The wheels on the bus are still going ’round and ’round thanks to an interim deal between the City of Flin Flon and its long-time public transit contractor.
Riders weren’t sure what to expect after the city’s latest – and evidently final – contract with Northern Bus Lines (NBL) expired on Monday.
But there has been no change to the standard schedule as the two sides continue under a temporary deal that gives municipal officials time to finalize plans for a city-run transit system.
Mark Kolt, chief administrative officer for the city, said a final agreement being worked out also encompasses the city’s planned purchase of the NBL garage.
If feasible, Mayor George Fontaine has said the city is committed to a city-run transit system to replace the service long provided by NBL, which is reportedly winding down.
“The models we are studying are not exactly the same as our present service,” he told The Reminder in April. “We expect some reduction and a possible change in routes. It is a valuable service for many residents and is affordable. ”
Vital service
Though public transit has been criticized for its frequently empty, or nearly empty, buses, the service remains vital to a number of residents who have no other means of transportation.
Figures supplied to the city by NBL state that for the year ended Aug. 31, 2012, public transit provided an average of about 143 rides for every day the buses ran.
“There is a large population of low-income families, single parents, those who are unable to drive a vehicle, those who are struggling just to make a living, and of course students, and those with physical disabilities that depend on this service,” wrote Lori Galbraith in a letter to council earlier this year. “With our extreme weather conditions this service is essential in our community.”
Public transit was costing the city roughly $150,000 a year. The province chips in another $150,000 for a total bill of about $300,000.
As for the NBL garage on Golf Road, the city has for months had a tentative deal to purchase the facility and convert it into its new public works shop.
With the existing shop decrepit from decades of use, the city is set to spend $1.25 million on the spacious garage.
“When you look at an opportunity, you say, ‘Sometimes it costs you more not to jump than it does to jump, and vice-versa, ’ ” Fontaine said in explaining the deal in April.
