book

01 Introduction

02 Before The Bus (1882-1918)

The streetcar dominates the first four decades of public transit in Winnipeg Beginning in 1882, the horses of the Winnipeg Street Railway Company pulled wooden cars with iron wheels along company railway tracks laid in the city's streets.

North-West Angle Stages (19 July 1877 (one day))
Enterprise folded when passengers proved too few and street mud too deep.

Winnipeg Street Railway Company (20 October 1882 - 11 May 1894)
Incorporated 27 May 1882 (Man.) to operate in Winnipeg and the parishes of St. Boniface East and West, St. Johns, St. James, and Kildonan. Company sold to the WESR 11 May 1894. (Manitoba Historical Society photo)

Winnipeg Electric Street Railway Company (27 July 1892 - 25 July 1904)
Incorporated 20 April 1892 (Man.) to build and operate an electric railway in Winnipeg, St. Boniface, R.M. of Assiniboia, and parishes of St. Boniface, St. John, St. James, and Kildonan. Name changed to WER 1904.

Winnipeg Electric Railway Company (25 July 1904 - 1918)
Charter expanded to include the Municipality of St. Vital. Acquired controlling interest in the Winnipeg, Selkirk and Lake Winnipeg interurban 1906. Name changed to WECo 1924. (Photo: Winnipeg Tribune Archives). [tickets]

Winnipeg Jitney Association (circa April 1915 - ?)
The "jitney craze" in Winnipeg played out in similar fashion to other Canadian cities. Jitneys first appeared in February 1915 and by April there were over 200 in service. The May 1915 figure was thought to be about 480, and June 1915 was 572. On September 14, 1915, the official count was 635. Various associations came and went quickly. CR&MW made note of the following:

Winnipeg Jitney Association (formation reported in May 1915 issue)
Winnipeg Jitney Dispatch Service (organization reported June 1915)
Winnipeg General Jitney Despatch (reported on October 1915)
Sargent Jitney Association (reported April 1916) Forty-six jitneys operating on Sargent Avenue on 06 September 1916.
Winnipeg Jitney Owners' and Drivers' Protective Association (reported August 1916 through September 1917) Over 100 members in July 1916. The charter of the Jitney Owners' and Drivers' Association of Winnipeg was finally cancelled by the provincial government 28 September 1936 (Manitoba Gazette, Vol. 65, #38, Sep. 19, 1936, p. 738).

West Kildonan residents organized a jitney service to Kildonan Park circa April 1917. Winnipeg City council finally banned jitneys 19 April 1918. (CR&MW 1915-1918).

03 Home-Made buses (1918-1936)

Winnipeg Electric Railway Company (1918 - 05 April 1924)
Charter expanded to include the Municipality of St. Vital. Acquired controlling interest in the Winnipeg, Selkirk and Lake Winnipeg interurban 1906. Name changed to WECo 1924. (Photo: Winnipeg Tribune Archives). [tickets]

1918

Fleet Series Number: 101-107 odd Qty.: 4 Manufacturer/Made By: Studebaker Model: WECo Bodies Seats: 16

1919

Winnipeg Electric Ry Co bus on Westminster Route (Winnipeg Tribune photo archives)

Number 109, 1 Ruggles.

1920

Numbers 111, and 113 (Qty.: 2) Sterling.

1921

1922

1923

1924

Numbers 115-121 odd. (Qty: 4). General Motors (this seems highly unlikely). model: K-20. 24 seats.

04 Winnipeg Electric Company (1924-1953)

Winnipeg Electric Company (05 April 1924 - 31 January 1953)
Operated bus service to Transcona 1928-1941. Absorbed SRT operations in St. James, Tuxedo, Charleswood and Assiniboia in 1940. An offer to purchase WECo was made by the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board 28 October 1952 which was accepted (date?). Transit system divided from hydro-electric interests in 1953, as the GWTCo. (Manitoba Hydro website, Photos: CWTS archives, University of Manitoba archives, Dennis Cavanagh) [tickets]

1925

Numbers unknown. (Qty: 7). REO, with WECo bodies. 21 seats. WECo bodies recycled from 1918 units.

Numbers unknown. (Qty: 3). Dodge-Graham, with WECo Bodies. 16 seats. WECo bodies recycled from 1918 units.

1926

Numbers unknown. (Qty: 3). REO, 21 seats.

Number unknown. (Qty: 1). Studebaker.

1927

Numbers 301-319 odd. (There's a mistake here). (Qty: 5). Mack. Model AB. 25 seats. Serial numbers 593924-32.

Numbers unknown. (Qty: 3). Studebaker. 21 seats.

Numbers unknown. (Qty: 3). REO. 21 seats.

1928

Numbers unknown. (Qty: 7). GMC/WECo. 23 seats.

Numbers 321-329 odd. (Qty: 5). Mack. Model AB. 25 seats Serial numbers 594203-7.

Numbers 101-109 odd. (Qty: 5). Twin Coach. Model 40. 40 seats. possibly Cummings bodies.

1929
Number unknown. (Qty: 1). REO/Fitz John. 25 seats. Serial number: GB 1308.

Number 331. (Qty: 1). Mack. Model BK. 33 seats.

1930

Numbers 333, 335. (Qty: 2). Mack. Model AB. 29 seats. Acquired used (1926 models).

1931

1932

1933

1934

Numbers unknown. (Qty: 3). White. 21 seats. Acquired used.

1935

Numbers 451-457 odd. (Qty: 4). Ford/Lawrie. Model CL-BB. 21 seats. WECo design / 1 chassis 1934.

1936

Numbers 459, 461. (Qty: 2). Ford/Lawrie. Model CL-BB. 21 seats. WECo design.

