South Shuswap Rides is picking up speed with the recent addition of a second electric vehicle.
On Jan. 24, with $95,327 in combined funding from the federal government’s Rural Transit Solutions Fund, Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) and the South Shuswap Transportation Society (SSTS) that operates South Shuswa Rides, a new 2023 Tesla Model Y was added to the fleet, thereby doubling it.
“Since its launch in 2020, South Shuswap Rides has been a terrific local success story,” SSTS president Paul Demenok said in a media release, adding that 19 volunteer drivers provided 300 rides (25,733 kilometres) last year in the society’s Chevy Bolt. “With rapidly growing popularity and demand, it became obvious that a second car was needed so that more requests for rides could be fulfilled.”
After investigating all vehicle options during grant applications, the SSTS identified the Model Y as the best choice because it’s a larger, electric SUV that can accommodate wheelchairs and more cargo, has longer range, uses the supercharger network and is all-wheel drive for added safety, the media release explained.
The transportation service was founded in response to the need for better transportation services in the South Shuswap, with BC Transit running just one day a week and no taxi or ride-hailing services available in the area. It’s purpose is to help residents who can’t drive “for whatever reason,” and provides door-to-door rides anywhere in the South Shuswap, Chase and Salmon Arm for necessities like shopping, banking, medical and legal appointments. For medical appointments further afield, the SSTS will also drive those patients to Kamloops, Vernon and Kelowna as needed.
“We are proud to support this purchase to expand South Shuswap Rides that, in turn, will help better connect residents with their community,” Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, said in the release, with CSRD Area G director Natalya Melnychuk adding, “it ensures those with limited transportation options can continue to live in their community while still being able to safely travel to essential services like medical appointments.”
Riders are not charged for the service, but Demenok said donations are gratefully accepted to help with operating costs like insurance, storage, electricity, advertising and maintenance. Additional volunteers are also much appreciated, and just have to do a criminal record check, and pass a driver safety program that includes classroom and in-car training.
“I’m very proud of our drivers and how they have come forward to help others,” Demenok said in the release. “On behalf of our community, I would like to sincerely thank them all.”
Rides can be booked by calling 250-463-4341, with additional information about the SSTS available online at www.southshuswaprides.ca.
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