South Shuswap Rides Expands Service
A new Tesla has been introduced as an additional vehicle to assist local residents who require transportation for appointments, shopping, banking, and other errands. (photo contributed)
By Barbra Fairclough
South Shuswap Transportation Society, which operates South Shuswap Rides, will soon expand its service with the purchase of a second electric vehicle. After a combined investment of $95,327 from the federal and local governments, and the South Shuswap Transportation Society, this expansion will support South Shuswap Rides’ door-to-door transportation service.
Announced by Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser, Columbia Shuswap Regional District Area G Director Natalya Melnychuk and President of the South Shuswap Transportation Society Paul Demenok, this investment will assist South Shuswap Rides in continuing to provide convenient, safe, and affordable transportation to residents of the South Shuswap.
Director Melnychuk said “South Shuswap Rides is a great example of community volunteerism at its best. On behalf of all residents of the South Shuswap, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to our sponsors, the Government of Canada, Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union, Shuswap Community Foundation and Sorrento Tirecraft because this service and this car would not be possible without their generous support. I would also like to recognize our group of 23 volunteer drivers because without them this couldn’t occur either. Thank you all!”
The federal government is investing up to $76,261 in this project through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, the CSRD is contributing $15,000 and the South Shuswap Transportation Society is contributing $4,066. Additional funding was provided by SASCU contributing $10,000 and the Shuswap Community Foundation donating $2600.
The South Shuswap Rides service began in 2020 and has been growing quickly. In 2023, 19 volunteer drivers delivered 300 rides or 25,733 kilometres of door-to-door transit service to South Shuswap residents using one electric car. As a result, an additional car is required to expand the service and further support the community.
The transportation service is targeted towards seniors, people with disabilities, people who are unable to drive, and those who do not have a vehicle. It provides door-to door rides within the region for daily living support including, shopping, banking, medical and legal appointments.
New driver volunteers are welcome and with a new vehicle, there is more opportunity to participate. The team of dedicated volunteers are the heart and soul of the drive service. Their expertise, experience and time commitment ensure those in need of a ride will get where they need to go.
Bryan Lowes, Director, and Driver Trainer for South Shuswap Rides with over 40 years of driver training experience, says the training session for driver volunteers ensures that drivers are relaxed and confident. Once the driver volunteer has an in-person training session there with be an in-car vehicle orientation. Bryan confirms that all volunteer drivers will be subject to a police information check and will need to provide a Driver Abstract, (a record of your basic driving history).
Volunteer drivers will have better driving skills, will be safer drivers and will understand how to reduce fuel consumption in their own vehicles. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or if you have questions, should reach out the transportation society and register your interest to ensure you are registered for the next training session. Contact Bryan Lowes directly at 778 389 4636 or email to bryanlowes@shaw.ca for more information.
Drive Service can be prebooked by phoning 250 463 4341 at least 24hours in advance. Service is available from 9-5 Monday to Friday.
With their Chevy Bolt and new 2023 Tesla Model Y, some of the South Shuswap Rides volunteer drivers dedicated to serving their community (Photo contributed)
