For over 13 years, the bussing service offered by the Northern Rockies Seniors Society (NRSS) has provided a solution to transportation challenges in the region and is a service that many local groups rely on.
Running two busses, five days a week, the Seniors Bus is well-established, easy to access and flexible to the needs of the community. Community members can contact the Northern Rockies Seniors Society at any time to request the bus service and provision of services are assessed on an individual basis according to availability and need.
“Being with the society for all the years I have, it has been fulfilling to see us provide a source of low-income transportation for our community members,” said Lillian, one of the Seniors Bus drivers. “Despite the weather, count on us to meet you for door-to-door service for all your appointments and up town running around. Being able to service all community members and get them to their destinations in a feasible manner is something to be proud of.”
With the increased need for expanded service, the Northern Rockies Seniors Society partnered with Fort Nelson Family Development Society to accommodate transportation for children and youth. Other partners include Fort Nelson First Nation, Fort Nelson Hospice Society and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.
Despite dedicated drivers and a commitment to the community, the NRSS recognized that it would need additional support in order to further expand services to those who need it most.
In 2022, the NRSS was approved for $150,000 grant through the Northern Community Shuttle program. With this expansion, meetings are coordinated with representatives of BC Bus North and Northern Health Connections to ensure any synergies between established pick-up and drop-off locations and regional busing can be captured. A service increase allows for one bus to maintain a regular schedule with fixed routes while the second bus continues to offer custom scheduling.
“We have been able to provide an awesome service for our rural community and benefit other programs as well,” said McKenna Luyben, executive director, NRSS. “We work with other non-profits to provide transportation to and from child programs, we serve all the seniors to get to their programs and provide safe ride services for events around town. Our community is very thankful to have a service that is low in cost and can get them to and from, all while benefiting our Seniors Society by using our services.”
