Exploring Rural Transportation Options for Community Health
Transportation
LINKS & RESOURCES
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Mount Waddington Handy Dart
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Volunteer Transportation Network
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Wheels for Wellness Society - Out of Region Health Transportation
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COVID-19 Transportation Resources & Links to Private Carriers
Public Transportation
BC Transit
Mount Waddington Public Transit Website
The Mount Waddington Transit System has multiple routes that serve the public on the North Island. Click here to access the schedule and information. BCtransit.com/mountwaddington
Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN)
About the VTN
The VTN provides door-to-door transportation for Mount Waddington residents who have challenges in accessing the public transit system. The VTN is funded by the Regional District of Mount Waddington, with support from the MWHN, and operated by PW Transit services. The drivers come from the region's many devoted volunteers. Drivers use their own vehicles, and we also have a bus for group transport and events!
The VTN facilitates services to smaller communities with limited or no transit service, and links clients to the transit network.
The program is predominantly meant to provide transportation to medical appointments, access to social service agencies, grocery shopping, prescription pick up, and access to employment-related appointments among other things. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the drivers have transitioned to providing grocery deliveries and critical medications and other supplies to self-isolating clients.
Learn About Being a Volunteer Driver
The VTN program provides service to many North Island residents who do not drive or who are no longer physically able to drive. The VTN provides a door-to-door transportation service to and from a scheduled destination.
Becoming a volunteer driver provides an opportunity to give back to your community-
become a part of the solution!
How can you become a VTN driver?
• VTN drivers must complete the VTN driver application form.
• A current driver`s abstract must be submitted with the driver`s application form.
• A criminal record check will be required.
• Once the application, the driver`s abstract and criminal record check is submitted, drivers are required to attend a VTN drivers workshop.
Drivers Workshops
New VTN drivers are required to attend the driver’s workshop before transporting VTN clients.
A representative from the local RCMP Detachment and the BC Ambulance Service each facilitate a portion of the workshop.
The workshop allows new VTN drivers an opportunity to discuss the issues of driver liability, insurance requirements and the Good Samaritan Act. The workshop also provides new drivers with basic first aid knowledge.
The workshop includes driver training and operation of the wheel chair accessible lift van which is dispatched for VTN clients living with mobility challenges.
The workshop includes a small amount of paperwork that you will be required to use to track and submit on the VTN client trip sheets.
During the workshop new drivers will receive a visibility vest, and a small survival kit which also includes a basic first aid kit.
VTN trip sheets are submitted to the VTN Coordinator at the end of every month, and driver reimbursements are made.
Client
The program is predominantly meant to provide transportation to medical appointments, access to social service agencies, grocery shopping, prescription pick up, and access to employment-related appointments among other things. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the drivers have transitioned to providing grocery deliveries and critical medications and other supplies to self-isolating clients.
Contact the VTN
The VTN Program provides service in Port Hardy, Port
McNeill, Fort Rupert, Coal Harbour, Woss, Port Alice & Sointula.
We depend on volunteers in YOUR community!
CONTACT INFORMATION
phone: 250-956-3151
email: mwts@pwtransit.ca
#23-1705 Campbell Way
Port McNeill, B.C., VON 2R0
Trying to find our local VTN & Transit office? Our office door is in the backlane of the mall on Campbell Way.