Getting around is easy in Manitoba
There are excellent bus and taxi services in Winnipeg and in other cities. Manitoba has a network of highways, and there are bus, air and train services connecting communities. Winnipeg International Airport is the junction for inter-provincial, national and global flights.
To drive in Manitoba you must have a licence and your car must be insured. You must also follow traffic laws. Newcomers should be cautious when they first drive on Manitoba's icy or snowy roads in winter.
City bus | Taxi | Driving | Outside Manitoba | Train | Bus | Air
Winnipeg bus service
A public bus service operates throughout Winnipeg. The regular fare for the bus is $2 for adults. There are different fares for children, students and seniors. You must pay exact fare on the bus; drivers do not carry change. You can save money by buying bus tickets or a bus pass in advance. These are available at many drug and grocery stores.
If you take more than one bus to get to your destination, you do not have to pay on each bus. Ask the driver on the first bus for a paper slip called a transfer. It is valid for one hour and can be used for return trips.
Signs on the front and side of each bus show its destination and route number. Route numbers are also listed on signs at the bus stops. Express buses do not stop at all bus stops along their route. They only stop where bus routes cross each other. Each bus sign has a telephone number on it. When you phone that number a recorded message tells the time the next three buses will pass that bus stop.
For the latest information on rates and service visit Winnipeg Transit or phone 986-5700. As well, there is a complete Transit Guide in the Winnipeg Yellow Pages phonebook.
Taxis
The money you pay for a taxi ride includes a "starting fee" plus a fee for each kilometre the taxi travels. The further you travel, the more you pay. The price is not negotiable. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver – approximately 10 - 15 per cent of the total price of the fare.
Telephone numbers for taxi companies are in the Yellow Pages of phone book under Taxicabs.
Driving
Driver’s Licences
A government agency called Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) oversees the licensing of drivers and insuring of drivers and vehicles. MPI requires that every driver be tested and issued a driver’s licence. MPI also requires that all cars and trucks have insurance. This insurance is called Autopac.
There are many rules for licensing. For example:
- driving a taxi or commercial truck requires a special licence
- MPI may allow you to drive temporarily with the licence you have now
- after you get a licence your driving may have some restrictions for a certain period of time
For detailed information visit MPI or download the MPI Driver‘s Handbook (PDF 8mb).
When you emigrate bring documents such as your current licence or an International Drivers Permit. Once you are in Manitoba your first step to get a licence is to phone or visit an insurance company that sells Autopac. There are many Autopac outlets in Winnipeg as well as in cities and towns thoughout the province.They are listed in the Yellow Pages phonebook and on the MPI website.
Autopac outlets can give you a written driving test. When you pass the written test you get a permit that allows you to practise driving. You are issued a licence after you pass a road test that is given by an MPI agent.
Manitoba Public Insurance
Phone: 204-985-7000
Toll-free: 1-800-665-2410 (in Manitoba, outside Winnipeg)
Website: mpi.mb.ca/
Accidents
If you have a car accident with another vehicle or person:
- You must stop. It is against the law to leave the scene of an accident.
- If someone is hurt, phone 911 for the police or ambulance.
- Exchange personal information with the other driver - such as name, address, car registration number, license plate number and driver’s license number.
- If anyone saw the accident, ask them for their name and address, in case you need them as a witness.
- Call MPI. Phone numbers and addresses of MPI Claim Centres are listed in the telephone book under Manitoba Public Insurance. MPI will ask for information and give you an appointment to have your car assessed. They will give you forms to take to the auto body shop for repairs.
- If there is an injury or more than $1,000 damage, you must report the accident to the police. (Note: almost any small amount of damage can add up to $1,000). You have 21 days to report the accident to police.
- Take your car to the autobody shop of your choice for repairs. Look in the Yellow Pages under Automobile Body Repairing and Painting.
Driving Schools
Many people learn how to drive a car by taking driving lessons. High school students can take Driver Education at school. Adults can pay for lessons at private driving schools.
Snow and freezing rain can make the roads in Manitoba very icy. Driving conditions can become very dangerous. If you are not familiar with winter driving conditions, you may wish to take a Safe Driving Course at a local driving school or at the Manitoba Safety Council at 949-1085 or toll free at 1-800-661-3321. The course will familiarize you with winter road conditions and safe driving practices in Manitoba. For more information, look in the Yellow Pages of the phone book, under Driving Instruction.
Traffic Violations
You will find complete information about traffic regulations in the Manitoba Driver’s Handbook. It is important to pay any parking ticket fines as soon as possible. If you don’t pay within 15 days your fine will cost more. Information on where to pay is given on the ticket.
Parking Violations
In Canada, there are special places where you can park your vehicle. Parking laws are enforced. Watch for signs on the street that tell you where and when you can park. Make sure you put enough coins in the parking meter. Do not park at some meters between 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. or 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. (1530-1730 hours). A sign on the meter will tell you when you can use it. If you park during these times, you may get a ticket (fine) and your car could get towed.
Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats
Everyone in Manitoba must wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a car.The law states that infants and small children must be securely belted in special car seats in the back seat. You could receive a fine if you are caught driving without your seat belt. For more information about car seats and seat belts call the MPI road safety department at 204-985-7199 or visit their website at www.mpi.mb.ca.
Renting a Vehicle
If you need a vehicle for only a few days or weeks, might consider renting a vehicle. Many car rental companies charge a daily, weekly or monthly rate plus a charge for each kilometre you drive. Compare prices that different companies offer. You need a valid driver’s licence to rent a vehicle. There are also other driving restrictions. Please ask before renting a vehicle. Find these companies in the Yellow Pages, under the heading Automobile – Renting & Leasing.
