Manitoba bus companies calling for provincial help to address pandemic losses
Business has all but stalled for Manitoba’s charter bus companies.
Except for some school runs, president John Fehr says Winnipeg’s Beaver Bus Lines came to a halt when the pandemic began.
It’s putting a financial strain on business
“I’ve already, just last month, sold two buses and I’m looking to sell more,” said Fehr
It’s the same story with other charter bus companies in Manitoba, as large weddings, festivals, sporting events and tours have been cancelled.
David Anning is the president of Compass Coach Lines in Brandon.
“It’s been a long struggle here over the last seven months. We’ve literally had zero revenue and right now we’re in survival mode,” said Anning
The industry is asking the provincial government for $2 million to cover ongoing costs like utilities, property taxes, and mortgages Bus operators say they are also facing start-up costs like rehiring mechanics and drivers, and maintenance for the estimated 220 buses province-wide.
BJ Langdon, president of Tony’s Team Transport, says you can’t just turn on the key and go.
“It’s going to be very expensive to get these things going, they’ve been sitting for 15 months and that‘s when things start, things you don’t know are happening, are happening under the hood,” said Langdon
In a statement, Jobs Minister Ralph Eichler says he met with operators and listened to their concerns
“We will continue to work with this sector and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on a plan to help them recover from the pandemic,” stated Eichler.
If there is no funding, some say it could be the end of the line for smaller companies.
“My fear is that there are probably some operators, especially in rural Manitoba, that probably won’t open up again,” said Langdon
And there is another concern besides money.
How long it will take to convince people to jump back on board?
“My hope is I guess with enough people vaccinated, people will once again feel comfortable and safe to ride on a bus again,” said Fehr. “Hopefully, we can get these wheels turning.”
Minister Eichler also said many bus companies were eligible for the bridge grant and that the government is focusing on vaccinating Manitobans to reopen the economy to allow for more travel.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.