Bigger Buses, Freight Options Added for Selkirk – Winnipeg Commute
Kasper Transportation Services ensured Selkirk to Winnipeg commuters didn’t miss a ride when they took over the commuter line between the two communities on Sept. 5, and they’re making the ride even better with new buses.
General Manager Maisie Hicks said they put a new 15-seat bus into service on Sept. 22 and a 30–seat bus will join the fleet in mid–October. Hicks said Kasper is continually striving to improve its service for riders, and will have many changes in the near future. Among the first improvements will be the delivery of freight.
“It’s a very exciting time for us,” Hicks said. “We’re adding freight and hoping to have that started as soon as possible as well.”
Freight includes whatever people want to ship and same-day delivery is available because the buses make multiple trips per day, Hicks said.
“Freight is everything from Christmas presents that they want to get to their loved ones in Winnipeg, to just envelopes, anything,” Hicks said. “If a company wants to move a skid full of boxes, that’s no problem. Anything you want to go from Winnipeg to Selkirk, or Selkirk to Winnipeg.”
Wheelchair service is also available, but must be booked in advance.
Smooth Transition
Kasper took over when Exclusive Bus Lines stopped service last month. There was no interruption in service as Kasper had its Motor Transportation Board licence to operate a commuter bus service between Selkirk and Winnipeg in place and was ready to step in.
Charlene Dunning,Manager of Transportation Service for Selkirk Transit Authority (pictured above with Kasper VP of Operations, Scott Spak), said the city has provided no financial support to Kasper but is working with them to make sure Selkirk citizens have reliable transportation to and from Winnipeg.
“We’re helping with communication,” Dunning said. “Kasper is a private company but we have the interests of the citizens of Selkirk at heart and, where we can help with connecting with the users of the commuter line, we’re eager to do that. We’re a ticket and pass outlet and we’re here to answer questions for people. So they can pay for their tickets here, or they can do so online. And if people want to pay online and need help, we can help them here in the office.”
Monthly Passes
As well, those who purchase a monthly pass for Kasper can use it to ride Selkirk Transit. It’s a unique perk for the ridership, one that’s not offered by even Winnipeg Transit, and it demonstrates the city’s commitment to green transportation and providing convenient, affordable options for its citizens.
The transition for riders has been smooth, with Kasper running the same schedule as their predecessor.
Online booking will take effect by November 7. As well, bus passes and 20 packs will no longer available beyond November 7, as part of Kasper’s fare re–structuring.
For more information or to book a ride, commuters can email Kasper at [email protected] or visit their website: www.gokasper.com.
