The 2020 Operating Budget for Transit Windsor has been developed in accordance with these guidelines.

As part of the Transit Windsor and City of Windsor operating agreement, the Environment, Transportation and Public Safety Standing Committee, who act as the Transit Windsor Board of Directors, have the responsibility to "review and recommend Transit Windsor's operating budget prior to submission to the City".

Discussion:

In 2020, Transit Windsor will be facing the following budget pressures:

•  $842,000 for Sunday service enhancements, which will assist to meet ridership demands on Sunday, including 5 FTE staff (offset by Gas Tax Revenue).
•  $260,000 transfer to a reserve for future growth initiatives for Transit Windsor related to the Transit Master Plan.
•  $189,783 in fuel rate increase to remain within corporate recommended rates.
•  $166,036 in additional resources for special events, including events to Detroit, Michigan, including 2 FTE staff.
•  $99,549 for additional staff training resources, including 1 FTE staff.
•  $90,245 in salary and wage adjustments that reflect the 2020 projected increase to the salary and wage budget. This increase does not take into consideration salary and wage increases that may occur from the new Amalgamated Transit Union Local 616 Collective Agreement.
•  $50,601 to align Transit Windsor's internal facilities maintenance budget with the necessary budget to maintain the Windsor International Transit Terminal.
•  $43,000 for the annual license to new planning software.
•  $29,445 in overtime adjustments in order to remain in line with the Collective Agreement. This increase does not take into consideration overtime increases that may be required from the new Amalgamated Transit Union Local 616 Collective Agreement.
•  $20,350 in increases for required fleet licenses.
•  $17,285 in additional costs for the Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare Transit Terminal.
•  $12,663 in increases for radio rental and licenses.

In addition to the Operating Budget issues noted above, one additional budget issue was submitted for one-time funding from the budget stabilization reserve for rerouting the Ottawa 4 route to remove the bus service from Essex Way, a private roadway owned by Ford Motor Co. As there is still uncertainty if this roadway will be available for use in the future, Administration is recommending one-time funding at this time.