 30)

Community Forum hosted by  Lack of Assistance for Transportation Red River College’s Portage la o Forum participants noted the need for help with Prairie Campus.4 (Red River transportation to post-secondary education campuses, College: School of Indigenous both for the initial transition and then for ongoing Education, May 2012) attendance.

Report Recommendations

This forum brought together 30  Assist with Transportation Issues representatives from the o The College should look for methods to help assist with Aboriginal Community, the transportation cost of students, through subsidies, or government, local agencies, agreements with public transit or arranging car pools. students and the College. The o Forum participants recommended that assistance be purpose of the forum was to provided to students to manage the costs of

3 http://www.portagecrc.com/PDF/Youth_Employment_Report_FINAL.pdf 4 http://www.rrc.ca/files/file/aboriginal/PortageCommunityForum.pdf

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further identify strategies to transportation, both when initially relocating to attend improve the role of the college in College and with ongoing costs, perhaps through supporting Aboriginal people as subsidized bus transportation or shuttle services. they strive to achieve their post- secondary educational goals.

The Momentum Project: Barriers Identified Reducing Barriers to Women’s Economic Security. Report on  Lack of transportation was a barrier to accessing education, Phase I Results: Gathering employment, childcare, and services such as health care and Community Input to Create a recreation. Community Plan5 (May 2013)  Participants identified shuttles and taxis were too expensive and not reliable.  When walking wasn’t an option, due to weather for example, relying on family or friends was not always a (10 focus groups: 47 women, 11 dependable option. men, and 20 key informant  Many of the women did not have driver’s licences and interviews) walking was their primary mode of transportation. Note: Assistance with  Many were scared to walk alone at night. (pp. 21, 30, 34) transportation costs was an Recommendations instrumental incentive to secure participation in the focus groups.  Develop a transportation strategy to identify creative methods for transportation including public transportation options, and shared shuttle services for employers, education or services.  Develop a program to help women get their driver’s licence.

Momentum Day of Action,  16 out of 35 women (46%) and key service providers chose (Portage Community transportation as the number one (tied with childcare) Revitalization Corporation, 2013) barrier to economic security for women.

Portage Community  75% of respondents indicated that they thought “affordable Revitalization Corporation transportation options” were a valuable tool to removing Community Input Survey (2013) barriers to economic security for lower-income residents.  The less the household income, the greater the inability to 645 surveys were completed by having reliable transportation. Portage residents  When asked: “What one thing would you like to see improved?” the #10 response was Public Transportation, with 33 responses.

5 http://www.portagecrc.com/Momentum/Momentum%20Phase%201%20Report%20-%20June%204th.pdf

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 21% of residents (n = 541) answered “yes” to the question: Over the past year, have you or someone in your household had difficulties [securing] reliable transportation?

Age-friendly Portage la Prairie  Lack of affordable transportation options for people who do report (2015), Department of not drive. City Planning, University of  It is a challenge to get to social events for seniors who do Manitoba not drive.  Concerns that no conventional public transit exists.

Report Recommendations

 Conventional transit network, bus shelters, bus stop benches, with a dual-phase roll-out culminating in 3 bus routes.  Enhanced taxi-pass program.  Transportation Reimbursement and Information Program (TRIP)

Local Demographics and Statistics Portage la Prairie is the fourth largest city in Manitoba, with a population of 12,9966 located in the Central Plains region. Geographically, Portage is a spread out city. Most businesses are located in the far west end of the city, in the downtown core, and various industrial areas of the city. Recreation facilities are in the south central and southeast parts of the city. Social services are mostly in the city’s centre while medical facilities are located in the southeast corner. The city’s only high school is located in the west central part of downtown.

 The distance from North Memorial School to the walk-in clinic is 1.4km and to the big box store development in the west end is 4.4 km.  The distance from Brown Bay to McDonald’s Restaurant is 7.2km. The average person walks at around 5km/hour or 12 minutes/km. If a young person got their first part-time job at McDonald’s, their walk from Brown Bay would be approximately 1.5 hours long.  The entire length of Saskatchewan Avenue from the railroad tracks at the east end to the west end is 5.7km.

6 http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/as-sa/fogs-spg/Facts-cma- eng.cfm?LANG=Eng&GK=CMA&GC=607 All population figures in this document are from the 2011 Canadian Census.

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In the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation’s 2013 Community Input Survey7, it was found that 21% of residents (n = 541) answered “yes” to the question: Over the past year, have you or someone in your household had difficulties [securing] reliable transportation? This is 1 in 5 residents.

