Winnipeg bus drivers complain against new rule that helps the visually impaired

Bus drivers in Winnipeg are expressing outrage over new rules that will make them call out every stop on their routes.

The rule begins Jan. 1 and is to assist visually-impaired people. The policy follows a July decision by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, which ordered Toronto bus and streetcar operators to call out stops.

Members of an online Facebook group for Winnipeg Transit drivers say they worry about safety if drivers must remember to call out stops while also trying to focus on the road.

Some drivers say disabled people have always been able to ask drivers to call out specific stops - a system they say has always worked well.

City officials say Winnipeg Transit will begin to roll out electronic next-stop announcement systems on buses in late 2008.