City of Winnipeg uses PTV Lines to redesign its bus network

The City of Winnipeg is leveraging PTV Lines, software by PTV Group (part of Umovity), as the backbone for the transformative redesign of its bus network. This effort aims to meet the demands of the city’s rapid population growth and evolving transit needs.

Local transit operator Winnipeg Transit is using the cloud-based tool to evaluate accessibility, adjust routes, and optimize timetables.

This initiative, a key element of the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan (WTMP), is designed to reshape the city’s transit system in preparation for a projected population of 1 million by 2047.

Currently, Winnipeg operates a network of 87 bus routes, which serves over 170,000 passengers daily. However, the existing transit infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the city’s geographic and demographic expansion.

The WTMP lays out a 25-year roadmap to improve transit efficiency, reduce congestion, and support urban growth. Central to this vision is the Short-Term Network Plan, a city-wide redesign slated to launch in summer 2025, which will significantly enhance Winnipeg’s transit service.

To ensure a seamless and efficient implementation, Winnipeg Transit relies on PTV Lines during the planning stages of the new bus network. This cloud-based tool facilitates tasks such as fleet estimation, timetable planning, and evaluation of operational key performance indicators (KPIs).

“We chose PTV Lines for its unmatched ability to streamline transit planning and scheduling,” said Mascilline Hama, transport modeller at Winnipeg Transit. “The cloud tool allows us to make quick adjustments to schedules, timetables, and connections, while offering critical insights into operational metrics such as bus counts and service hours. This has been essential in achieving our goal of adapting to Winnipeg’s growing needs while operating within fixed resources.”

PTV Lines significantly simplifies public transport service planning. Its intuitive, web-based software enables users to compare scenarios, assess accessibility, and modify routes and schedules—without requiring expertise in complex transportation planning software. By providing rapid solutions to critical planning questions, the tool saves both time and resources.

Winnipeg Transit is planning to expand its use of PTV Lines, integrating the software into its annual planning cycles. Combined with PTV Visum, a software tool the transit agency has relied on for many years, this integration unlocks numerous possibilities for comprehensive transit planning. Together, these tools will empower the department to optimize route planning, improve operational efficiency, and further enhance Winnipeg’s transit infrastructure to meet the city’s growing demands.

Photo: AdobeStock