Residents in the southeastern and northeastern parts of our city had the most difficulties securing reliable transportation. One third (33%) of those answering the survey from the southeast part of the city (n=45) said they had difficulty securing reliable transportation, that percentage was 31% in the northeast (n=61). These statistics are graphically shown below:

Difficulty Securing Reliable Transportation 33.3% 31.1% 28.0% 27.6%

23.0%

16.1%

8.0%

Southeast Northeast Central Northwest Central Southwest Koko east west Platz/ Mellenville

Southeast = south of Saskatchewan Avenue and east of Tupper Street South Northeast = north of tracks and east of Tupper Street North Central east = north of Saskatchewan Avenue, south of the tracks, and east of Tupper Street Northwest = north of the tracks and west of Tupper Street North Central west = north of Saskatchewan Avenue, south of the tracks, and west of Tupper Street Southwest = south of Saskatchewan Avenue and west of Tupper Street South

The 2011 Canadian Census8 shows us that approximately 1 in 10 Portagers are using just their bodies to get to work (such as walking or biking), which, especially in the winter, could, and does, become a health and safety issue. From the Census, out of a total of 6 030 of persons employed over the age of 15 with a usual place of work or no fixed workplace address, 12.4% walked, biked or used other methods (other than a vehicle) as their mode of transportation. For

7 http://www.portagecrc.com/PDF/PCRC%20Community%20Input%20Survey%20Results.pdf 8 http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4609029&Data=Count&SearchText=portage%20la%20prairi e&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=All&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1

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women, it was 9.4%. This statistic only refers to employed persons and does not include non-working seniors or full-time students.

Who does our lack of public transportation impact? Youth, lower income individuals or families, seniors, immigrants and single vehicle families are groups most impacted by a lack of reliable, affordable public transportation.

Youth and young adults often do not have the funds to purchase their own vehicles, unless assisted by their parents. Families often do the “transportation shuffle” to get young people to school or employment, giving rides or scheduling who takes the vehicle to get youth to activities, school and employment. Public transportation would provide independence for these young people, while putting less stress on families.

“I would love to retire, but I’m still paying for my son’s Autopac and car payments. He could only find a decent place to rent in Southport, so, it’s rent or a car on his wage...and he needs the car to get to work in Portage…so here I am still working when I should be in Arizona with all my friends. So much for ‘Freedom 55…’”

Transportation assistance from parents is not an option for some young people, particularly those from lower-income households. Portage Collegiate Institute, although centrally located, is far from some homes in Portage la Prairie. The only bus route is a twice-daily bus that runs from École Arthur Meighen School to PCI to transport students from the Koko Platz area. Service providers and school counsellors have reported that this lack of public transportation is a factor in students dropping out. In fact, Portage Collegiate Institute has an outreach person who goes to North Memorial School to drop work off to students who are unable to make it to classes. Since poverty is a multi-faceted issue, a lack of transportation is just one of many issues students living in poverty have to deal with. However, it can be the deciding factor of whether or not to go to school, especially in cold weather with a long walk in front of them.

Seniors are similarly impacted by transportation needs. For those who no longer drive, become mobility impaired or simply cannot walk the distances they use to, the lack of transportation holds them back from accessing health care and other services, visiting friends, and shopping. Seniors are a growing demographic and this demand will only increase in the upcoming years. Although the HandiVan is available for anyone above age 55, or mobility challenged, this service is expensive for regular use and does not run after 3:30pm. Waiting for shuttles can be an issue for seniors and many report feeling uncomfortable getting into a vehicle with a stranger. For those who drive, parking can be an issue. For example, visitors to the Herman Prior Centre find that parking is an issue during the day as the Heritage Square parking lot is often full, requiring them to walk beyond their comfort level or simply go back home. A public transportation system would allow seniors a more affordable option, while allowing them to maintain their independence. Support to remain living independently increases seniors’ health and well-being.

An elderly couple living in the RM of Portage la Prairie has been separated because the husband had to move to the Lions Prairie Manor due to declining health. The wife does not drive but

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wants to visit her husband as often as possible, at least every day. The $30 round trip by shuttle is not affordable because she is on a fixed income. She, therefore, can no longer “age-in-place” and must leave the family home to move to the city. Even inside Portage la Prairie shuttle or Handivan transportation is a significant cost on a fixed income.

Immigrants also face unique challenges in relation to transportation. According to the Newcomer’s Welcome Centre, immigrants choosing Portage la Prairie as their new home face difficulties when they realize that there is no public transit and they must get a vehicle and a driver’s licence. Public transit is a normal way of life for many immigrants, so using a transit system here would be more normal than having a car. Many immigrants are shocked to learn that a 4-person family might have 3 cars! Immigrants who do have a drivers licence in their home country often find it is not recognized in Manitoba. For some countries of origin, people can drive legally with their home country licences for three months before they have to switch their licence to a Manitoba one. After this time they must take the written (knowledge) and driving tests. In addition, many immigrants are surprised with our climate, especially the harshness of the winters, which makes walking difficult. Public transportation would provide Portage la Prairie with an attractive feature for immigrants choosing to make Portage la Prairie their new home.

