Transit was the top concern among people who spoke before city council on upcoming budget deliberations.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens proposed a 2.99 per cent budget increase in the 2025 budget tabled at the beginning of the month.
Residents had the opportunity to speak on the budget at Monday's council meeting before budget deliberations on January 27, 2025.
Concerns were raised about cutting the tunnel bus service, eliminating special bus service for high schools, and the lack of overall investment to the service.
"The tunnel bus is a lifeline for myself, low-income families, individuals with disabilities, students, travellers and workers who rely on its commute to their jobs. It connects families, fosters cultural exchange and supports local economies," said Stephanie Thompson, a Windsor resident.
There is a $1.4 million reduction to the Transit Windsor operating budget proposed in the 2025 budget. While the item is listed as an in-camera item Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens confirmed this to be the tunnel bus service.
"This is something that the residents will have to grapple with in terms of the subsidy provided to operate the tunnel bus is just dramatic and it's a conversation city council needs to have because it's not an essential service," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The budget also recommends eliminating the Extra bus service for certain high schools and reallocating those operating dollars to enhance other routes.
"It's actually a net investment in Transit Windsor to provide enhanced service that would still allow folks to get to school but they wouldn't have that special service that are provided only to certain high schools," said Dilkens.
The 2025 operating and capital budgets will be discussed at a special meeting of Windsor City Council on January 27.
