Transit safety drives first mayoral debate

The 2026 mayoral debate in Winnipeg focused on transit safety, with candidates proposing various solutions. Kevin Klein, the most experienced candidate, argued that partial safety measures failed drivers and pledged to implement full shields across the city within two years. Zac Uminski, Tracey Drexler, and Gagandeep Bawa were absent from the debate.

Michael Vogiatzakis, a funeral home director, proposed cameras at bus shelters, transit ID requirements, and panic buttons at stops. Don Woodstock, a security company owner, advocated for a transit driver advisory board and plainclothes police officers on buses. Brad Gross suggested increasing transit revenue through advertising on protective shields and having a full-security team on buses.

Noah Redden proposed a team of police and mental health specialists to respond to violent emergencies and overdose calls. Joshua Pagdato suggested direct radio lines between police and transit operators. Umar Hayat proposed eliminating transit fares for seniors and youth under 20 and hiring 200 cadets as part of his safety initiative.

Hardeep Dhaliwal, a transit driver, felt the debate was critical for discussing safety concerns. The union and bus drivers voiced their concerns during the debate, but the candidates could potentially bring about change.