See below the article in Better Environmentally Sound Transportation’s E-Newsletter!
This month we are excited to share the news of STAR’s involvement with the first bus sharing co-op in North America, the Fraser Valley Transportation Cooperative, aka The Bus Co-op. Based in Langley, this innovative new program will be big step forward for seniors transportation in the region.
BEST’s STAR program is pleased to be involved in the first bus sharing co-operative in North America, which launches on October 15. The Fraser Valley Transportation Co-op (The Bus Co-op) will own a fleet of buses which member agencies can use to provide rides to their constituents. Instead of owning a bus that sits idle much of the time, agencies will have access to buses in a variety of sizes to suit their particular needs.
Why share a bus? Our current rural transit system is under-serviced and cannot connect many people with the wider community. As a result community members can feel isolated and excluded. The Bus Co-op believes that by working together more can be done for our communities, agencies, and constituents, whatever their age or ability. Sharing a bus helps people become part of a safe, affordable and green solution that makes community events and services accessible to everyone.
STAR will provide management and administration for The Bus Co-op. MODO The Car Co-op is also participating, providing fleet management services. Financial support is provided by Vancity and TransLink.
The co-op is made up of three founding agencies: The Langley Seniors’ Resource Society, The Langley Care Society (Langley Lodge), and Bria Communities Inc. (Magnolia Gardens). At the founding annual general meeting of the co-op it is hoped that the number of member agencies will increase to five.
More information on The Bus Co-op is available at 604-440-6222, info@busco-op.com, and www.BusCo-op.com.
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