Ontario Northland is now offering a bus service that stretches from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg.
Stops include Upsala, Ignace, Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Kenora and Prawda, Manitoba.
President and Chief Executive Officer Corina Moore says for now service will be offered twice a week.
“Coming from Dryden and going to Winnipeg will be Saturday’s and Monday’s and then coming from Winnipeg to Dryden will be Monday’s and Wednesday’s.”
Moore says “It’s essential travel. As we all know that these communities are without service right now, including Dryden, and we thought that it was extremely important for those communities to be connected.”
She notes their buses are relatively new and offer bathrooms and Wi-Fi.
Moore adds they hope to expand to full week service after the COVID-19 pandemic passes and will look towards providing transportation along the Highway 11 corridor as well.
The first bus on the Highway 17 corridor stopped in local communities on holiday Monday and was greeted by Dryden Mayor Greg Wilson and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford.
For the full schedule and rates visit http://www.ontarionorthland.ca/
Today is a very exciting day for Northwestern Ontario as the @OntNorthland begins its first of many trips from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg. Proud to bring critical access to safe, reliable and affordable bus service to communities across the northwest. pic.twitter.com/2KQAz9S9QN
— Greg Rickford (@GregRickford) May 18, 2020