Winnipeg council hears chorus of comments on anti-singing bylaw

A Winnipeg city councillorsays the public doesn't need to worry about getting a fine for singing on a bus.

Coun.BrianMayessaid theproposed bylaw, is likely to be amended during a city council meeting on Wednesday.

The bylaw,introduced and OK'dlast week by thecity's executive policy committee (EPC), called forsinging or playing a musical instrument on a Winnipeg Transit to be a $100ticketable offence.

It was immediately mocked and maligned across the country on social media. Others took to the bus in a protest song.

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Mayes said he expects the section about playing a musical instrument or singing to be removed from theproposedbylaw, which also targets otherinappropriate conductsuch ascarrying a firearm, not paying bus fare, urinating or spraying graffiti on city buses.

The bylaw also limitsthe time a person can wait in a bus shelter to 90 minutes.

Council heard from many people on Wednesday, several of whom were transit drivers, urging them to not drop the bylaw altogether.

They spoke about safety and toldstories about abuse faced by drivers, including being beaten, threatened and even spit on by passengers.

They were among numerous delegates to speak to council at the start of Wednesday's meeting.

Council will discuss the proposed bylaw when it reaches that part of its agenda in the afternoon.