These 15-passenger buses will be used to carry out the service. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

passengers

Free public transportation service between La Ronge and Prince Albert to launch

Sep 21, 2022 | 4:08 PM

A new service to shuttle passengers between La Ronge and Prince Albert will begin as soon as Oct. 3.

That’s according to Kikinahk Friendship Centre executive director Ron Woytowich, who explained he was able to secure $70,000 worth of grants from the federal government. He noted the new service will likely operate six days per week.

“I think there is a need,” Woytowich said. “This is our way of doing a survey, but actually providing a service to see what kind of need there is, especially during the winter.”

Kikinahk already has multiple 15-passenger buses which are underused that will be deployed. Woytowich also mentioned rides would be free of charge, adding however who gets on will be determined on a needs-based basis. That mean people attending school and those needing to attend appointments would be prioritized over someone who wanted to go to Prince Albert to shop.

Finalizing hours of operation, pick up points, policies and the hiring of at least two drivers still needs to occur, but Woytowich is confident those requirements will be met in the coming weeks. The pick up and drop off point in Prince Albert will likely be the transfer station for city buses near 14^th Street East.

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“I know it is going to work, I really do,” he said. “The one big thing we are missing is the bus service that used to come to La Ronge. We just have to work it out properly and find drivers who are going to be dependable. Our buses are dependable. They are fairly new.”

The service will run until at least March 31. Woytowich stated the federal government will need to be convinced it is an essential service to continue funding it past that time.

Drivers will be required to work 12 hours days. They will depart La Ronge in the morning, spend the afternoon in Prince Albert before returning to La Ronge in the evening.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno