According to her website, Kate Sjoberg advocates for increased access to high quality, efficient, and effective public transportation. She is a cyclist, and takes the bus regularly.There is no direct reference in her social media to cycling or other AT issues or needs.
From Vote Winnipeg 2018 (Winnipeg Free Press) accessed 2 Oct 2018:
Q: “What should Winnipeg’s plan be for the future of public and active transit?” “I will prioritize funding for public transit within the city budget, and support advocacy efforts to increase investments from the province and federal government.
I’d like a transportation system that works for low-income Indigenous women and women of colour, is safe for trans and gender-expanding people, supports parents using strollers and getting young children around (especially in the winter), and makes it easy for people with disabilities and seniors to get around the city. I think it is possible to get there, but first we need to fully acknowledge and appreciate these people’s experience.
We need to address user complaints about the Handi Transit service, which is essential for many Winnipeggers with disabilities.We should continue to build our cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. Along with public transit, these are a responsible use of our resources, a positive response to climate change, and build healthier communities.
A key, short-term improvement to public transit is improved weekend and holiday service. This change would significantly improve quality of life for many transit riders in all parts of the ward.
Recently there have been safety concerns on our public transit system. Last month, Aleem Chaudhary, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union local 1505, noted that the majority of conflict on buses stems from farebox issues. I have been confused about the proposal to add security workers, or even police officers to buses. This is an added expense that doesn’t address the source of the problem, and could very well lead to further difficulties for passengers. Instead, we should commit to reducing fares back to pre-2018 levels, and then commit to freezing or reducing them going forward.
My experience both as a rider on the bus and working in communities where there are high incidences of mental illness and addiction tells me that a more effective approach to conflict on buses is to engage specifically-trained de-escalating supports. This could include mental health workers, social workers, Bear Clan members, or other appropriate options.
The safety concern I hear the most from passengers is about experience at bus stops, not on the bus. Adding lighting and more bus stop infrastructure have been positive approaches that we should build on.”
Q: “What is your position on reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians?” “This is an issue of access for people with disabilities, full stop. If we are not going to open the corner, renovations need to properly and fully support universal design, as well as eliminate safety issues that have been widely reported, especially by women.”
From Winnipeg Votes 2018 (CBC) accessed 17 Oct 2018:
Q: “How will you promote safety in the ward?” “Good neighbourhood planning, walking and cycling as opposed to driving, people out of their cars and out on the street. I’m used to partnering with community members to come up with safety plans for the neighbourhood. I’m looking forward to being able to engage the proactive energy of residents if I get elected.”
Q: What is your stance on opening up Portage and Main to pedestrians?” “I am hearing more of a mix of responses on this issue. There is a sense that it is happening at the expense of investment in the suburbs. I think we need to be investing in all our communities in a fair way. I’m interested in the results of the referendum.
For me, it’s also a question of access for people with disabilities. The barriers are fundamentally unfair and unjust simply for that reason. Access for people with disabilities needs to be addressed. I’m interested in safety and I’m concerned about the reports of women experiencing assault. If we’re not going take down the barriers, these concerns need to be adequately addressed.”
The candidate completed the 2018 all-candidate environmental survey: A coalition of Winnipeg Environmental Organizations compiled questions for an all-candidate (Mayoral and Councilor) survey with questions relating to the environment, including AT.
Website
Email: kate@kateforpointdouglas.ca
Facebook
Twitter: @KateSjoberg