After a marriage break-up, an immigrant mom with four young children wants her children to see her as the independent woman she feels, and knows, she is, and provide them with opportunities. With no family support in Portage, she is limited to relying on the kindness of her friends/neighbours, expensive shuttle rides or social agency workers for transportation. She had her learner’s licence in a different province but has been yet unable to pass the written test in Manitoba. If she can’t get her driver’s licence, she will likely move back to the first province they settled in because she knows she can get her learner’s licence there again and if not “at least there are buses there.”

Families or individuals with a low income may be most impacted by the lack of affordable public transportation. Already choosing between necessities such as food and shelter, transportation is one more barrier to improving their economic security. The cost of insurance, gas, and regular repairs can make owning a vehicle out of reach for some families. Using shuttles on a regular basis can make that option unrealistic for those on a low income.

Using the Canadian Revenue Agency’s Payroll Deductions Online Calculator9, a part-time, minimum wage job would net $352.70 bi-weekly. A full-time minimum wage job would net $642.79 bi-weekly. Assuming this person works 10 days and has to take a shuttle each way to work, that would be $100 in transportation costs every paycheque, just getting to and from their place of employment (with no stops between home and work). It is easy to see how financially unsustainable this would be. As well, after all the other expenses of living, this leaves very little, if any, money left over as disposable income that could be spent within the community.

9 https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/rhpd/handleResults.do

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Owning a vehicle is also expensive. According to the Canadian Automobile Association’s Driving Costs Calculator,10 the annual driving costs of a compact car (including depreciation and maintenance but excluding purchase price and financing charges) is $8,992 or $0.45/km based on 20,000km.

According to Deepa Chandran, a Master’s student from the Department of City Planning, University of Manitoba, the cost of initiating and maintaining transit in a small community is one of the major issues that concern residents. Transit Implementation Guidelines for Small Canadian Municipalities11 (2006) states that a town with 10,000 taxpayers will have to pay an extra $15-$20 per person annually to maintain regular transit service. On the basis of the above calculation, a transit system with a six day bus service (3,333 hours per year) and 25% cost recovery will cost approximately $15 per Portage resident annually.12

While distances to travel across Portage are easily done in the comfort of a vehicle, or even on a bike in nice weather, when the temperatures plunge, wind chills rise, and snow is on the ground getting around becomes not only more difficult but treacherous. For families with children this challenge is even greater.

One mother we spoke to who lives in the Northeast corner of Portage shared that it takes at least 1.5 hours with children in strollers to walk from their home to Walmart in the summer. Definitely not a “quick trip” to get some necessities!

“I’m always late for school because the shuttles don’t show up on time, even though I’ve booked weeks in advance. I think it’s because I’m on welfare; they don’t like that I don’t pay cash. I hate being late for things. I wish I wasn’t on EIA; I never have enough money even just for the basics. That’s why I’m back in school at the Learning Centre (PLLC), I’m trying to better myself for me and my family.”

“As a mom, I feel so guilty that my kids can’t have what all the other kids have because I don’t have my licence and we can’t get to where they want to go after school. I try not to ask friends or neighbours for rides too often in case I need to ask in an emergency. Once my baby was really sick and I didn’t know whether to call the ambulance or a shuttle. Which would get there faster? I remembered hearing on the news that an ambulance took 20 minutes and was $400, so I decided to call a shuttle.”

“I’d like to get my licence but I can’t afford it right now. It would mean more freedom and make life easier. Now when I go shopping I can only go to one store. It’s $5 to get to the store and they charge $5 per 5 minutes that I’m in the store, then $5 back home. If I do make a stop, it’s another $3 so I try not to make stops. It’s really frustrating if the line I’m in is slow or something happens with the cash register. I’m paying for every second, it seems. It’s stressful. If I don’t ask the shuttle driver to wait and I call him when I’m finished shopping then sometimes I have to

10 http://caa.ca/car_costs/ 11 http://www.leam.illinois.edu/sustrantoul/data/transit%20guidelines%20small%20communities.pdf 12 https://buildingmomentum2015.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/public-transportation-deepa-chandran-final- presentation.ppt

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wait for ½ an hour or more. I wish Portage had buses like Brandon where you buy a ticket and can get a transfer so that you can go to more than one store per trip.”

Low-income residents are not the only income bracket who would benefit from public transportation. Middle income households with more than one driver can feel financially strained trying to maintain two vehicles, or arrange schedules to manage with one vehicle. More and more people are also choosing public transportation for the environmental benefits as well.

“My wife grew up in Portage and always wanted to live in Koko Platz. We had a really nice house in the central northwest that we both liked but, in the end, we moved. When we lived at the other house we only needed one car but after we moved it was too far for me to continue to walk to work, especially in the winter, so we had to buy a second car. The added expense, along with the higher taxes over here, has really stretched our budget. A transit system that fit my needs might have made the second car purchase unnecessary and we would have more disposable income for other things.”

