ATWE CALLS ON MAYOR TO CLOSE THE DETROIT-WINDSOR TUNNEL

WINDSOR, ON - Activate Transit Windsor Essex, a grassroots advocacy group advocating for a more accessible and sustainable transportation system in Windsor and Essex County, is condemning the Mayor’s use of veto power to end the tunnel bus service. Why end the tunnel service while still keeping private traffic open via the tunnel? ATWE is calling on the Mayor to demonstrate consistency by temporarily closing the Detroit-Windsor tunnel until tariffs are removed.

“The Mayor has been clear from the start that his opposition to worker rights was the primary motivation behind ending the bus service, and has since championed its privatization. This is opportunism at its worst, and the Mayor intends to use our state of national unity to harm the lower class and privatize vital service. He should be ashamed of himself.” says Josh Sankarlal, ATWE Steering Committee.

ATWE stands with Canada and Windsor families, and strongly opposes President Trump’s irrational attack on Canadian families. However, permanently dismantling tunnel bus service is an irreversible decision that unduly harms the mobility of working class people in Windsor. ATWE is strongly opposed to short-sighted decision making, particularly when those decisions have such clear ulterior motives.

“It isn't up to Mayor Dilkens to decide who can and can't see their loved ones. If the mayor cuts the tunnel bus because of "tariffs" but the tunnel itself remains open, then he's not 'protecting Canada', he's just harming transit users. Permanently closing the tunnel bus must be accompanied by closing the tunnel” says Nate Hope, ATWE Organizing Member.

ATWE argues that ending the tunnel bus service suggests that ridership is thriving. Cancelling the tunnel bus while private vehicles continue to cross contradicts the Mayor’s goals. The Detroit-Windsor tunnel facilitates travel for thousands of Windsorites daily, contributing to Detroit’s economy through parking, dining, and entertainment. If the Mayor is truly committed to keeping spending local, he should close the tunnel entirely and to all modes of transportation. Otherwise, his policy only targets transit users.

ATWE is calling on City Council to reject the permanent closure of the tunnel bus service, and work towards more sustainable and thoughtful solutions.