City Council Announces Changes to Transit Windsor Governance

City Council has approved an alternative governance model for Transit Windsor that integrates public transit into the City’s municipal structure, making Transit Windsor a full City of Windsor department. This administrative change will take effect on October 18, 2026. 

Effective October 18, 2026, the Transit Windsor Board of Directors will be discontinued, and all aspects of Transit Windsor’s operations will be governed by City Council as a whole. Transit Windsor, as a City department, will formally reside under the Economic Development division. The board will continue to operate until that time to ensure an orderly and well-managed transition. 

As part of the transition, staff at Transit Windsor will become employees of the Corporation of the City of Windsor. The City will continue to recognize the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 616 and the collective agreement.

Transit Windsor’s mandate and day-to-day operations remain unchanged, with service delivery continuing to focus on meeting community needs, supported by the Transit Master Plan. Similar governance approaches are used by other municipalities across Ontario. 

The City is committed to managing this transition with a focus on service continuity for riders and clear communication with employees. Transit staff will continue to play a vital role in delivering public transit services to the community. 

Quotes: 

“Public transit is a core municipal service, and City Council has approved a governance approach that clarifies oversight and accountability within the City’s existing administrative structure. As part of the 2026 City Budget, $5.5 million was approved to support capital investments in public transit. City Council is ultimately responsible for these significant investments in our community’s public transit system and services. The approved changes to Transit Windsor’s governance structure align with our focus on Investing Responsibly as we deliver the services and amenities Windsorites need. This update ensures Transit Windsor continues to operate with a clear mandate while remaining focused on meeting the needs of the community.” 
– Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens 

“Integrating Transit Windsor within the City’s administrative structure enhances coordination across departments, promotes the responsible use of resources, and supports the continued delivery of reliable and accessible transit services to residents.”
– Jelena Payne, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)/Commissioner of Economic Development, City of Windsor