Transportation, or the lack thereof, impacts people’s access to employment. For example, a high school or Red River College student, a young adult starting out, a new immigrant or a household member without their own vehicle could be presented with an opportunity for employment. Without reliable transportation and if the employment is out of walking distance they have to make a choice: 1) they can take a taxi/shuttle every day, 2) they can buy a car, pay insurance, maintenance, and gas costs, or 3) they can turn down the job. Choice #3 is not uncommon. (Beck, September 2010) Public transportation could help people access employment, which would also meet the needs of employers by being able to draw on a larger pool of applicants.

Business Perspectives In order to determine the impact not having a public transportation system is having on the business community, a variety of businesses were contacted. Interviews were conducted with fourteen businesses that were able to give their time and information. While businesses saw the impact not having transportation had on their employees, most were unsure of the extent transportation played in their employees’ ability to get to work.

Businesses discussed that they might not receive applications from residents who know they would struggle getting to their business due to lack of transportation. Only those who are able and willing to walk to and from work (dependent on where they live in relation to the business) or have a vehicle are applying, which is a smaller labour pool than is actually out there. Employers commented that if there was a public transit system there would likely be more applications.

Employers often prioritize applicants who have a valid driver’s licence for positions, and ask this on their application forms. One employer stated that those résumés without drivers licences go into one pile and those with licences go into another. Only if no one in the “with” pile is suitable will they consider looking in the “without” pile. Having a driver’s licence and/or vehicle is seen as influencing how reliable the potential employee will be.

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Businesses noted that the most apparent indications of transportation need is employees who are late because of shuttles not picking them up on time, or employees missing shifts due to lack of transportation. One human resources person wondered out loud if some “sick” days were actually people who could not find a ride to work, admitting that they had never thought to ask.

Employers are responding to their employees’ transportation needs in the following ways:

 Providing a safe place for their employees to lock up their bikes; noting employees ride for three of the four seasons and some bike in the wintertime when the roads are clear enough.  Driving employees home after their shifts, sometimes on a daily basis.  Paying for shuttles to pick up employees or take them home again, especially in situations such as late at night, very cold weather, or snowstorms.  Scheduling employees’ shifts around spouse/partner’s schedules or child care needs and trying to keep people who are in a carpool together on the same shift.  One employer noted that they have a vanpool for employees that has resulted in improved attendance and productivity.  In addition, workplace employees are forming official or unofficial carpools; although this sometimes results in the driver being late for work because s/he has to wait on passengers.

Interestingly, the business people interviewed often did not know that other businesses were making the same accommodations for transportation as they were on a regular basis.

On the customer side of things, some employers in the retail and service industry commented that on certain days of the month they know that shuttles/taxis cannot keep up with demand for their shoppers.

Every business interviewed agreed that a public transportation system would be beneficial for Portage. One manager wondered if a public transportation system would sustain itself financially or, if it wouldn’t, maybe it have other social benefits that would make it worthwhile for everyone and not just those who would use it.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE The Portage Handivan service is available for people with physical disabilities or age 55 and over. People must book in advance but same day bookings can usually be accommodated. There are 5 casual drivers, most of them seniors themselves. If a person with a disability needs an escort in order to maintain their health, the escort rides free of charge. The HandiVan has seen a rise in ridership in the past little while for medical appointments. They are also very busy on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays when they take residents to and from the day programs at the Lions Prairie Manor. When the Herman Prior Centre cannot rent their usual van they use the HandiVan. HandiVan also takes people to functions in Winnipeg such as Celebrations Dinner Theatre or

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Assiniboia Downs. The Portage HandiVan gets an operating grant from the Province but has had ongoing major repairs to one of their vehicles which has forced them into running an annual deficit.

Fares (Monday to Saturday, 7:30am – 3:30pm):

 Within Portage: $6 one-way  “Near” rural, for example the Days Inn or Southport: $8 one-way  Other areas in the RM of Portage la Prairie, for example Oakville or Delta Beach: $0.85/km.  The bus can be chartered to take a passenger to Winnipeg at $0.85/km plus the driver’s wage at $16/hour. It usually costs about $250 to go to a medical appointment in Winnipeg but this is much less expensive than the ambulance, which is the only other option if you’re in a wheelchair.

Portage Service for Seniors Inc. has a transportation service which uses volunteers as drivers. Senior citizens call ahead to Service for Seniors to make a reservation for a trip. In-town trips can be 3 stops or 2 hours long and cost $15. This may include the volunteer assisting the senior with their errands. Long- distance trips are also available; for example, a trip to Winnipeg costs $70 and is usually 5 hours long.

Several other organizations in the city operate vans to transport their own clients to activities or appointments.

