The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer A private Alberta-based bus company is looking at the possibility of providing transportation to passengers in four Manitoba areas, including Flin Flon. Along with Flin Flon, Pacific Western Transportation is making a pitch to compete with Greyhound in Thompson, The Pas and Winnipeg. It was announced Monday that Pacific Western Transportation will tour the northern regions of the province with a stop in Flin Flon on Tuesday to show off the busses. Touring the four locations next week, with a stop in Flin Flon on Tuesday, the announcement was made on Monday to show off the busses. Flin Flon's showcase will cover topics like 'the different routes we'd like to provide service on,' said PWT spokesperson Kelly Aizicowitz in a phone interview. 'We're looking to get a sense of community feedback,' she said. Wireless internet The busses are equipped with wireless internet, more leg room, washrooms, lap belts and 110-volt power outlets. Pacific Western Transportation will hold an Open House at the Flin Flon Public Library with the chance of replacing the Greyhound service provided in the area currently. In 2009, Greyhound announced it would stop passenger service in Manitoba to the rural and northern regions of the province. With high costs pinned to the busses and unprofitable routes, Greyhound received a series of subsidies from the provincial government to 'maintain service to remote locations while it works on a permanent solution,' read an article from the Winnipeg Free Press. With the latest agreement for Greyhound's service to expire March 31, 2012, the privately owned Alberta bus company has made its name known. 'PWT can help the Manitoba government achieve a long-term solution to the inter-city bus problem that was created in 2009,' the Free Press quoted company vice-president Garry Clermont. 'We can help phase out government subsidies, and work with local providers to develop a made-in-Manitoba hub-and-spoke model that increases bus use and improves service.' Approval of any new inter-city bus service provider would have to come from the Manitoba government. Hoping to keep their foot in the door, the PWT will be touring the province with their first stop in Thompson on Monday. Following Flin Flon's stop the next day, the company will move to The Pas before ending their tour in Winnipeg on Friday.
