District to retain some bus services

News Release
CCTC

July 8, 2008 - Thunder Bay - Caribou Coach Transportation Company Incorporated announced that it has received approval from the Ontario Highway Transport Board (OHTB) to offer scheduled services to the residents along Highway 11 between Fort Frances, Atikokan and Thunder Bay.
Greyhound Canada Transportation Corp/Grey Goose Lines, who currently operate service along this corridor, announced in early March of this year that it planned to end its service between Fort Frances and Thunder Bay effective August 20, 2008.
Since Greyhound’s announcement, citizens’ groups: political representatives; and residents from all communities, have been very public about their feelings toward the pending termination and what it means for those who have come to rely on the bus service between Fort Frances and Thunder Bay.
At the beginning of June of 2008, Caribou Coach Transportation Company Inc. of Thunder Bay reviewed the situation, and proceeded with filing an application with the OHTB to continue operating scheduled services past Greyhound’s August 20th, termination date.
“This service has been a vital link between these communities, and our first priority is to make sure that the residents of Fort Frances, Atikokan, Thunder Bay, and everywhere in-between can continue to rely on regular bus service after August 20, “ commented Sandy Smith, President and Owner of Caribou Coach Transportation Company Inc.
Recently, residents in the communities along Highway 11, between Fort Frances and Rainy River, Ontario have also voiced concern over the status of bus service in their area. These residents have expressed a desire to see a regular bus schedule reinstated to their communities, and possibly see service extended once again through to Winnipeg, Manitoba, via the State of Minnesota (which was also previously operated by Greyhound/Grey Goose).
When prompted with these concerns, Smith replied: “We (Caribou Coach) have never been opposed to, or suggested that we would not consider services through to Rainy River, but there is more too it than simply extending service...we have to take into account other carriers who have permits to operate out of Fort Frances, and we also have to consider the economic viability of travelling through Rainy River.” “As for offering a route that extends through to Winnipeg....we again encounter the issue of existing carriers, as well as new and upcoming requirements for crossing into the U.S.A. by land starting in 2009.” “Are we prepared to look at these concerns though absolutely!” concluded Smith.
Caribou Coach plans to unveil its schedule and passenger fares over the next several weeks, with regular updates available on its website at www.cariboucoach.ca.