There are also numerous shuttle companies and Arrow Taxi service. Shuttle rides cost approximately $5 each way anywhere in the city and a call to Arrow Taxi resulted in a fare quote of approximately $10 (but no more than that) across the city.

OTHER MANITOBA COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES

Portage la Prairie is not the only community in Manitoba exploring public transit. Selkirk, with a population of about 3 000 fewer than Portage, but the same land mass, successfully implemented their public transit system in 2009.

The following cities in Manitoba have public transit systems:

Winnipeg Brandon Thompson Selkirk Flin Flon pop 663 617 pop 46 061 pop 12 829 pop 9 834 pop 5 363

One of the recommendations in a 2013 report produced by the Rural Development Institute on Winkler and area13 was to “develop a bus system to increase the mobility of the population within and between communities in the region; establishing public transportation within the region would enable greater access to jobs, services and housing for current residents and new immigrants.”

13 http://www.brandonu.ca/rdi/files/2011/02/Winkler-and-Area-Research-Report-Final-ElecCopy.pdf

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According to Morden’s Community Development Officer, city staff are realizing the need more and more for public transportation. Morden (pop. about 9 000) is not as spread out as Portage la Prairie, however, their manufacturing sector is in the south end of the city and the residential area is spreading out from the north end. Rental housing is not really within walking distance to the manufacturing businesses. When planning for the city, Morden’s city council knows they need to incorporate public transit as well as active transportation. Public transportation between Morden and Winkler and within the RM of Stanley is an issue. She relayed the story of people who live in Morden and work in Winkler, or vice versa, and who were wanting to get a job but unable to get to a workplace because there is no public transit. Also people who were carpooling to get to a job were missing work because the driver of the carpool was sick or otherwise unable to drive everyone to work.

Eastman Immigration Services, a service provider in Steinbach for immigrants, has been dealing with the lack of public transportation in Steinbach for quite some time. One of the workers there stated that immigrants often come to Steinbach from places where there are comprehensive public transit systems and are shocked when they get here and realize they need a driver’s licence and a vehicle in order to get around, neither of which they have upon arrival.

MODELS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The model of public transit which usually springs to mind – that of long buses with ads on the side and people queuing in bus shelters – is but one model. There are others. For example, the town council in Hinton (pop 10 000) committed to a new transit service starting in 2009, using vans rather than more costly buses. Dial-a-Ride and Dial-a-Bus services are also common in smaller centres or after normal transit services are over for the evening or weekend.

The trend when creating rural public transportation systems is to focus on a regional approach as well as partnering with local organizations and/or industry. In the area surrounding Portage la Prairie smaller communities such as Oakville, High Bluff, Poplar Point, Southport, and Delta Beach might all benefit from a regional public transit system. Other potential transportation services that could be investigated are commuter transit into Winnipeg and public transit to the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. This regional approach would have to be studied to see if it was the type of system that could work best for our situation and what partners would be interested in working together to create such a system.

Public Transit Systems Some communities outside of Winnipeg and Brandon offer public transit services. Flin Flon, Thompson and Selkirk have bus services, all of which are some form of partnerships. Existing bus service providers are contracted to provide bus services in two of the cities, while the third partners with the local Handibus service.

 City of Selkirk The City of Selkirk (pop. 9 834) offers a public transportation system that is run by the local Handibus service. The buses are owned by the city but the operation of the bus system is contracted to the

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non-profit Handibus. The city operates a route weekdays between 6am to 6pm, on Saturdays from 8am to 6pm and is not in service on Sundays and holidays. The route is 24.67km long and has 75 stops (counting both directions). This was one of three routes put forward by the consultants who were hired by the City of Selkirk to investigate public transportation options (iTRANS Transportation Planning and Engineering Consultants).

Fares are as follows, monthly passes in parentheses: . Adults: $2.00 ($45) . Seniors and youth: $2.00 ($20, the reduced monthly pass rate is subsidised by two businesses and one program in the city)

In 2012, the City of Selkirk’s cost to operate Selkirk Transit was $95 389.60. Revenue was generated from ridership and advertising ($54 245.14 – see Appendix B for an example of sponsorship) and a Provincial operating grant (50% of operating costs or $95 389.60). It was noted in Selkirk’s Transit Service Plan Final Report that “transit cannot be all things to all people; however, the intent is to serve as many residents as possible in a fiscally responsible manner.” http://www.cityofselkirk.com/main.asp?ID=4&cat_ID=1&fxoid=menufx,13

. City of Flin Flon The City of Flin Flon (pop. 5 363) operates a public transportation service that is a contract with an existing bus service provider and is cost-shared between the city and the province. Flin Flon pays the provider for about 5 000 hours annually. Ridership revenues total roughly $50 000, the province cost-sharing piece is $150 000, leaving the city’s cost at $150 000. The bus service has two routes - a special route for schools and a regular route. Weekday bus service is available between 5:25am and 6:45pm and school bus service between 8am and 4:20pm. Saturday bus service is available from 10:30am until 6:45pm and there is no service on Sundays or holidays.

