Gravelbourg's transportation program celebrates addition of new vehicle and garage

Sask. community helps fill transportation gap WATCH: Ever since the STC stopped running in 2017, some communities have found their own way to fill the gap. Mick Favel has the details.

Gravelbourg, Sask. — The town of Gravelbourg is celebrating the addition of a new vehicle and garage which will be used in their local transportation program.

On Thursday, members of Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle and their supporters, along with a representative from the Government of Canada held a grand opening for the new space.

Since 2019, Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle has been transporting its citizens to and from appointments in southern cities in the province. The new car and garage will continue the work.

"It’s a huge impact. Everybody that we take, they are so appreciative. Some of them don’t drive and there is no way they could live here," said Deb Nielson, a driver at Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle.

Claire Levac has used the shuttle in the past to get to her necessary appointments. She said if it weren’t for the shuttle, getting there and back would be difficult.

"This way, all we have to do is phone and we’re ready to go," she said.

The shuttle program estimates during their operation, they have traveled over 250,000 kilometres and assisted hundreds of people.

Now with a new vehicle and 15 volunteer drivers on call to drive, they are expecting to be travelling at least five days a week.

"Most of the drivers know somebody, either in their family or circle of friends that has been in the situation where they couldn’t drive," said Al Sutherland, a board member of Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle.

"They come from that understanding. These are good people just trying to help other people in their community," he added.

The shuttle program has been expanded to the surrounding areas of Gravelbourg and does offer a door-to-door service.

Three people are able to fit in the shuttle. A gas fee is used to tally the cost for riders.

In 2023, Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle received federal funding to the new vehicle and build the garage.