Winnipeg Transit’s new On-Request transit service pilot project is now in service. On-Request aims to modernize transit service in Winnipeg, allowing passengers to book rides with the easy-to-use Winnipeg Transit On-Request app. On-Request transit service uses innovative trip planning software and GPS technology to plan bus routes in real-time and respond immediately to passengers’ trip requests.
During the pilot project, On-Request transit service is available for passengers in three zones, previously serviced using “dial-a-ride-transit” (DART). These zones were previously known as DART 101, DART 102, DART 110.
Passengers can book On-Request trips using the Winnipeg Transit On-Request app. Passengers can also book rides using a web browser to access the Winnipeg Transit On-Request booking site, or by calling 311. Bookings are required before using the On-Request service to ensure there is enough room for everyone.
Trips can be booked using the Winnipeg Transit On-Request Service app, online, or by calling 311 and following the prompts for On-Request transit. When you book a trip, you will be given a pick-up time and walking directions to a set pick-up/drop-off location – also knows as a virtual stop – in your neighbourhood.
An On-Request bus, driven by a Winnipeg Transit bus operator, will take the most direct route to your destination. Please note that the bus operator may make slight detours along that route to pick up other passengers.
Booking a ride
Passengers can book On-Request trips using the Winnipeg Transit On-Request app. Bookings are required before using the On-Request service to ensure there is enough room for everyone.
There are three easy ways to book a ride:
Download the Winnipeg Transit On-Request app, set up your account and book your trip. The Winnipeg Transit On-Request app is available on the App Store and on Google Play in both French and English now!
Call 311 and follow the prompts for booking On-Request transit to reach a customer service representative who will help create an account and book rides.
After requesting a trip, passengers will receive step-by-step directions through the app, including:
Walking directions from their trip origin to the pick-up location where they will board the On-Request bus.
The approximate time an On-Request bus will meet them at the pick-up location, and an estimate of the total trip time.
The location where the On-Request bus will drop them off, and walking directions to their final destination.
Pick up/Drop off locations
Pick-up and drop-off locations, also known as virtual stops, are identified by the Winnipeg Transit On-Request app using the location pins in the app.
In most cases, a virtual stop will be the closest intersection to a passenger’s origin or destination. Virtual stops will not be marked and may also be located at an existing Winnipeg Transit stop with a metal plate or bus stop flag. The exact virtual stop is provided to passengers through their trip’s step-by-step directions.
Walking distances to and from virtual stops will vary depending on location. On average, Winnipeg Transit expects this distance to be between 50 and 150 metres.
Hours of operation
On-Request 101 and 102
Mon – Fri:
7 p.m. – 12:45 a.m.
Saturday day:
6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday evening:
7 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday:
7 a.m. – 12 a.m.
On-Request 110
Mon – Fri:
8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Saturday:
9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday:
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wait times
Wait times (i.e. the time from requesting a trip to the time a passenger boards a bus) will vary depending on the number of customers booking rides, the location of the On-Request buses, as well as traffic and weather conditions.
Winnipeg Transit expects wait times to be between 10 and 20 minutes.
Passengers who use the Winnipeg Transit On-Request app to book their On-Request trips will be able to see the bus moving in real-time.
Cancelling a trip
If you can’t make a trip, make sure you cancel by using the app or by calling 311 (follow the prompts for On-Request transit.) If you must cancel a trip, please do so as soon as you determine the trip is no longer needed.
Setting up an account
Users are encouraged to set up an account to take advantage of services such as vehicle tracking, push notifications and text messaging. An account will save personal search results and common trips so you can easily book again.
You can set up your account using the Winnipeg Transit On-Request app, online, or by phone.
If you do not want to create an account, you can book a trip online or by calling 311; however, some features will not be available.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why is Winnipeg Transit replacing the DART with On-Request transit service?
Winnipeg Transit is piloting On-Request service because it is a more modern, flexible, user-friendly system. On-Request service is similar to the current ‘Dial-A-Ride’ (DART) service, however, instead of calling the bus operator directly, passengers book trips using an app. The On-Request app plans the bus route in real-time and provides step-by-step directions to the operator. Passengers walk to a ‘virtual stop’, such as an intersection or transit hub, to board a bus and are dropped off at another ‘virtual stop’, where they can walk to their final destination. Complete directions are provided to passengers through the app, which include walking instructions to and from the virtual stops.
What are the five things I need to know about using Winnipeg Transit On-Request transit service?
Set up your Winnipeg Transit On-Request account through the Winnipeg Transit On-Request app, online, or call 311.
Be on time for your scheduled pick up. In fairness to other passengers, the bus will wait for one minute if you are not there.
If you need to cancel a trip, make sure you cancel at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time.
Sit back and enjoy the ride with your fellow passengers.
What are the benefits of On-Request Transit Service?
