PUBLIC BUS TRANSPORTATION ( Winnipeg Transit)
- Winnipeg 's public bus transportation system is called Winnipeg Transit.
- Bus fare in Winnipeg is affordable and can be paid by cash, with bus tickets, or with a bus pass.
- University students receive discounted rates on monthly bus passes.
For more detailed information about taking the bus in Winnipeg, go to ICS's Public Transit Bus information page.
For current bus fare rates, route maps, schedule information, travel tips, an interactive route planner (NAVIGO), and much more, visit Winnipeg Transit's web site.
TAXI
Taxis are also commonly referred to as “taxicabs” or “cabs”. In Winnipeg , taxis are not as common as they are in other cities and it is not always possible to ‘flag down a taxi' on the street in every part of the city. In many cases, you will need to call a taxi company to book a taxi. You can find a listing of taxi companies in the Yellow Pages Phone Book under the heading “Taxicabs”.
Taxi fares are regulated and you can not negotiate a rate. You will pay an initial fee plus an additional fee for each kilometer the taxi travels. Most taxi companies accept payment by cash or major credit card. If the service was good, it is acceptable to give the driver a tip.
Most taxis do not permit smoking inside of the vehicle.
CAR
Owning a car can be a convenient way to get around the city. There are several things to consider before purchasing a car, however.
- Parking on campus is limited and students must purchase a parking pass. For current parking pass rates and maps of designated student parking areas, visit the Parking and Shuttle Services web site at: http://umanitoba.ca/campus/parking
- Depending on where you live, you may need to pay for parking. Many apartments do not include the cost of parking in the rent. Tenants with cars may be required to pay an extra monthly or yearly fee to park their car in the apartment's parking lot.
- You must have a Manitoba Driver's Licence or a Student Authorization Letter and a valid driver's licence issued by your home country to drive in Manitoba. For more information, go to ICS's Driving in Manitoba page.
- A car can be expensive. Be sure to consider both the cost of the car and the cost of related expenses, such as insurance fees, gas, maintenance and repairs, parking passes, etc.
- In the winter, you will need to plug your car into an electrical outlet when the weather is very cold to keep a charge in the battery. Parking spaces with electrical outlets are referred to as “heated stalls”. Heated stalls are not available in all parking lots.
BICYCLES
Bicycles are an affordable, enjoyable, and environmentally friendly transportation option in the spring, summer, and fall. Some cyclists even ride their bikes in the winter!
Although cyclists share the road with cars, they are obviously in a much more vulnerable position. Car drivers often do not see bicycles and accidents, unfortunately, are frequent. The best way to avoid accidents is to obey the rules of the road and always be cautious. Wear a helmet at all times - even minor accidents can result in serious head injuries for cyclists.
In Manitoba, cyclists must obey the same traffic rules as cars. For example:
- Cyclists must ride on the road and not on the sidewalk (except where there are designated bicycle paths)
- Cyclists must come to a complete stop at stop signs and they must obey traffic lights
- Cyclists must use hand signals to show other drivers which direction they are turning and when they are stopping
- Cyclists must ride in single file
Do not put yourself at risk. When riding in traffic, do not ride in a vehicle's 'blind spot', do not weave in between parked cars, and ride far enough away from parked cars to avoid being hit by an opening door.
For more cycling safety tips, visit the Bicycle Safety page of the Manitoba Pubilc Insurance web site: http://www.mpi.mb.ca/english/rd_safety/bikesafe/BikeSafe.html.
Related Information:
- The Manitoba Cycling Association provides cycling maps for Winnipeg and the surrounding area, information on cycling routes, cycling safety tips, and more! Visit their web site at: http://www.cycling.mb.ca/ for more information.
- Cycling maps are also available for puchase at most bicycle shops.
ROLLERBLADING
Rollerblading is a common recreation activity as well as a convenient means of transportation in Winnipeg.
In Winnipeg, you CAN rollerblade:
- on sidewalks
- in City of Winnipeg parks (on designated roadways only)
- on paths designed for bicycles
- on roads marked as "Bicycle Routes" during the hours in which vehicle traffic is restricted
You CAN NOT rollerblade on regular city streets.
For your safety, also keep in mind the following rollerblading tips:
- Always wear protective gear (helmet, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads)
- When rollerblading, you must obey the rules of the road and follow the same rules as cars, trucks, and bicycles.
- Yield to pedestrians
- When passing pedestrians, other rollerbladers, or cyclists, skate on the right hand side of the road/path and pass on the left hand side.
- If you are approaching someone from the back, indicate that you are there and that you will be passing them by saying "passing on your left" as you approach them.
WALKING
Winnipeg is a pedestrian-friendly city and walking is a favorite past-time for many throughout the year. Exploring Winnipeg's many communities on foot is a great way to get to know your new city.
Although pedestrians have the right of way, don't assume that all vehicle drivers and cyclists are watching for you. To avoid a collision, take a few simple precautions.
- Whenever possible, cross streets at intersections instead of in the middle of the block.
- Use intersections with "walk/don't walk" signals if they are available.
- When crossing at intersections, watch for turning vehicles that might not see you.
- Check to ensure the traffic is clear before crossing the street (check for traffic to the left, then to the right, and once more to the left before entering the intersection)
- Cross the street as quickly as possible