Numbers 501, 503. (Qty: 2). Dodge/Lawrie. 21 seats. WECo design / 1 chassis 1934.

Numbers 525, 527. (Qty: 2). Chevrolet/Lawrie. 21 seats. WECo design / 1 chassis 1934.

Numbers 425, 427. (Qty: 2). International/Lawrie. 21 seats.

04 Small Gas Buses

Numbers 111-119 odd. (Qty: 5). Twin Coach Model 23RS. 25 seats. 111 restored by MTHA.

Numbers 337-347 odd. (Qty: 5). Mack. Model CW. 31 seats. Serial numbers 1200, 1507-11, or serials 6CW3S 1507-12 [MBS].

1937

Numbers 121-129 odd. (Qty: 5). Twin Coach Model 23R. 23 seats. Serial numbers 95909-13.

Numbers 349-353 odd. (Qty: 3). Mack. Model CW. 31 seats. Serial numbers 6CW3S 1791-3.

Numbers 375-379 odd *. * photo suggests #355-359 odd. (Qty: 3). Mack. Model CQ. 31 seats. Serial numbers 6CQ3S 1673-5.

Numbers 175, 177. (Qty: 2). Yellow Coach. Model 739. 25 seats.

Number 463. (Qty: 1). Ford. Model: Transit 70. 25 seats. Serial number 3664557.

1938

Number 131-141. (Qty: 6). Twin Coach. Model 23R. 23 seats. Serial numbers 96043-8.

1939

Numbers 120-138 even. (Qty: 10). Twin Coach. Model 23R. 23 seats. Serial numbers 96089-98.

Numbers 140, 142-146. (Qty: 6). Twin Coach. Model 23R. 23 seats. Serial numbers 96207-12. Some stretched to 31 passengers in early 1950s.

Numbers unknown. (Qty 6). Yellow Coach (GM). Model: TG2401. 24 seats. Serial numbers 0020-0025. Listed in Ohio Museum of Transportation production list. Not on Winnipeg's list.

Number 273. (Qty: 1). Unidentified type in service in 1939. Make, model and age unidentified.

1940

Numbers 465-483 odd. (Qty: 9). Ford. Model: Transit 09-B. 27 seats.

Numbers 485-497 odd. (Qty: 7). Ford. Model: Transit 19-B. 27 seats.

1941

Numbers 200-229. (Qty: 30). Twin Coach. Model 30 GS. 31 seats. Serial numbers 108523-32/ ..766-75/ ..921-30. 214 restored by MTHA.

Numbers 531-539. (Qty: 5). Ford. Model: Transit 19-B. 27 seats.

1942

Numbers 230-234. (Qty: 5). Twin Coach. Model 30 GS. 31 model. Serial numbers 109050-4.

Numbers 541-559 odd. (Qty: 10). Ford. Model: Transit 29-B. 27 seats.

1943

Numbers 235-240. (Qty: 6). Twin Coach. Model 30 GS. 31 seats. Serial numbers 109175-79 +?.

1944

Numbers 150-159. (Qty: 10). GM. Model: TG3608. 36 seats. Serial numbers 191-200. Sold to Moose Jaw.

1945

1946

Numbers 801-811 odd. (Qty: 6). Twin Coach. Model: 38S. 38 seats. Serial numbers 53-58.

Numbers 561-569 odd. (Qty: 5). Ford. Model: Transit 69-B. 25 seats. 565 restored by MTHA.

Numbers 701-705 odd. (Qty: 3). CCF-Brill. Model C36. 36 seats. Serial numbers 2326-8. Converted to AEC diesel and torque converter transmission.

Year Fleet Series Number Qty. Manufacturer/Made By Model/Trucks Seats Length Width Out of Service Date Serial Number Observations

1947 707-719 odd 7 CCF-Brill C36 36 2329-35 converted to AEC diesel and torque converter transmission

1947 361-379 odd 10 Twin Coach 34S 34 447B-456B Sold to Diamond Bus Lines (Edmonton)

1947 851-869 odd 10 Twin Coach 41S 41 236-237, 248-55 Sold to Edmonton Transit

1947 601-607 odd 4 CCF-Brill IC-41 41 1030-3 Intercity. Sold to Beaver Bus Lines 1948.

1947 621, 623 2 Motor Coach Industries Courier 100-A 33 83-4 Intercity. Sold to Beaver Bus Lines 1948.

1948 721-729 odd 5 CCF-Brill C36TC 36 2737-41 721 converted to propane, then all converted to AEC diesel

1948 813-831 odd 10 Twin Coach 38S 38 906C-915C Sold to Edmonton Transit

1952 901-923 odd 12 Twin Coach FL2-40 40 102" 1-12 Converted to AEC diesel

1952 733 1 Can-Car CD44ATC 44 15000 Demo on lease, bought in 1953

Year	Fleet Series Number	Qty.	Manufacturer/Made By	Model/Trucks	Seats	Width	Serial Number	Observations
1947	707-719 odd	7	CCF-Brill	C36	36		2329-35	converted to AEC diesel and torque converter transmission
1947	361-379 odd	10	Twin Coach	34S	34		447B-456B	Sold to Diamond Bus Lines (Edmonton)
1947	851-869 odd	10	Twin Coach	41S	41		236-237, 248-55	Sold to Edmonton Transit
1947	601-607 odd	4	CCF-Brill	IC-41	41		1030-3	Intercity. Sold to Beaver Bus Lines 1948.
1947	621, 623	2	Motor Coach Industries	Courier 100-A	33		83-4	Intercity. Sold to Beaver Bus Lines 1948.
1948	721-729 odd	5	CCF-Brill	C36TC	36		2737-41	721 converted to propane, then all converted to AEC diesel
1948	813-831 odd	10	Twin Coach	38S	38		906C-915C	Sold to Edmonton Transit
1952	901-923 odd	12	Twin Coach	FL2-40	40	102"	1-12	Converted to AEC diesel
1952	733	1	Can-Car	CD44ATC	44		15000	Demo on lease, bought in 1953

