A new community transit project is gaining momentum in Steinbach, thanks to growing support from the city and a passionate push from the South East Equity Coalition (SEEC).
The grassroots group is launching “Link Transit,” a local transportation initiative that aims to connect people across the community, and they’re inviting the public to help shape what it looks like, starting with the logo.
Director of the SEEC, Gay Boese, says, “We’ve decided to move ahead. We have a very flexible group, and we’re working together with a whole variety of organizations and community people to make a difference in this wonderful community of ours.”
Boese recently made a presentation at a City of Steinbach Strategic Planning Meeting and shared afterwards that SEEC received its verbal support.
"We went with the proposal, a business plan, a sponsorship package, and some plans for how we're going to move forward with it. And although they could not give us a commitment, per se, an endorsement, they did give us verbal support, and we've had that confirmed by the mayor as well. So with that, we are going to move ahead with the understanding and the trust that the city is behind us and that we can make this happen for the community here in Steinbach."
And why does a transit plan matter so much?
For Boese and the coalition, it comes down to equity.
“Public transit is an equity issue,” she said. “So that all people in our community can get to a job, can get to medical appointments, can get to the socialization that we know is so important for everybody’s mental health.”
"Link Transit" needs a logo
To help kick off the next steps, the group has launched a logo design contest. Residents are encouraged to get creative and submit designs, digital or hand-drawn, for a chance to shape the visual identity of the new Link Transit system.
“We want the public to be engaged because we want the public to use this. This is for them,” Boese emphasized. “If we can get people excited about it now, they’ll hopefully stay involved and support the rollout.”
Submissions can be sent to linksteinbach@outlook.com. She adds there will also be a booth at Steinbach’s Summer in the City festival, where people can ask questions, learn more, and drop off designs in person. The submission deadline is July 15, with the winning design to be revealed in September.
A coalition subcommittee will review the entries and make the final decision.
In terms of where the project is headed, Boese says it’s still in early stages, with the plan starting small, using vans rather than buses, and growing based on community demand. They’re also hoping to build an app that helps plan routes efficiently and reduce costs.
“We’re not planning buses at all right now. It’s just vans at this stage until we build the program. If there’s a need, then we’ll move with the need.”
Launching a transit system isn’t cheap
Boese says the coalition is seeking support from all angles, including grants, government, local businesses, and individual donors.
“We would love to have your donation to help kick this off,” she said. “Do it in memory of someone, do it to celebrate something wonderful happening in your life or in this community.”
Ultimately, Boese says this is more than a transit project; it’s a community movement.
“There was a survey done back in 2006 that said Steinbach is ready for public transit,” she said. “But no one was there to push it forward. That’s our role now. We’re excited, and we’re moving forward. Let’s see what we can do—together.”