On-Request transit allows passengers to book rides quickly and conveniently by using an app or web browser, and uses vehicles operating on flexible routes within a geographic zone. On-Request software processes trip requests in real-time and changes the route in order to minimize walking distances for passengers. By providing directions to the bus operator through a GPS-enabled tablet, On-Request transit reduces the strain on bus operators, allowing them to focus on driving. This helps increase the capacity of an On-Request route when compared to a dial-a-ride-transit (DART) route. Incorporating On-Request service into Winnipeg Transit will also provide the opportunity to respond better to changes in demand in the future, and modify service quickly if needed and if allowable within existing budgets.
What are the On-Request service hours
On-Request 101
Mon – Fri:
7:15 p.m. – 12:45 a.m.
Saturday day:
6 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Saturday evening:
7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday:
7 a.m. – 12 a.m.
On-Request 102
Mon – Fri:
7:15 p.m. – 12:45 a.m.
Saturday day:
6 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Saturday evening:
7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday:
7 a.m. – 12 a.m.
On-Request 110
Mon – Fri:
8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Saturday:
9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday:
9 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
In which areas is Winnipeg Transit operating On-Request transit service?
Winnipeg Transit On-Request service replaces Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) service with more modern and flexible On-Request technology. The three existing DART zones (DART 101, DART 102, DART 110) will be replaced with On-Request service.
How do I report a problem?
Your compliments or concerns can be reported by contacting 311.
Why did the On-Request bus drive by my stop without picking me up?
Every On-Request bus is assigned to pick up passengers in a specific order. The innovative On-Request software optimizes the bus route in real-time and provides step-by-step directions to the bus operator via a GPS device that is mounted in front of them.
To maintain estimated arrival times for customers with booked rides, bus operators will follow instructions provided to them by the On-Request software.
Why does the On-Request app show an odd route for my On-Request bus? Why does the route change randomly?
The On-Request software is dynamic, which means the bus operator’s route can change. This may happen if another passenger in your neighbourhood books a ride around the same time as you.
Bus operators must follow the routing provided to them in order to meet the estimated arrival times for other customers who booked rides.
Do I need to pay a fare to use On-Request transit service?
Yes. Regular transit fares apply to Winnipeg Transit On-Request service.
I’m a current user of the DART routes. Does this mean I have to download an app to use the same service?
No. Passengers can also book On-Request rides by calling 311 (follow the prompts for On-Request transit) or by visiting the On-Request booking site. Passengers who wish to, or are able to book an On-Request transit trip by using the new app are encouraged to do so.
If I don’t have a data plan, am I still able to book an On-Request trip?
Passengers can use any smart phone or device with an internet connection to make a booking request through a web browser. Passengers can also link a mobile phone number to their account so they can receive real-time trip updates via SMS text. Passengers can also book a trip by calling 311.
Would I be able to request a trip using a home phone?
Yes, passengers can call 311 using their home phones to schedule On-Request trips. Please follow the prompts to connect with an On-Request transit Customer Service Representative.
I need to book a trip from a payphone. Is there a cost for calling 311?
Users can access 311 toll-free from a payphone by calling 1-877-311-4974 (4WPG).
Will I able to make trip requests for a later time or date?
No, only immediate trip requests can be made when booking On-Request service.
How far will passengers need to walk in order to access a ‘virtual stop’?
In most cases, a virtual stop will be the closest intersection to a passenger’s origin or destination, and some major destinations will be included as virtual stops. Walking distances to and from virtual stops will vary depending on location. On average Winnipeg Transit expects this distance to be between 50 and 150 metres.
Will ‘virtual stops’ be marked? How will I be able to tell if I’m at a virtual stop?
In most cases a virtual stop will be at an intersection or major destination. Virtual stops will not be marked. Virtual stops may also be located at an existing Winnipeg Transit stop with a metal plate or bus stop flag. The exact location of a virtual stop is provided to passengers through their trip’s step-by-step directions.
How long after making a trip request will I be able to board an On-Request bus?
Wait times (i.e. the time from requesting a trip to the time a passenger boards a bus) will vary depending on the route and levels of demand. Winnipeg Transit expects wait times to be between 10 and 20 minutes. Wait times will never go below five minutes to allow passengers time to get ready and walk to the virtual stop.
Will On-Request Transit Service be contracted out, or will Winnipeg Transit bus operators be doing the work?
Just as Winnipeg Transit bus operators currently operate DART service buses, so too will they operate On-Request service buses.
I speak French. How do I change the language of the Winnipeg Transit On-Request App?
The Winnipeg Transit On-Request app functions in French or English, according to your device’s default or preferred language, which you can find or change in your device’s general settings.
Some devices – provided both languages have been enabled on your device – allow you to toggle between French and English in the settings for the app, located in the device settings menu.
