Columbia Shuswap Regional District — The South Shuswap Transportation Society, which operates South Shuswap Rides, will soon expand their service with the purchase of a second electric vehicle. After a combined investment of $95,327 from the federal and local governments, as well as the South Shuswap Transportation Society, this expansion will support South Shuswap Rides’ door-to-door transportation service.
Announced by Minister Sean Fraser, Natalya Melnychuk, Director, Electoral Area G for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and the 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.
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.
“We are proud to support this purchase to expand South Shuswap Rides that, in turn, will help better connect residents with their community. We will continue working with municipalities across Canada to provide transit service options that meet the unique needs of rural communities.” – Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities