Dramatic increase in number of rides given through transit program in Steinbach

The Steinbach ACCESSible Transit program is reporting what might be record numbers of rides given during the first two months of this year. 

Transit Coordinator Cathy Jago reports 500 rides were given in January while February provided 474 rides. That is more than double the number of rides given in February of last year when 210 rides were given. 

For all of 2022, this program logged 3,853 rides. Jago is confident they will surpass that number this year. 

The City of Steinbach has partnered with Serving Seniors Inc and Pat Porter Active Living Centre to operate the transit program which provides rides to seniors and to Steinbach residents who have mobility challenges. 

Jago says she never would have thought the program would get this busy in such a short time. 

“When I first started, I thought that was busy,” she admits. “And now when you see the numbers that we have today, I couldn’t have imagined that.” 

Jago says the transit program is about more than just providing transportation. She says building relationships is what truly matters, people helping people. 

“If we haven’t heard from somebody in a while, I tend to call to make sure that they’re okay,” she says. 

The team of drivers also have that same caring nature, Jago says. She would like to add more people to the driving team as this would allow them to extend their hours and days of operation. If you have at least a Class 4 driving license and would like to join this team, Jago invites you to give her a call at 204-326-4055. 

Audrey Harder, Executive Director of the Pat Porter Active Living Centre, appreciates working with the city in operating this program. 

She says this is one way they can break down some barriers that prevent some people from being able to enjoy a good quality of life, getting to community events and take care of daily errands. 

Harder is always looking for ways to reduce the transportation costs to make rides even more affordable for people who live on a low income. She notes the city is also determined to provide affordable transportation to seniors and residents with mobility challenges, and continues to fund this transit program. 

With two vehicles being used for Steinbach ACCESSible Transit, Harder says they are always on the road. She dreams of adding to the fleet and expanding the service area. 

For now, Jago says they will continue to offer transportation as much as possible and she looks forward to finding more drivers to help expand the evening and weekend service hours.