WECo 111 restored by MTHA (Dennis Cavanagh 2001)

WECo Ford 565 restored by MTHA (Dennis Cavanagh 2001)

WECo 212 Doing Overload for Moores Taxi to West Hawk Lake 1941 (A. Downham photo, CWTS collection)

WECo 1935 International Model C bus (Winnipeg Transit Collection)

WECo 1926 Mack AB 25 passenger bus (Winnipeg Transit Collection)

05 Greater Winnipeg Transit Commission (1953-1960)

Greater Winnipeg Transit Company (01 February 1953 - 29 May 1953)
Incorporated 06 January 1953 as a subsidiary of WECo, which was controlled by the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board, a provincial government agency established by legislation in 1949 and activated 18 May 1951 (Manitoba Hydro website). Sold to the GWT Comm. 1953.

Greater Winnipeg Transit Commission (30 May 1953 - 31 December 1960)
Multi-municipality enterprise incorporated 08 April 1953. Purchase of predecessor's assets completed 11 November 1953. Reorganized as the Transit Department of the M Corp of G.W. 1961. (photos: Winnipeg Transit, Peter Cox).

Year Fleet Series Number Qty. Manufacturer/Made By Model Seats Length Width Out of Service Date Serial Number Observations

1953 735-753 odd 10 Can-Car CD44ATC 44 15135-44

1953 601-619 odd 10 Mack C47DT 47 1967 1041-50

1954 401-449 odd 25 Flxible-Twin Coach FT2D-40 50 1972 50452-76

1955 450-499 50 Flxible-Twin Coach FT2D-40 50 1972 50602-51

1955 500-524 25 Can-Car CD52TC 52 17001-25 first order for type

1955 755-779 25 Can-Car CD44ATC 44 1978 15324-48

1955 731 1 Can-Car CD36ATC 36 12054 Ex. Northern Bus Lines #25 (1953 model)

1956 100-111 12 GM TDH4512 44 1978 1797-1806, 1974-5 Ser. # 1974-5 to Excel Coach Lines Kenora

1958 525-549 25 Can-Car CD52TC 52 1978 17420-17444 "Pink Ladies" i.e. - interior & seats were pink

1960 150-159 10 GM TDH5301 53 40' 102" 1569-78 Seven refurb. & renum. 1988: 150>274, 151>275, 152>269, 153>279, 156>270, 157>281, 158>271

1960 550-574 25 Can-Car TD51 51 40' 102" 1978 011-35 "Boxcars."

Year	Fleet Series Number	Qty.	Manufacturer/Made By	Model	Seats	Length	Width	Out of Service Date	Serial Number	Observations
1953	735-753 odd	10	Can-Car	CD44ATC	44				15135-44
1953	601-619 odd	10	Mack	C47DT	47			1967	1041-50
1954	401-449 odd	25	Flxible-Twin Coach	FT2D-40	50			1972	50452-76
1955	450-499	50	Flxible-Twin Coach	FT2D-40	50			1972	50602-51
1955	500-524	25	Can-Car	CD52TC	52				17001-25	first order for type
1955	755-779	25	Can-Car	CD44ATC	44			1978	15324-48
1955	731	1	Can-Car	CD36ATC	36				12054	Ex. Northern Bus Lines #25 (1953 model)
1956	100-111	12	GM	TDH4512	44			1978	1797-1806, 1974-5	Ser. # 1974-5 to Excel Coach Lines Kenora
1958	525-549	25	Can-Car	CD52TC	52			1978	17420-17444	"Pink Ladies" i.e. - interior & seats were pink
1960	150-159	10	GM	TDH5301	53	40'	102"		1569-78	Seven refurb. & renum. 1988: 150>274, 151>275, 152>269, 153>279, 156>270, 157>281, 158>271
1960	550-574	25	Can-Car	TD51	51	40'	102"	1978	011-35	"Boxcars."

Greater Winnipeg Transit Commission 343 (Peter Cox)

Greater Winnipeg Transit Commission 357 (Peter Cox)

Winnipeg 1944 GM TG3609 gas bus (Peter Cox photo, Winnipeg Transit collection)

Winnipeg 1956 GM TDH-4512 bus 104 (Winnipeg Transit)

Former Winnipeg GM TDH-4512 bus 105 in Red Lake junkyard (Ross Smith)

06 Metro Transit (1961-1971)

Metropolitan Corporation of Greater Winnipeg (01 January 1961 - 31 December 1971)
Service to Transcona resumed 1963. Service to East St. Paul withdrawn in 1969. Metro municipalities amalgamated as the City of Winnipeg 1972. System also referred to as Metro Transit (CC66). Summer-only service to Bird's Hill Park outside the city begun 21 May 1971. (Photos: CWTS archives and Winnipeg Tribune archives)

Year Fleet Series Number Qty. Manufacturer/Made By Model Seats Length Width Out of Service Date Serial Number Observations

1962 160-172 13 GMC TDH5301 53 40' 102" C052-C064 first Cdn 5303s for Wpg. Two refurb. & renum. 1988: 161>272, 171>282

1962 112-131 20 GM TDH4517 45 35' 96" C039-C058 5 units rebuilt & renumbered 762-766

1963 173-186 14 GMC TDH5303 53 40' 102" C-150-63

1963 132-133 2 GM TGH3102 31 40' 102" 1978 0371-2 Ex. Transcona Bus Lines (TBL) 30-31 (1954 model)

1963 187-188 2 GM TDH5105 51 40' 102" 1978 1823-4 Ex. TBL #33-34 (1956 model)

1963 189 1 GM TDH5105 53 40' 102" 1978 3146 Ex. TBL #35 (1959 model)

1963 190 1 GM TDH5301 53 40' 102" 1978 1609 Ex. TBL #38 (1960 model)

1963 191
renum. 280 1 GM TDH5301 53 40' 102" C-027 Ex. TBL #39 (1962 model). Rebuilt & renumbered 280.

