Councilor Renaldo Agostino's attempt to override Mayor Drew Dilkens' veto to end the tunnel bus service was unsuccessful.
In a Special Meeting of Council Friday morning, six councilors voted to keep the service while four voted with the mayor. Due to the Strong Mayor's legislation, a 2/3 majority is required to override a mayor's veto.
Ward 9 Councilor Kieran McKenzie called the decision the "biggest mistake" this council will ever make.
"Eliminating the service due to the potential implementation of tariffs from the United States only strengthens the argument for those tariffs as it would reduce the ties that integrate our economy. Reactionary and reckless is not the appropriate response to reactionary and reckless," said McKenzie. "By severing these economic and social connections we risk even further justification to protectionist policies that ultimately harm both sides of the border."
Dilkens indicated he made this decision because the tunnel bus no longer makes good business sense.
While the tunnel bus was once a break-even operation, since Transit Windsor employees were given 10 sick days due to new federal legislation, it now costs city tax payers around $1.6 million to operate.
"I don't want Windsorites subsidizing service to the US. I think it's just plain wrong especially when we are under attack economically by their president. That's just how I see this. I get that some don't see it like this but that was a tipping point for me," said Dilkens.
Due to this decision, the union representing Transit Windsor employees is filing an unfair labour practice complaint against the city. The union claims workers made concessions during bargaining because of the 10 sick days which may be eliminated if the tunnel bus is not operational.
Dilkens indicated the city will end the service with a measured approach within the next six months.
"We will have a proper plan to wind down the tunnel bus. This will not happen overnight, it will probably take six months. We will communicate that effectively and we will do it appropriately to not leave anyone hanging," said Dilkens.