Long Plain First Nation launches trial bus service to Portage la Prairie
The free trial runs this week, with the first rider taking the bus from Long Plain to work in Portage.
A new transit service between Long Plain First Nation and Portage la Prairie began a free trial run this week. The first rider used the bus on Tuesday, October 13, to travel from Long Plain to their workplace in Portage. Long Plain Chief David Meeches said this demonstrated an immediate benefit of the service. The Arrowhead Transit project, owned by the First Nation, is partnering with the City of Portage la Prairie. Rides will be free as routes are tested from October 13 to 17.
The temporary route starts with pickups at the Long Plain Rez Plex and the LPFN Gas Bar. It travels to Portage la Prairie with stops at Walmart, Canad Inns, Keeshkeemaquah, the Microtel and Homestead Co-op before returning. Chief Meeches said the trial period is crucial for understanding the operational details. "We’re trying to get a sense of the battery life in terms of the routes," Meeches said. He expressed optimism about public adoption once the service becomes more familiar.
"I think once people get the hang of it and word gets out, I think it’ll take off," Meeches said. The transit service is actively hiring additional bus drivers to operate its fleet of three buses. Meeches clarified that applicants do not need to be members of Long Plain First Nation to be considered. Currently, one driver from the community is employed, but more are needed to fully staff the service.
The Arrowhead Transit project was formally announced on September 17. It receives funding from Long Plain First Nation and the federal Rural Transit Solutions Fund. The buses feature signage produced by a local business called Pro Image Signs. Route testing will continue until a future public launch, at which point fares and finalized schedules will be announced. The trial service dates are available for viewing online.
With files from Penticton Herald and The Spec