Transforming Transit in Winnipeg: Leveraging PTV Lines for Bus Network Redesign 

Winnipeg Transit, the public agency serving the bustling city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, is on the cusp of a transformative era. With a population projected to swell from 783,100 in 2022 to 1 million by 2047, the city’s growing needs demand innovative transit solutions. At the heart of this change is the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan (WTMP), a bold 25-year vision to revamp the city’s bus network, improve service, and adapt to the demands of modern urban life. 

We had the opportunity to sit down with Mascilline Hama, a transport modeler at Winnipeg Transit, to learn how PTV Lines is shaping their ambitious transit redesign. 

Getting to know Winnipeg

Can you provide a brief overview of your transit agency and the communities you serve? 

Mascilline Hama: Winnipeg Transit operates within the city’s boundaries, covering a service area that encompasses 98% of the city’s population. With 87 routes serving over 170,000 passengers daily, Winnipeg Transit is a critical part of the city’s infrastructure. However, as the city grows, so does the demand for improved and efficient transit services. 

What prompted the redesign project of the Winnipeg bus network? 

Mascilline Hama: Winnipeg’s transit system has remained relatively unchanged for decades, and it no longer meets the city’s evolving needs. To address these challenges, the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan (WTMP) was developed and approved in 2021. The plan outlines a city-wide network overhaul to be launched in 2025, aiming to replicate the successful spine-and-feeder model piloted in the southwest of the city. 

What are the primary objectives to achieve with this redesign? 

The redesign aims to reduce congestion, improve transit reliability, and ensure the network can handle increased ridership. This transformation involves replacing almost all existing routes with new ones while adhering to operational parameters like  bus hours and fleet resources. 

How PTV Lines is used for the PT redesign

Why did you choose PTV Lines for this project? 

We selected PTV Lines because it offered the functionality we needed without unnecessary features. Its seamless integration with PTV Visum, which we already used, allowed us to test and refine concepts efficiently. 

Can you describe the process of implementing PTV Lines into your project? 

We’re currently in the planning phase and using PTV Lines extensively for fleet estimations and scenario testing. Its quick and adaptable functionality lets us adjust schedules and assess their impact in real time.

How are you integrating PTV Lines with PTV Visum in your workflow? 

We move back and forth between the two platforms to create and compare scenarios. This integration allows us to run assignments and analyze changes with remarkable speed and ease. 

Which features of PTV Lines have been most beneficial to your project? 

 PTV Lines excels in scenario comparison, timetable adjustments, and accessibility assessments. Its capability to handle imports, exports, and OD data integration has been crucial for our planning needs. 

PTV Lines has  streamlined tasks such as bus count assessments, cost evaluations, and timetable adjustments. The ability to quickly sketch and assess changes has saved valuable time and resources. 

How has PTV Lines impacted your project timelines and overall efficiency? 

PTV Lines has significantly expedited the planning process. By quickly ruling out unfeasible scenarios, we’ve been able to focus on workable solutions, saving both time and effort. 

We’ve successfully conducted scenario comparisons, timetable planning, and KPI evaluations. These insights are vital for aligning our plans with operational constraints. 

Do you have any future plans to expand the use of PTV Lines within your agency? 

Yes, we plan to integrate PTV Lines into our annual planning cycle for fleet and cost assessments. Eventually, we aim to make it a core tool for route planning across the department.