$5 million for Winnipeg Transit security team a good start, union says, but devil is in the details

The union for Winnipeg Transit workers says the city's investment in a transit security service is a good start to tackle the issue of safety, and will hopefully encourage some riders to once again take the bus.

Making good on a campaign promise, Mayor Scott Gillingham set aside $5 million in his first budget Tuesday for a new transit security service, but details of what it will look like still need to be ironed out. 

Whatever form it may take, Chris Scott, the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505, says he hopes it will prevent attacks like the one last month near the University of Manitoba.

"The unfortunate woman that was assaulted out at Chancellor station stated she won't be riding the bus anymore," Scott said. "Hopefully the announcement today … will give her the comfort of being able to come back to a safe transit system," he said

After the Jan. 19 attack, in which two women were charged, the victim said more needs to be done to support young people at risk of becoming involved in crime. Gillingham echoed those sentiments on Tuesday, saying the roots of transit violence are complex.

"I am specifically avoiding the use of the word transit security force, I won't call them that, they're a transit security team," he said, noting violent outbursts could mean someone is in need of other social supports. 

Gillingham said the security team will work alongside Winnipeg police and outreach organizations like Main Street Project, Siloam Mission and St. Boniface Street Links. 

"I envision them working … with any agency required to make sure that the individuals get the services they need," he said.

The head of a local grassroots transit advocacy group agrees the causes of bus violence need to be addressed. 

"Transit isn't the storm. Transit is the weather vane telling us there's a problem," said Kyle Owens of Functional Transit Winnipeg. 

"I think that we're seeing the results of years of cuts of services and social supports, where so many people who are so vulnerable for so long … have lost the things that were helping them function and stay in society safely."

Owens says it will be challenging to find a model that will leave all transit users comfortable riding the bus. 

"As advocates for people who use transit, adding security is a complex issue. What helps some people feel safe can cause feelings of vulnerability for others," he said. 

Although the details of the security team are yet to be decided, Gillingham did stress that the officers will not be armed.