Leasing a Vehicle
If you cannot afford to buy a car, leasing may be an option. However, if you lease a car for a long time, you could pay more than you would to buy the car.
When you lease a car, you can drive it for a few months while you decide if you want to buy it. You must sign a lease agreement that outlines the obligations for both you and the leasing company. The contract tells you how many months you will pay the lease; what repairs and maintenance are free, and what you must pay for; and the mileage you are allowed to put on the car. If your mileage is high, you might have to pay extra money. At the end of the lease period, you simply return the vehicle to the company. You do not own it.
If you use the leased vehicle for work, you may be able to claim the leasing expenses on your income tax.
Buying a Used Car
It is a good idea to read information from different sources before buying a car. Information is available online and in car books and magazines. The Consumers Association of Canada is a good source of information. Many people and companies use the Auto Trader magazine and website to sell used vehicles. The site includes information to help you research cars.
When you shop for a used car note that you can negotiate the price. Consider your spending limit and note that as well as the purchase price you will have to pay for insurance, maintenance, daily costs such as gas and parking.
If you are thinking of buying a used car, you should know that all used vehicle must have a safety inspection by an authorized mechanic. It would be a good idea to have the vehicle checked before you buy. As well, take the car for a "test drive" on the highway to see how it feels, stops and turns corners.
To check that there is no money owing on the vehicle phone the Personal Property Registry Office at 204-945-3123. If the vehicle is from outside Manitoba you must contact that province. If there is a lien on the vehicle, you may have to pay the money.
You can ask MPI if the car was ever "written off" (in an accident where the cost of the repairs was more than the value of the car). Phone 204-985-8832, toll-free in rural Manitoba 1-800-665-2410.
If you decide to buy the car, you will also need to buy insurance and register the car. Before you can register the vehicle and obtain a licence plate, you will need a Transfer of Ownership document or Bill of Sale. It is signed by you and the previous owner. This document lists the odometer reading at the time of the sale, as well as the sale price and date of the transfer.
Buying a New Car
The Yellow Pages lists car dealerships, under Automobile Dealers. Also, many dealerships advertise cars for sale and their prices in the local newspapers.
Before buying a new vehicle, compare prices for different vehicles in publications such as the classified section of the daily or weekly newspaper or specialty publications. Visit car dealerships to compare vehicles and prices. Test drive a few vehicles to see how they feel.
Once you decide on a car that you want to buy, you are ready to make a deal. You can barter on the price of the vehicle. You can offer less than the advertised price. Do not pay a deposit or sign anything until you are completely satisfied with the car and the price.
Winter Driving
Driving in Manitoba winters is challenging. Prepare for winter driving bygiving your car a winter tune-up. You can do this yourself or take your car to aservice garage to have it done.. Many garages have "winter tune-upspecials" for tune-ups. The tune-up will prepare your vehicle for thecold temperatures. Wash your car regularly in the winter to remove roadsalt from the bottom of the car. Make sure you dry the door panels - byputting lock de-icer in the key holes.
Any car you buy must have a block heater and defroster for the winter months. This helps your car keep warm, and allows it to start easier inthe cold winter months.
Many Manitobans find it useful to buy an annual membership with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). CAA provides emergency road service if your car breaks down and needs to be towed, or simply needs its battery boosted. CAA also has highway maps and many kinds of useful information for travelers.
CAA Manitoba
870 Empress Ave.
Winnipeg, Man. R3G 3H3
Phone: 204-987-6166
Website: www.caamanitoba.com
Long-distance travel (outside Manitoba)
You do not need a visa or special document to travel between provinces in Canada. However, some people buy travel insurance when they travel outside Manitoba. If you get sick while you are away, Manitoba Health will not pay your medical costs unless you have travel insurance. Contact Manitoba Health at 204-786-7101 or Manitoba Blue Cross at 204-775-0151, www.mb.bluecross.ca to ask about extra medical insurance coverage.
Trains
Via Rail Canada has transcontinental passenger train service. It links Manitoba with eastern and western passenger train lines on the Canadian National Railway. It also runs through northern Manitoba to Churchill, and through northwestern Ontario.
Via Rail Canada
123 Main St.
Winnipeg, Man. R3C 1A3
Toll-free: 1-888-842-7245*
Website: www.viarail.ca
Buses
Greyhound Bus Lines offers scheduled and chartered passenger bus service throughout Canada and the United States. Grey Goose Bus Lines and Beaver Bus Lines provide travel service in Manitoba only. The Winnipeg bus depot is at 487 Portage Avenue near The Bay store.
Greyhound Bus Lines
Phone: 204-982-8747
Toll-free: 1-800-661-8747*
Website: www.greyhound.ca
Grey Goose Bus Lines
Phone: 204-784-4500
Toll-free: 1-800-392-1340
Beaver Bus Lines
Phone: 204-989-7007
Toll-free: 1-800-432-5072
Air service
Winnipeg International Airport is the only international airport serving Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario. Several small airlines also operate daily flights to northern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. You can get information on flights and reservations directly from the various airlines or travel agencies. They are listed in the Yellow Pages, under Air Line Companies and Travel Service.
Winnipeg International Airport
249 - 2000 Wellington Ave.
Winnipeg, Man. R3H 1C2
Phone: 204-987-9400
Website: www.waa.ca