Fares are as follows, monthly passes (good for unlimited trips) in parentheses: . Adults: $2.00 ($40 ) . Students & Seniors: $1.50 ($33) http://www.cityofflinflon.ca/files/Notices/Reminder's%20Version%20of%20Bus%20Schedule%20eff ective%20September%202,%202014.pdf

. City of Thompson Thompson’s (pop 12 829) bus service is contracted to an already existing service provider, Greyhound Canada.

Fares are as follows, monthly passes in parenthesis: . Adults: $1.80 ($68.40) . Students & Seniors: $1.30 ($36.60) . Children 5 and under: free http://www.thompson.ca/index.aspx?page=107

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. Town of Collingwood, ON Collingwood’s (pop 19 241) transit system runs daily with three routes: Crosstown, East, and West as well as daily service to two nearby area - Blue Mountain and Wasaga Beach. Collingwood’s buses run on bio-diesel (often made from spent deep fat frying oil), they are accessible by wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and accommodate shopping trolleys and strollers. They also have bike racks available at no extra charge. Collingwood has para-transit and an accessible shuttle service. The accessible shuttle service runs like a taxi for disabled passengers, with fares based on a meter system.

Fares are: . Adults: $1.75 ($40) / Blue Mountain or Wasaga Beach Links: $2.00 ($40) / Universal pass $120.00 . Students & Seniors: $1.50 ($30) / same fares for Blue Mountain & Wasaga Beach Links

While public transit within one city is common, some rural areas have successfully implemented a shared transit system.

. County of Kings, Nova Scotia The Municipality of the County of Kings (pop 60 589), in partnership with the towns of Kentville, Wolfville and Berwick, runs Kings Transit Authority. This transit system services several rural areas between Kentville and Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Kings Transit offers service six days a week using low- floor, wheelchair-accessible buses equipped with bike racks. A significant proportion of customers are seniors, a market that the system has built through outreach and awareness building. www.kingstransit.ns.ca

Dial-a-Ride/Dial-a-Bus This option is often used as an adjunct to public transit systems, for after hours or weekend travel. There are many examples of Dial-a-Ride/Bus across Canada and the United States. Below are a couple examples: . Strathcona County in Alberta (pop 92 403 in 2012) has a Dial-a-Bus service on the evenings and weekends using their regular routes. Residents must call one hour ahead of when their trip will begin. o Fares are $3.25 single, $56 monthly.

http://www.strathcona.ca/departments/transit/schedules-routes/dial-a-bus/

. Airdrie, Alberta (pop 45 711 in 2012) is a fast-growing bedroom community of Calgary. It has a regular transit system during the daytime, as well as regular service to Calgary, and a dial-a- bus option for evenings and on Saturdays. o Fares are: $3.25 single, $65 monthly ($47.50 monthly for youth, seniors, students)

http://www.airdrie.ca/index.cfm?serviceID=51

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HandiTransit/Paratransit HandiTransit/Paratransit is an alternate form of public transportation whereby people who are unable to access conventional forms of transit can access transportation. In Manitoba, HandiTransit is available in many communities, including Portage la Prairie, and services mobility disadvantaged and 55+ residents.

Chartering buses, vans or seats Where there are only a few large employers, a good way to shuttle employees is to charter a vehicle, whether that be a bus or something smaller. Alternatively, seats on public transit buses could also be sold to local employers for their workers, guaranteeing them a spot. According to the CUTA’s issue paper #1114, employees at Maple Leaf Foods in Brandon can buy their transit passes using paycheque deductions and Brandon Transit adjusts schedules as needed to meet variations in shifts.

Fixed-Route Shared-Ride Taxi Service Taxis, usually a van, follow a fixed route and schedule, only making stops at “bus” stops. The benefit of this system is cost as it uses taxis instead of buses. This system is used in conjunction with conventional transit and are an interim solution until conventional transit service is warranted.

Ride sharing Ride matching services have become relatively common across Canada. The software used is low-cost and because drivers and passengers can search for matches themselves, it can often run with little support from program staff. Two of the most popular Canadian ride sharing Web sites are Carpool.ca and eRideshare.com. Carpool.ca is supported financially by eight Western cities. Other partners, such as provincial governments, universities, colleges and private businesses, also provide financial and promotional resources. Currently, Carpool.ca has 33 Canadian communities registered where people can find potential matches for their carpooling needs. About 1/3 of these are small communities with populations of less than 20 000. eRideshare.com includes cities from around the world, with a concentration in Canada and the United States.

