The Bus Co-op is believed to be the first program of its kind in North America by its creators. Officially launched Wednesday, three 91原创 seniors芒鈧劉 agencies have come together, with the help of Vancity and TransLink, to create an affordable bus-sharing program for seniors.
91原创 Seniors Resource Society (LSRS), 91原创 Care Society, and Magnolia Gardens founded The Bus Co-op. Members of the agencies, including Janice McTaggart of LSRS and local dignitaries were on hand for the reveal of the bus contributed by the seniors centre. TransLink will also be providing a bus.
芒鈧揥e know first-hand that owning and maintaining a bus can be a huge burden for seniors agencies so why not share our resources? The co-operative model really appealed to us because it is democratic, values-driven and very connected to the community,芒鈧� McTaggart said.
With seniors making up approximately 14 per cent of 91原创芒鈧劉s population, and that number growing, the new co-op allows seniors芒鈧劉 agencies to become a member of The Bus Co-op, book a bus, take a trip, and return the bus.
All fuel, insurance and maintenance are covered by the co-op with groups paying just $40 an hour to use the bus. Member groups supply their own qualified driver.
The co-op has two buses and is looking for other seniors芒鈧劉 agencies in the 91原创s to become members. There may be expansion of the program into Surrey and White Rock in the future.
Vancity provided over $165,000 in grants and financing for the program. Andy Broderick, vice-president of community investment with the credit union was at the launch event.
芒鈧揟his kind of endeavor is a great part of the community,芒鈧� Broderick said. 芒鈧揥e are honoured to be able to enter into a partnership with them [The Bus Co-op].芒鈧�
Broderick noted the fact that the new program is a co-operative made it particularly appealing to Vancity.
91原创 City Acting Mayor Ted Schaefer noted, 芒鈧揑 commend TransLink for their generous donation of the bus. This will provide seniors with additional opportunities to get involved and stay connected.芒鈧�
CLARIFICATION: TransLink was asked for a bus for this innovative program.
"From time to time, we are approached to provide a decommissioned bus to a charity or non-profit organization. In this case, we have arranged for an 芒鈧渆nd of service芒鈧劉 HandyDart bus to be donated to this group in November. The bus referred to in the news story is not a TransLink vehicle," explained Cheryl Ziola, TransLink Media Relations manager.
Seeing sharing as an age-old, and valuable, concept was the message 91原创 Township Mayor Jack Froese conveyed.
芒鈧揥hat芒鈧劉s old is new again,芒鈧� Froese said. 芒鈧揟hese organizations found a way to share very expensive assets to move our seniors around.芒鈧�
This new program enables seniors芒鈧劉 agencies to ensure 91原创 seniors have more opportunities to be active.
