New Westman Shuttle to fill the travel gaps

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/01/2024 (810 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Lindsey Heintz saw the need for a way to help Westman residents access shopping destinations and medical appointments in Winnipeg, especially for those who don’t feel like driving or aren’t mobile.

Discovering that gap in the Brandon area, Heintz started plans to establish Westman Shuttle, a dedicated transportation firm that aims to operate from Monday to Friday, focusing on convenient routes to meet the needs of his potential patrons.

Proposed routes, which are subject to change, include stops at popular locations such as Polo Park, Costco and outlet malls, with flexibility for additional drop-off spots.

“After conducting research, I found that there is currently no such service in the city of Brandon,” Heintz told the Sun. “I noticed a need for a different shuttle service in Brandon to meet the needs of Westman residents, particularly those without cars or licences that face challenges in transportation.”

The intention, he said, is not to compete with the existing airport shuttle service but to offer a distinct premier concierge service, providing convenient transportation from the Wheat City to desired destinations in Winnipeg.

The former RCMP officer said the shuttle’s unique offerings include criminal record checks for all drivers, vulnerability checks with the Province of Manitoba, complimentary water and snacks for passengers and first aid and CPR-trained drivers.

Starting with an eight-passenger van on March 1, Heintz acknowledged there have been challenges in sourcing new vehicles, as they are scarce across Canada, and finding one in Brandon can be quite difficult, he said.

Some available options have accumulated high kilometres, which is not ideal considering the extensive daily travel involved in the business — round trips of between 450 and 500 kilometres every day for five days a week.

The initial focus is on one bus, with Heintz himself serving as the driver.

“While I am hopeful that more drivers will join the team as the demand increases, the current plan is to begin with a single vehicle,” he said. “The next vehicle, when acquired, will likely accommodate 12 passengers, offering better business prospects in terms of revenue.”

Plans, he said, include the exploration of weekend services, especially during the summer months, eying special trips to destinations like Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park and catering to the diverse needs and preferences of the community.

To streamline bookings, Westman Shuttle has set up a Shopify website with an integrated booking system allowing passengers the flexibility to reserve seats in advance and make payments, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

“The anticipated fare structure is set at $65 one way or $125 for a round trip, aligning closely with existing airport shuttle services,” he said. “But we remain open to accepting cash for those who may not be as tech-savvy, albeit with some limitations.”

Acknowledging potential challenges, Heintz addressed concerns about limited space during high-demand periods, such as visits to Costco or other stores. He said the van’s design allows for more significant cargo space than standard vehicles, mitigating potential issues. Additionally, he discussed the prospect of accommodating group bookings for events like sports games, showcasing the flexibility of the service.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola