Selkirk Mobility is doing its part to help citizens stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic including ensuring isolated people and seniors living without supports have access to things they need.
Charlene Dunning, Manager of Transportation Services for the Selkirk Transit Authority, said with people heeding government guidelines to stay home and reduce the spread of COVID-19, Mobility’s buses are far less busy. But people still need access to essentials, and Selkirk Mobility is able to deliver everything from groceries to prescriptions.
“Selkirk Mobility’s mission is to provide safe and reliable transportation to our clients and during this trying time we want to ensure our clients that we’re still here for them and can continue to serve them,” Dunning said.
“Our staff and bus drivers disinfect our buses and ensure that anyone who does come on board adheres to social distancing protocol, but for those who are staying at home, we can safely deliver your order to you.”
Price shouldn’t be a restriction
Regular rates will apply. Dunning says that as a non-profit the organization still needs to cover its cost however Selkirk Mobility is greatly subsidized by the City of Selkirk and the Province of Manitoba to ensure rates are affordable.
City of Selkirk Chief Administrative Officer Duane Nicol said this is yet another example of the how the Selkirk Transit Authority (STA) is fulfilling its mission to be a community focus provider of transportation services.
“We established the STA using a very different organizational model. It’s run by a community board with a mandate to deliver exceptional service that is focused on the needs of our citizens. Here again, Charlene and her team have really stepped up. Some people who just cannot go out at this time will have friends, family and neighbours who can do shopping for them. For those who don’t, there is Selkirk Mobility” said Nicol.
Living and working in the community
Dunning said Mobility staff, including dispatchers and bus drivers, have a special relationship with their clients and have a great concern for them at this time.
“We’re really like a family here. Our drivers, and those who speak to clients on the phone, are invested in the people we serve and knowing how hard it must be for them now, we decided we needed to help,” Dunning said.
“We encourage people to stay home and take care of themselves and we want them to know, that if they need anything, we can deliver it for them.”
Selkirk Transit is continuing its regular schedule to ensure people can get to work and to pick up essentials. To protect the health of both drivers and riders, Plexiglas shields have been installed, a program of enhanced disinfection has been implemented, and alternating rows of seats have been closed to promote physical distancing standards. If you’ve ordered something online or have called in an order and would like to have Mobility pick it up for you, call Mobility at 204-482-1234.