1965 201-230 30 GMC TDH5303 51 40' 102" C-394-423 No Standee windows

1966 801-815 15 Mitsubishi/Fuso MAR750L 51 40' 102" 1973 7371-7385

1967 231-255 25 GMC TDH5303 51 40' 102" C-868-92

1967 700
renum. 666 1 Western Flyer Coach 700 52 40' 102" 700X Prototype leased, then purchased.

1968 601-617 17 Western Flyer Coach 700 52 40' 102" 1986 7001-17

1969 618-665 48 Western Flyer Coach 700 52 40' 102" 1986 7018-65

1969 301-366 66 Western Flyer Coach 700A 52 40' 102" 1988 7066-89, 7100-40

1970 367-380 15 Western Flyer Coach 700A 52 40' 102" 1988 7141-55

1970 821-847 27 Western Flyer Coach 700A 52 40' 102" 1989 7156-80, 7211-12

1971 848-861 13 Western Flyer Coach 700A 52 40' 102" 1990 7213-18, 7223-30

1971 862-870 9 Flyer Industries 700A 52 40' 102" 1991 0671061-9

1971 132
renum. 751 1 GMC T6H4521A 29 35' 96" 2001 814 Radio Test Bus - rebuilt. To MTHA.

Year	Fleet Series Number	Qty.	Manufacturer/Made By	Model	Seats	Length	Width	Out of Service Date	Serial Number	Observations
1962	160-172	13	GMC	TDH5301	53	40'	102"		C052-C064	first Cdn 5303s for Wpg. Two refurb. & renum. 1988: 161>272, 171>282
1962	112-131	20	GM	TDH4517	45	35'	96"		C039-C058	5 units rebuilt & renumbered 762-766
1963	173-186	14	GMC	TDH5303	53	40'	102"		C-150-63
1963	132-133	2	GM	TGH3102	31	40'	102"	1978	0371-2	Ex. Transcona Bus Lines (TBL) 30-31 (1954 model)
1963	187-188	2	GM	TDH5105	51	40'	102"	1978	1823-4	Ex. TBL #33-34 (1956 model)
1963	189	1	GM	TDH5105	53	40'	102"	1978	3146	Ex. TBL #35 (1959 model)
1963	190	1	GM	TDH5301	53	40'	102"	1978	1609	Ex. TBL #38 (1960 model)
1963	191 renum. 280	1	GM	TDH5301	53	40'	102"		C-027	Ex. TBL #39 (1962 model). Rebuilt & renumbered 280.
1965	201-230	30	GMC	TDH5303	51	40'	102"		C-394-423	No Standee windows
1966	801-815	15	Mitsubishi/Fuso	MAR750L	51	40'	102"	1973	7371-7385
1967	231-255	25	GMC	TDH5303	51	40'	102"		C-868-92
1967	700 renum. 666	1	Western Flyer Coach	700	52	40'	102"		700X	Prototype leased, then purchased.
1968	601-617	17	Western Flyer Coach	700	52	40'	102"	1986	7001-17
1969	618-665	48	Western Flyer Coach	700	52	40'	102"	1986	7018-65
1969	301-366	66	Western Flyer Coach	700A	52	40'	102"	1988	7066-89, 7100-40
1970	367-380	15	Western Flyer Coach	700A	52	40'	102"	1988	7141-55
1970	821-847	27	Western Flyer Coach	700A	52	40'	102"	1989	7156-80, 7211-12
1971	848-861	13	Western Flyer Coach	700A	52	40'	102"	1990	7213-18, 7223-30
1971	862-870	9	Flyer Industries	700A	52	40'	102"	1991	0671061-9
1971	132 renum. 751	1	GMC	T6H4521A	29	35'	96"	2001	814	Radio Test Bus - rebuilt. To MTHA.

Metro buses on Graham Avenue 1971 (Winnipeg Tribune photo)

07 Winnipeg Transit (1972-present)

City of Winnipeg Transit System (01 January 1972 - present)
Customarily referred to as Winnipeg Transit. Summer-only service to Bird's Hill Park outside the city ended 03 September 1979. Service to Headingley withdrawn 31 December 1992. From 1995 bilingual signs inside buses acknowledging provincial financial support cite la Régie des transports de Winnipeg. (CUTA 1989, CUTA 1991/2, CUTA 1992, photos Jaworski, Dennis Cavanagh and Alex Regiec)

Year Fleet Series Number Qty. Manufacturer/Made By Model Seats Length Width Out of Service Date Serial Number Observations

1972 133-142 9 GMC T6H4521 45 35' 96" C-312-21

1972 871-894 24 Flyer Industries D-700A 52 40' 102" 1991 272150-73

1972 901-916 16 Flyer Industries D-700A 52 40' 102" 1992 472174-89

1972 917-924 8 Flyer Industries D-700A 52 40' 102" 1992 1272238-45

1973 925-935 11 Flyer Industries D-700A 52 40' 102" 1992 0273270-80

1974 21, 23, 24 Flxible Flxette 19 1977 Dial-A-Bus Service in Ft. Richmond-St. Norbert (1974-1977)