Car sharing In a car sharing program, people join a co-op to jointly own vehicles with others. Members pay a small administration fee to cover some of the fixed costs and then pay fees when they use a car, based on time used or distance traveled. The closest car sharing co-op is in Winnipeg. Peg City Car Co-op http://www.pegcitycarcoop.ca/ has grown from one car 3 years ago to having 15 vehicles in rotation throughout the city. Even though the majority of ride sharing and car sharing programs tend to serve large urban areas, some evidence suggests that, were these services available in small and rural communities, residents would use them.15

14 http://www.cutaactu.ca/en/public- transit/publicationsandresearch/resources/IssuePaperNo.11_PublicTransitandSmallCommunities.pdf 15 http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/programs/cs61e_smallnruralcoms.pdf

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Vanpool services Vanpool services are an alternative form of transportation in areas where there is a lack of public transportation due to a number of factors including low population density and the lack of mass transit. Vanpools are particularly useful in suburban areas in which several individuals within the suburb commute to work. Vanpools come in a variety of models - some can be initiated within workplaces with the support of the employer while others can be run by non-profit organizations. Green Rider in Nova Scotia is an excellent example of a vanpool service that meets the needs of rural residents.

 Green Rider Ltd. – Hantsport, Nova Scotia http://www.greenrider.ca This vanpool service has been running since 1981 and offers rural residents along a commonly travelled route the opportunity to schedule rides to work and school. The service also transports people to Halifax and Dartmouth.

Transportation Management Associations Transportation management associations (TMA) are partnerships of private and/or public entities that work together with local government support to address the transportation needs in an area. TMAs are non-profit, member-controlled organizations that provide transportation services in a particular area, such as a commercial district, mall, medical center or industrial park. Transportation management coordinators (TMC) are professionals who work for TMAs or individual employers. TMA activities range from lobbying to service provision. TMAs are generally used to service small areas.16

Active Transportation Active transportation is a part of any healthy community and is often used in conjunction with public transportation systems. Bike racks on buses is one example of how active transportation can be integrated into a public transit system.

WHY CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY?

As mentioned earlier, the City of Selkirk retained the services of a consultant who specializes in public transit for small communities to conduct a feasibility study and implementation plan in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

The summary of findings in the Selkirk Transit Service Plan were as follows: 1. Identified the community need for public transit. 2. Addressed both conventional transit and specialized (mobility) transit needs and how they are being met today, gaps and opportunities. 3. Identified appropriate vehicles and service levels required to meet the demand. 4. Determined route and service design (hours of operation, route travelways, etc.). 5. Identified low-cost methods of service delivery, where appropriate.

16 http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm44.htm

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6. Development of a service plan that is fiscally responsible. 7. Identified a number of external funding initiatives.

This list encompasses the main points that any City Council would need in order to make an informed decision. Armed with the knowledge contained in the 37-page Transit Service Plan, the City of Selkirk approved, in principle, in December 2008 the recommendations contained therein. As an example of the accuracy of the consultant’s figures, in 2012 (the second full year of operation), the cost to Selkirk of their transit system was within 7% of the amount projected in the implementation plan. Their total operating costs for that same year were just under the projected amount in the implementation guide, by 3.25%. Due to their positive experience, Selkirk recommends other communities use a specialized consultant when investigating whether a public transit system is viable for their community. Selkirk has very openly shared their experience and information.

Funding Opportunities Available to the City Under their Building Manitoba Fund (BMF), the Province provides transit support by way of Municipal Infrastructure Assistance and Transit Support. Transit Support has two components:

1. Transit Operating Grants are operating grants that are provided to municipalities to support public transit services, including handi-transit. Two types of operating grants are provided, the Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program and the Public Transit Systems. The Public Transit Systems grant supports the operation of public transit systems in the cities of Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Flin Flon, and Selkirk. Support is provided through the 50/50 transit funding partnership, enshrined in provincial legislation.

2. Transit Capital Grants are annual capital grants provided to the cities of Winnipeg, Brandon, and Selkirk to fund the replacement or refurbishment of transit buses.

Funding for Feasibility Studies is also available with more details on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Green Municipal Fund, the Enhanced Community Planning Assistance Grants, and the Small Communities Transportation Fund included as Appendix A.

CONCLUSION

It is PCRC’s position that Portage la Prairie would benefit from increased public transportation options to facilitate our city’s continued growth and to provide economic opportunities and well-being for all residents. We hope this discussion paper, which includes the voices of many stakeholders and individuals, shows that transportation is an issue for many segments of the population. PCRC is committed to working with local partners from all sectors impacted to secure funding for the necessary research that will allow our community to make informed decisions. We believe that a feasibility study is a good first step to determine the best solutions for our City of Possibilities.

