Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Smoky River Transportation Committee members joined together on Aug. 19 to officially welcome its new 18-passenger bus, set to help people in the Smoky River Region access transportation to community and private functions.
“We’re excited to have this new bus in our fleet, and we want people to know it’s there to use, it’s a community bus, not a seniors’ bus,” says Smoky River Family and Community Support Services Director Crystal Tremblay. “It is there for anyone to use, and it has multiple purposes.”
Tremblay says the bus will be used by Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) to take its regular trips, but the bus will also be available to rent for anyone who requires a large mode of transportation for groups.
“We are hoping to increase the use of our bus, to ensure we are able to retain it,” says Tremblay. “The more we use it the more we can ensure its sustainability. Utilization means that expenses will be covered more easily, and the bus will have an increased purpose in the region.”
Fees for renting the 18-passenger bus are $1.50 per kilometre and $23 per hour. The five-seat van costs $1 per kilometre and $23 per hour. Rates include all time from leaving shop until returning to the shop.
For more information about rentals, please phone Aline at 780-837-2220.