1974 31-2, 34-5, 41-2 Funcraft 19 1977 Dial-A-Bus Service in Ft. Richmond-St. Norbert (1974-1977)

1974 43, 45, 51-53 Grumman Dodge Chassis 19 1977 Dial-A-Bus Service in Ft. Richmond-St. Norbert (1974-1977)

1975 401-430 30 Flyer Industries D800-10240 52 40' 102" 1998 472-501

1976 575-583 9 Can-Car CD52TC 45 40' 102" 1978 17813-24 Ex. Saskatoon Transit (1959 model)

1977 701-728 28 Flyer Industries D800-9635 45 35' 96" 1997 0603-30

1977 729-745 17 Flyer Industries D800-9635 45 35' 96" 1997 1134-50

1977 431-493 63 Flyer Industries D800-10240 52 40' 102" 1998 1151-1213

1978 501-570 70 Flyer Industries D800A-10240 52 40' 102" 1998 1214-83

1981 941-962 22 Orion Bus Industires 01.501 31 30' 96" 200x? 0329-0350

1981 971-976 6 Orion Bus Industires 01.504 39 35' 96" 200x? 0354-0359

1982 977-982 6 Orion Bus Industires 01.504 39 35' 96" 200x? 0518, 0520-0522, 0524-0525

1984 ... 682 ... 685 ... 687 ... 689 ... (?) circa 20? GMC T6H-5307N 40' 102" 1985 leased from Edmonton. Known ETS>CWTS renumbers: 982>682, 985>685, 987>687, 989>689

1984 101-107 7 Flyer Industries D901-10240 50 40' 102" 3019-3025 Built for Chicago, which refused delivery

1984 381-389 9 Flyer Industries D800-10240 52 40' 102" 1990 1061-1069 Ex. Calgary Transit #504-512 (1974 model)

1984 290-299 10 GMC T6H-5307N 52 40' 102" 2002 B3500161 - B3500170 [†] Ex. Calgary Transit #1017-1026 (1981 model)

1984 390-399 10 Flyer Industries D800-10240 50 40' 102" 1990 0373-0382 Ex. Edmonton Transit #831-840 (1974 model)

1985 65, 67, 69 3 Thomas Built 5+4(1) 21' 95" 1996 Handi-Transit

1985 74, 76 2 Thomas Built 5+4(1) 21' 95" 1996 Handi-Transit

1985 108-182 75 Flyer Industries D901A-10240 50 40' 102" 12540-12614

1986 900 1 GMC TA60102N 60' 102" 1986 demo loan from Mississauga fleet

1986 601-630 30 Flyer Industries D901A-10240 50 40' 102" 12848-12877

1987 631-660 30 New Flyer D40-87 49 40' 102" 13004-13333

1987 50, 51, 52 3 Thomas Built 5+4(1) 21' 95" 1996 Handi-Transit

1988 301-334 34 Motor Coach Industries TC40102N "Classic" 52 40' 102" 322 wrecked 2007

1989 801-828 28 New Flyer D40 48 40' 102" 13476-13503

1990 53, 54, 56, 57 4 Goshen GCII 5+4(1) 22' 96" 1996 Handi-Transit

1990 831-860 30 New Flyer D40 48 40' 102" 13581-13610

1991 861-890 30 New Flyer D40 51 40' 102" MU014310 - MU014339 [†]

1992 59, 60 2 Goshen GCII 5+4(1) 22' 96" 1996 Handi-Transit

1992 340-366 27 New Flyer D40 48 40' 102"

1993 68 1 Goshen GCII 5+4(1) 22' 96" 1996 Handi-Transit

1993 62, 63, 64 3 Overland Elf 5+4(1) 24' 96" 1996 Handi-Transit

1993 901-906 6 Overland Elf 19 24' 96" 1997

1994 401-403
renum 991-993 3 New Flyer D40-LF 39 40' 102" RU015273 - RU015275 [†] 1st Low Floors for Wpg.

1994 370-399 30 New Flyer D40 48 40' 102"

1994 671-699 28 New Flyer D40 48 40' 102" RU015477 - RU015505 [†]

1995 78, 79, 80 3 Goshen GCII 5+4(1) 22' 96" 1996 Handi-Transit

1996 911-925 15 New Flyer D30-LF 25 30' 102" TU016875 - TU016889 [†]

1998 401-443 43 New Flyer D40-LF 39 40' 102" WU018727 - WU018769 [†]

1999 444-504 60 New Flyer D40-LF 39 40' 102" WU019365 - WU019424 [†]

2001 930-949 20 New Flyer D30-LF 25 30' 102"

2002 701-710.
renum. 901-910 [Jan/08] 10 New Flyer LF40i (Invero) 45 40' 102" Ordered in 2000, accepted in 2004.