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APPENDIX A – POSSIBLE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FEASIBILITY STUDY Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Green Municipal Fund

FCM offers grants, which cover up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $175,000, for feasibility studies and field tests. http://www.fcm.ca/home/programs/green-municipal-fund/what-we-fund/studies.htm GMF Eligible and Ineligible Costs — Feasibility Studies http://www.fcm.ca/Documents/tools/GMF/EligibleIneligibleCostsStudies_EN.pdf

Enhanced Community Planning Assistance Grants (Provincial) - provide up to $60,000 to municipalities and planning districts to help prepare development plan by-laws and related background studies consistent with the policy framework of the Provincial Planning Regulation.

Funding for Additional Studies - The program will fund the services of a qualified consultant to prepare studies required to address important planning and land use issues in the planning area. With funding of up to 60 per cent of the costs to a maximum of $40,000 per study for a planning district and up to 50 per cent of the costs to a maximum of $20,000 for a municipality not in a planning district. http://www.gov.mb.ca/ia/land_use_dev/pdf/planning_act_broc.pdf

Small Communities Transportation Fund (Provincial)

The Small Communities Transportation Fund (SCTF) is a new, application-based fund that will support rural Manitoba communities' investments in transit infrastructure projects, including purchase of handitransit vehicles, and active transportation infrastructure. Funding is provided through the new Canada Manitoba Gas Tax Agreement.

A total of $1.0 million is available over five years (2014/15 - 2018/19) for eligible transit, handi-transit or active transportation projects undertaken across Manitoba. Annual funding of up to $200,000 will be available for allocation in each of the five years, starting in 2014.

This fund will provide 50% cost-shared funding up to a maximum of $50,000 per project per year for active transportation and transit projects, including the purchase of handi-transit vehicles. Consideration may be given for 50% cost-shared funding of more than $50,000 for new public transit systems where none currently exist.

The last intake was from January 1 – February 28th, 2015 for the 2015 intake. Funding evaluations are done on first come, first served. http://www.gov.mb.ca/ia/bldgcomm/sctf.html

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APPENDIX B – EXAMPLE OF SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE FROM SELKIRK TRANSIT 2013/2014

Youth Sponsorship Program

Sponsor Package - $4500.00 (1 year)

1. Bench advertising at two locations of your choice

2. Your company Name & Logo displayed on the City of Selkirk digital signs (Main St & Rec Complex)

3. Permission to use Selkirk Transit logo on your company website

4. Recognition on the Selkirk Transit website, with a link to your company website

5. Your company Name & Logo in the Selkirk Transit brochures (guarantee minimum once a year “door to door” advertising and brochures advertised at major locations within City ie: Municipal Buildings, Library, etc…)

6. Your company name & logo displayed in the City of Selkirk Recreation and Leisure Guide (guarantee minimum twice a year “door to door” advertising and guides advertised at Selkirk Recreation Complex, Red River North Regional Library, Gordon Howard Senior Center, Selkirk Arena, etc…)

7. Recognition on Canada Day banner located at the waterfront

8. Your company logo displayed on Selkirk Transit Youth monthly passes

9. Invitation to Selkirk Transit special events

10. Recognition plaque

11. Providing a Reduced Fare for all Youths

www.selkirktransit.com

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APPENDIX C – “IS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEEDED IN PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE?” FACT SHEET

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Beck, W. (September 2010). Right-sizing Transit: What is a Reasonable level of Transit Investment? Halifax, NS: HDR|iTRANS for Transportation Association of Canada.

Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA). (Feb 2005). Public Transit and Small Communities. issue paper #11. Toronto, ON: Canadian Urban Transit Association.

Chandran, D. (2015, March 12). Transportation Options in Small Communities: Lessons for Portage la Prairie. Building Momentum: Creating a Vibrant Portage Together symposium.

Institute of Urban Studies. (August 2009). Portage la Prairie Social Planning Initative. Winnipeg, MB: University of Winnipeg. iTRANS Transportation Planning and Engineering Consultants. (October 2009). Selkirk Transit Service Implementation Plan. City of Selkirk.

Portage Community Revitalization Corporation. (May 2013). The Momentum Project: Reducing Barriers to Women's Economic Security. Report on Phase I Results: Gathering Community Input to Create a Community Plan. Portage la Prairie, MB: Portage Community Revitalization Corporation.

Red River College: School of Indigenous Education. (May 2012). Portage Community Forum. Portage la Prairie, MB: Red River College.

Rural Communities in Manitoba. (April 2011). Portage la Prairie Youth with Barriers 5-Year Community Employment Strategy. Portage la Prairie, MB.

Transit Consulting Network. (March 2014). Public Transit Study. Yarmouth: Municipality of the District of Yarmouth.

Transport Canada. (June, 2006). Urban Transportation Showcase Program: Sustainable transportation in small and rural communities. Transport Canada.

Urban Transportation Task Force. (October 2009). Urban Transit in Canada: Taking Stock of Recent Progress.

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