Future of Selkirk & District Handi-Bus in limbo.

‘Alternate service model’ being explored by Tri-S councils

RECORD PHOTO BY AUSTIN GRABISH

The future of Selkirk and District Handi-Bus is in jeopardy.

 By Austin Grabish, The Selkirk Record

The future of Selkirk and District Handi-Bus is in jeopardy, and starting next Tuesday rates for users are expected to skyrocket.

But a new alternative service model that would provide clients with a “safe and reliable handi-transit service” might be hitting the streets though few details about the new service have been made public.

Thousands of dollars in funding provided by municipalities in the Tri-S area for Selkirk and District Handi-Bus is expected to disappear April 1.

The move by the City of Selkirk, the RM of St. Clements, and the RM of St. Andrews came after “ongoing concerns about the stability and viability of handi-transit service” were raised.

A Feb. 13 online notice published by all three of the municipalities said the move follows a joint resolution that was passed unanimously by the three councils.

The municipalities struck a joint committee earlier this year after concerns about persistent financial and operating challenges were raised, the online notice said.

“The three councils are taking this action to reduce the likelihood of a service interruption in the short term, and in the longer term to ensure that this important service will continue to be available to those who need it.”

Selkirk and District Handi-Bus board member Sharon Wasny said she was blindsided by the notice.

“These resolutions were made without our knowledge and posted on the website,” Wasny said Sunday when reached by phone.

A media release from Selkirk and District Handi-Bus Inc. published last December said the bus service has been operating in “crisis mode” since last November.

The release, which is linked to change.org, an online petition site, said allegations from the three municipalities have been unsubstantiated.

“It is impossible for the board to take action on allegations that are not spelled out and substantiated,” the release said.

The Feb. 13 online notice from the three councils doesn’t address any specific allegations made against Handi-Transit, but said the local governments have a responsibility to ensure a responsible handi-transit provider serves the region.

Expectations for transparency, fiscal responsibility and sound operating practices must all be met, the notice said.

Wasny said the change in funding is a “big concern” for the Handi Bus board.

“We rely very heavily on the grants from the three municipalities.”

She said starting March 30 Handi-Bus will be forced to raise rates and work under a new model.

“We are prepared to go out on our own,” Wasny said.

“The rates will be significantly more than what they are now, but we’re prepared to still service our clients.”

She said the Handi-Bus board is willing to work with the councils to “make some much needed changes within the organization,” if they have a change of heart.

No one from the joint committee would comment on this article.

The Record will update this story.

-- First published in the Selkirk Record print edition March 26, 2015 p.10