2002 510-561 52 New Flyer D40-LF 39 40' 102"

2003 570-599 30 New Flyer D40-LF 39 40' 102"

2004 201-230 30 New Flyer D40-LF 39 40' 102" 4U027067 - 4U027096 [†]

2005 231-260 30 New Flyer D40-LF 39 40' 102"

2005 550 1 New Flyer (prototype) 40' 102" 2005 Hydrogen-Electric Hybrid. Provincial test program

2007 270-281 12 New Flyer D40-LF 39 40' 102"

2007 998 1 New Flyer DE60LFR 63 60' 8" 102" Apr. 2008 five months trial, hybrid. bus built for Lansing MI

Year	Fleet Series Number	Qty.	Manufacturer/Made By	Model	Seats	Length	Width	Out of Service Date	Serial Number	Observations
1972	133-142	9	GMC	T6H4521	45	35'	96"		C-312-21
1972	871-894	24	Flyer Industries	D-700A	52	40'	102"	1991	272150-73
1972	901-916	16	Flyer Industries	D-700A	52	40'	102"	1992	472174-89
1972	917-924	8	Flyer Industries	D-700A	52	40'	102"	1992	1272238-45
1973	925-935	11	Flyer Industries	D-700A	52	40'	102"	1992	0273270-80
1974	21, 23, 24		Flxible	Flxette	19			1977		Dial-A-Bus Service in Ft. Richmond-St. Norbert (1974-1977)
1974	31-2, 34-5, 41-2		Funcraft		19			1977		Dial-A-Bus Service in Ft. Richmond-St. Norbert (1974-1977)
1974	43, 45, 51-53		Grumman	Dodge Chassis	19			1977		Dial-A-Bus Service in Ft. Richmond-St. Norbert (1974-1977)
1975	401-430	30	Flyer Industries	D800-10240	52	40'	102"	1998	472-501
1976	575-583	9	Can-Car	CD52TC	45	40'	102"	1978	17813-24	Ex. Saskatoon Transit (1959 model)
1977	701-728	28	Flyer Industries	D800-9635	45	35'	96"	1997	0603-30
1977	729-745	17	Flyer Industries	D800-9635	45	35'	96"	1997	1134-50
1977	431-493	63	Flyer Industries	D800-10240	52	40'	102"	1998	1151-1213
1978	501-570	70	Flyer Industries	D800A-10240	52	40'	102"	1998	1214-83
1981	941-962	22	Orion Bus Industires	01.501	31	30'	96"	200x?	0329-0350
1981	971-976	6	Orion Bus Industires	01.504	39	35'	96"	200x?	0354-0359
1982	977-982	6	Orion Bus Industires	01.504	39	35'	96"	200x?	0518, 0520-0522, 0524-0525
1984	... 682 ... 685 ... 687 ... 689 ... (?)	circa 20?	GMC	T6H-5307N		40'	102"	1985		leased from Edmonton. Known ETS>CWTS renumbers: 982>682, 985>685, 987>687, 989>689
1984	101-107	7	Flyer Industries	D901-10240	50	40'	102"		3019-3025	Built for Chicago, which refused delivery
1984	381-389	9	Flyer Industries	D800-10240	52	40'	102"	1990	1061-1069	Ex. Calgary Transit #504-512 (1974 model)
1984	290-299	10	GMC	T6H-5307N	52	40'	102"	2002	B3500161 - B3500170 [†]	Ex. Calgary Transit #1017-1026 (1981 model)
1984	390-399	10	Flyer Industries	D800-10240	50	40'	102"	1990	0373-0382	Ex. Edmonton Transit #831-840 (1974 model)
1985	65, 67, 69	3	Thomas Built		5+4(1)	21'	95"	1996		Handi-Transit
1985	74, 76	2	Thomas Built		5+4(1)	21'	95"	1996		Handi-Transit
1985	108-182	75	Flyer Industries	D901A-10240	50	40'	102"		12540-12614
1986	900	1	GMC	TA60102N		60'	102"	1986		demo loan from Mississauga fleet
1986	601-630	30	Flyer Industries	D901A-10240	50	40'	102"		12848-12877
1987	631-660	30	New Flyer	D40-87	49	40'	102"		13004-13333
1987	50, 51, 52	3	Thomas Built		5+4(1)	21'	95"	1996		Handi-Transit
1988	301-334	34	Motor Coach Industries	TC40102N "Classic"	52	40'	102"	322 wrecked 2007
1989	801-828	28	New Flyer	D40	48	40'	102"		13476-13503
1990	53, 54, 56, 57	4	Goshen	GCII	5+4(1)	22'	96"	1996		Handi-Transit
1990	831-860	30	New Flyer	D40	48	40'	102"		13581-13610
1991	861-890	30	New Flyer	D40	51	40'	102"		MU014310 - MU014339 [†]
1992	59, 60	2	Goshen	GCII	5+4(1)	22'	96"	1996		Handi-Transit
1992	340-366	27	New Flyer	D40	48	40'	102"
1993	68	1	Goshen	GCII	5+4(1)	22'	96"	1996		Handi-Transit
1993	62, 63, 64	3	Overland	Elf	5+4(1)	24'	96"	1996		Handi-Transit
1993	901-906	6	Overland	Elf	19	24'	96"	1997
1994	401-403 renum 991-993	3	New Flyer	D40-LF	39	40'	102"		RU015273 - RU015275 [†]	1st Low Floors for Wpg.
1994	370-399	30	New Flyer	D40	48	40'	102"
1994	671-699	28	New Flyer	D40	48	40'	102"		RU015477 - RU015505 [†]
1995	78, 79, 80	3	Goshen	GCII	5+4(1)	22'	96"	1996		Handi-Transit
1996	911-925	15	New Flyer	D30-LF	25	30'	102"		TU016875 - TU016889 [†]
1998	401-443	43	New Flyer	D40-LF	39	40'	102"		WU018727 - WU018769 [†]
1999	444-504	60	New Flyer	D40-LF	39	40'	102"		WU019365 - WU019424 [†]
2001	930-949	20	New Flyer	D30-LF	25	30'	102"
2002	701-710. renum. 901-910 [Jan/08]	10	New Flyer	LF40i (Invero)	45	40'	102"			Ordered in 2000, accepted in 2004.
2002	510-561	52	New Flyer	D40-LF	39	40'	102"
2003	570-599	30	New Flyer	D40-LF	39	40'	102"
2004	201-230	30	New Flyer	D40-LF	39	40'	102"		4U027067 - 4U027096 [†]
2005	231-260	30	New Flyer	D40-LF	39	40'	102"
2005	550	1	New Flyer	(prototype)		40'	102"	2005		Hydrogen-Electric Hybrid. Provincial test program
2007	270-281	12	New Flyer	D40-LF	39	40'	102"
2007	998	1	New Flyer	DE60LFR	63	60' 8"	102"	Apr. 2008		five months trial, hybrid. bus built for Lansing MI

