The Centre de Sante in Kapuskasing has unveiled a new community transportation program for residents from Fauquier to Opasatika thanks to a $168,100 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
ViaGo differs from the Flex Shuttle that was cancelled two years ago with Centre volunteers use two vans to pick-up and drop off riders instead of a bus.
“So we will have a van in Fauquier so it will be easily accessible from there and the Moonbeam community as well,” Executive Director Denis Beaulac said. “And we will also have the van going the other way from Opaz to Kapuskasing so hopefully in that sense we will be a bit more accessible and give a bit more rides.”
Transportation coordinator Ann Dorval says there are two other subtle changes.
“We cannot take people to medical appointments and also able to accept children under the age of eight,” she said. “We are working on that we are looking at seeing what we can do.”
It’s $5 for a return ticket within Kapuskasing but goes up an additional $2.50 for each community east and west of town. Punch cards are available for $25 that can be purchased from different locations. Rides must be booked 48 hours in advance by calling the Centre de Sante Office.
Organizers admitted this program is something residents have been requesting its return for the past two years.
