By Sue Tiffin

Published Nov. 13 2018

Wilberforce residents in need of a ride can make use of a new shuttle van service being offered by Bancroft Community Transit.

BCT which already offers transportation services to the Cardiff area has been trialing similar services in the Wilberforce area and as of early November has been making regular weekly trips around town.

A round-trip Wilberforce to Bancroft ride and local trips to hotspots in Wilberforce will be available on Fridays throughout the month. The Bancroft trip will cost $16 leaving on the first and third Friday of each month. Local trips costing $5 for unlimited stops will be available on the second and fourth Friday of each month stopping at Wilberforce Foodland the South Algonquin Diner Agnews General Store the Wilberforce pharmacy and to lunch at the Wilberforce Legion.

Gwen Coish director of operations for BCT said a need had been identified for Wilberforce residents to be able to access medical services and a bank that aren’t currently available in their own town but also that people on the outskirts of Wilberforce wanted to be able to shop locally.

“Obviously it’s really important in smaller communities to be able to recognize those businesses so we wanted to provide a service that supports local services” said Coish.

Coish said the transit service is quite customizable with riders being able to dictate where they need to go until community needs are identified and a more set schedule is established. People who need a pick-up outside of downtown Wilberforce should call 24 hours in advance (Thursdays by noon) to schedule an on-demand service option. The shuttle van is accessible and can accommodate riders who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

“This was an area that had been identified as needing the service” said Coish acknowledging the partnership the transit company has with Highlands East. “They are part of Highlands East so we can offer this service.”

A Christmas shopping trip to Peterborough can also be arranged if there is enough interest.

For more information to express interest in a Christmas shopping trip or to book a seat please call Isabelle at 613-332-8291 or Kathy Rogers at 705-448-3652.