Winnipeg CanCar bus (Dennis Cavanagh photo)

Winnipeg GMC bus (Dennis Cavanagh photo)

Winnipeg Flyer bus (Dennis Cavanagh photo)

Winnipeg Flyer D800 bus (Dennis Cavanagh photo)

Winnipeg trial of Mississauga TA60102N artic (Winnipeg Transit photo)

Winnipeg trial of Mississauga TA60102N artic (Dennis Cavanagh photo)

Winnipeg buses at Osborne Junction 1999 (Alex Regiec photo)

Winnipeg 689/Edmonton 989 GM new look (David Wyatt)

Winnipeg New Flyer D40LF bus (Alex Regiec photo)

New Flyer hydrogen-electric hybrid bus (Alex Regiec photo)

08 Winnipeg's Suburbs

Suburban Rapid Transit Company (02 December 1903 - 26 October 1940)
Incorporated 01 March 1902 to build and operate an electric railway from Winnipeg west on both sides of the Assiniboine River to Headingley. In 1904 powers were expanded to include the R.M. of Saint François-Xavier and Portage-la-Prairie. All operation was conducted under contract by the WESR and its successors. Control of the SRT was purchased by the WER 26 October 1905. Operated street railway lines from Winnipeg to Headingley via St. James and Assiniboia, and from Winnipeg to Charleswood via Tuxedo. Bus lines added towards the end of the franchise. Operations absorbed by WECo at the end of the SRT franchise in 1940. (Winnipeg Transit photo). [tickets]

St. Vital Bus Lines (1932 - circa 1948)
Took over a single bus route from the WECo in St. Vital in 1932. Organization changed name to Beaver Bus Lines Limited in 1939. St. Vital route reabsorbed into main Winnipeg system circa 1948 (CC69). Company shifted to operating suburban bus service between Winnipeg and Selkirk.

Cross-Country Bus Lines Ltd. (circa 1950s)
Suburban carrier operating between the Winnipeg bus depot and Fort Whyte (now also in Winnipeg). (Photo: William A. Luke)

Note

From 01 September 1998 to present (annually September to April) The University of Manitoba operates the " U of M Shuttle" between the institution's Bannatyne campus in central Winnipeg and the Fort Garry campus in the south end of the city. No fares are charged, no intermediate stops are made, and the endpoint stops are all located on University property, making the service technically "in-house" and not public transit. Operated under contract by Vital Transit Services Ltd.

Transcona Systems

Mr. Miranda (1912 - ?)
Semi-scheduled automobile (jitney) service between Transcona and Winnipeg. (Transcona 50th, photo: Transcona 25th)

W.F. Lange (1922 - October 1924)
Initial bus service between Winnipeg and Transcona. Incorporated 1924 as the TTC. (Bradley)

Mr. Thompson (? - October 1924)
Operation absorbed by the TTC (Winnipeg Tribune, 30 Jun. 1967).

Transcona Transportation Company (October 1924 - 16 November 1925)
Operation owned by W.F. Lange. Taken over by IS. (Bradley)

Interurban Services, Ltd (16 November 1925 - 12 January 1928)
Incorporated 02 November 1925 (Man.) and took over TTCo two weeks later. Affiliate of the Winnipeg Electric Company (Winnipeg city system). Initial operation by four buses. Went out of business after an accident in downtown Winnipeg. Transcona bus route absorbed by parent company. (Bradley, CR&MW Nov. 1926, p. 607, photo: Winnipeg Transit)

Year Fleet Series Number Qty. Manufacturer/Made By Model Seats Length Width Out of Service Date Serial Number Observations

unknown 2 Mack 29 Ex. Transcona Transportation Co. (TTCo), acq. 1925

unknown 1 White 29 Ex. TTCo, acq. 1925

unknown 1 Reo 21 Ex. TTCo, acq. 1925

Winnipeg Electric Company (12 January 1928 - 01 May 1941)
Winnipeg city system. Competed with WRBL 1933 - 1941. Service to Transcona curtailed at the direction of the Dominion Transit Controller. (Bradley, Transcona 75th, photo: Winnipeg Transit)

White Ribbon Bus Lines Ltd. (11 November 1933 - 31 December 1962)
Operation of former WECo bus driver William Dunn. Became owned by Thiessen Bus Lines in 1959 which later became Grey Goose Bus Lines Ltd. In later years did business as Transcona Bus Lines. 1961 advertisement proclaimed "Serving Transcona Since 1927." Service and operation assumed by Metropolitan Corporation of Greater Winnipeg (Winnipeg city system) 01 January 1963. (CC66, Transcona 50th, Transcona 75th, Bus Ride, November 1989, photos: Winnipeg Tribune Archives, Transcona 50th).

09 Commuting in the Winnipeg Region

Bird's Hill, Manitoba

Eastern Bus Lines Ltd. (1950's)
As part of it's longer suburban/rural bus route to Lydiatt EBL operated commuter trips between Winnipeg and Bird's Hill in eastern East St. Paul. The Lydiatt route existed at least as early as 1935. (William A. Luke photo).

East St. Paul, Manitoba

Greater Winnipeg Transit Commission (circa 1957 - 31 December 1960)
Winnipeg city system expanded to include East St. Paul in its service area, over the objections of rural/intercity carrier Red River Motor Coach Lines, Ltd., which had served the area since 1925. GWTC reorganized as the Transit Department of the M Corp of G.W. 1961.

Metropolitan Corporation of Greater Winnipeg (01 January 1961 - 10 February 1965)
Winnipeg city system, also referred to as Metro Transit. East St. Paul Rural Municipality withdrew from Metro 01 January 1965 and Metro Transit eliminated its bus service. Rural/intercity carrier Thiessen Bus Lines, successor to RRMC, continued to operate suburban frequencies through East St. Paul from Winnipeg although schedules were reduced by 1966.

East St. Paul Transit Co-Op (30 July 1973 - 1974)
Service between East St. Paul and Winnipeg. Intended to supersede rural/highway service operated by Grey Goose Bus Lines Ltd. (successor to TBL and RRMC). Sponsored in part by the East St. Paul Chamber of Commerce. Service terminated in the absence of municipal subsidy.

Headingley, Manitoba

Suburban Rapid Transit Company (20 December 1905 - 20 August 1930)
The SRT operated in other Winnipeg suburbs 1903 - 1940. All operation was conducted under contract by the Winnipeg Electric Street Railway Company and its successors. Control of the SRT was purchased by the Winnipeg Electric Railway Company 26 October 1905. Headingley service was converted to buses 07 May 1930 and abandoned completely in August. (Winnipeg Transit photo).

Sonnichsen Transportation (1938 - 1967)
Service between Headingley and Winnipeg. ST established circa 1940 (Bus Ride, November 1989, cited as Sonnichsen Bus Lines). The company, which included school bus operations, was sold to Grey Goose Bus Lines in 1986 (APR). (Scrafton et al. 1970, Peter Cox and William A. Luke photos).

City of Winnipeg Transit System (26 September 1983 - 31 December 1992)
Winnipeg city system, customarily referred to as Winnipeg Transit. Service to Headingley withdrawn 1992 when Headingley became a separate municipality.

Lorette, Manitoba

Lorette Bus Lines Ltd. (circa September 1992 - circa 1993)
Suburban commuter service between Lorette and Winnipeg. Not in the telephone book in 1994.

St. Adolphe, Manitoba

Riverbend Bus Line (1940's)
Operator of suburban bus service between Winnipeg and Saint Adolphe. (William A. Luke photo).

Beaver Bus Lines Limited (1947 - 1963)
Operator of suburban bus service between Winnipeg and Saint Adolphe. Some trips extended to Niverville and Ste. Agathe. (Regiec et al.)

Southern Bus Lines (1963 - ?)
Operator of suburban bus service between Winnipeg and Saint Adolphe and Niverville. (Regiec et al., Paul Leger photo).

Ste. Anne, Manitoba

Eagle Bus Lines Ltd. (1950s?)
Suburban short turns were operated by Eagle between Winnipeg and Ste. Anne in the 1950s (William A. Luke photo).

Selkirk, Manitoba

Winnipeg, Selkirk and Lake Winnipeg Railway Company (25 May 1908 - 30 September 1948)
Incorporated 05 July 1900 (Man.) to build and operate a steam or electric railway from Winnipeg north to West Selkirk or the west shore of Lake Winnipeg. Buses began serving selected Winnipeg - Selkirk runs 11 June 1931. All Selkirk - Winnipeg electric rail operation ceased in favour of buses 01 September 1937 (see below).

A branch line from Middlechurch on the Winnipeg - Selkirk line to Stony Mountain and Stonewall opened for service 14 December 1914 (opening ceremony 12 December 1914). Experimentally, a feeder bus route was operated from Stonewall north to Balmoral, Gunton and Teulon from June to "end of summer" 1922. The Stonewall line was bus operated 23 May 1934 to 10 December 1934, and all electric car service ended in favour of buses 1939 (see below). (Baker).
Suburban bus service between Selkirk and Winnipeg continued directly from interurban electric railway operations (see above). WS&LW a subsidiary of WECo, the Winnipeg city system and all buses carried the parent company's name until the service was marketed as Selkirk Streamliner in the late 1940s. (photos Winnipeg Transit, Dennis Cavanagh)

WECo 601 Selkirk Streamliner at Winnipeg Bus Depot (William A. Luke)

Beaver Bus Lines Limited (01 October 1948 - present)
Suburban transit service between Selkirk and Winnipeg. Company began as St. Vital Bus Lines operating a service in St. Vital [suburban Winnipeg] 1932 - 1948. (photos Peter McLaughlin, Dennis Cavanagh, and Alex Regiec).

Beaver Bus Lines 19 CanCar IC41 (William A. Luke)

BBL CanCar Voyageur (Redden Archives Collection)

BBL MCI Classic 2004 (Alex Regiec photo)

Stony Mountain / Stonewall, Manitoba

Winnipeg, Selkirk and Lake Winnipeg Railway Company
Interurban electric railway service (see above). The Stony Mountain-Stonewall line was bus operated by the WS&LW 23 May 1934 to 10 December 1934.

Beaver Bus Lines Limited (1939 - 1946)
Started bus service replacing discontinued interurban to Stonewall and Stony Mountain. Sold route to GGB. (Regiec et al.).

Grey Goose Bus Lines Ltd. (1946 - ?)
As part of it's intercity bus service in Manitoba's interlake region, GGB operated commuter trips between Winnipeg and Stony Mountain. Company acquired by, and merged with Thiessen Bus Lines 1961. Operation shortly re-branded as Grey Goose. (Regiec et al., William A. Luke photos).

Thiessen Bus Lines 10, a Western Flyer T-32 (William A. Luke)