Discussions

I am wondering if there are many others out there who simply did not know about the new Bus service to Winnipeg and back. I did not see any advertising.  
 
Seemed perfect for a quick trip and back, even better than Greyhound. I know I would use it. I also think friends and family in Winnipeg did not know either.  
 
Anyone who would have used it please reply. It seemed perfect for things to do in a day.  
 
Perhaps with enough response they may reconsider and offer it again with some advertising.  
 
My thought is almost no one knew about it.  
 
Let's see how many would use it or know someone who would and spark some reconsideration.

I've used it and it was great! Hope they don't go out of business..

The bus has left the station. People can say they will support something all they want. Truth is most will use once or so and then gone like a fart in the wind. There was only a few to none that rode. There isn't enough ridership to justify a big bus like that. That is where the smaller vans excel. I am surprised Brandon air shuttle hasn't bought a more comfy mini bus like they have for old folks homes as I usually see their van full.

is also why scheduled air service to and from Winnipeg doesn't work.  
 
To make it profitable, the bus would have to be full or nearly full ( about 78 passengers) for each trip. If they are only getting 10 riders on the trip, they loose money. If those buses can be filled and used on more profitable charter runs that's where they should be. For their casino runs, they require 30 or more. Or that trip is cancelled.  
 
I think some other bus companies are looking into doing former Greyound runs.  
 
https://www.brandonbuslines.com

There was an article on CBC a couple of days ago that they only needed 5 (5!) people a run to make it worth their while. A lot of days, they got zero.  
 
So it's not even they need a bus full. They needed 5.

People talk a big game but have no idea or maybe not care to the actual cause and effect it has on businesses. Actions are what these places need to succeed and keep services alive for those that actually do what they say. I'm not sure why they chose to have such a huge bus to do this with though? One definitely would have thought they would use a way smaller version to make it worthwhile...sad to see the service go again but not surprised at all.

guess now if you cant drive you have to taxi to rivers and take the train to wpg...  
 
Edited by M.T., 2019-01-18 14:55:50

I am not sure I am following your logic. Are you suggesting they spend $70,000 on a smaller bus to transport 1 or 2 people?? Sounds like a great way to go bankrupt. Maybe a mini van or a Prius would make more sense. Or maybe we just have to deal with the fact the service is just not popular or viable anymore.

I think they were using a smaller one.  
 
Anyone know if taking the train from Rivers is frequent enough and is it complicated ? Last option might be biking or walking lol.  
 
It is what it is, but for the second largest city in Manitoba in 2019 there is no bus, air or train Svc. Who knows, maybe it will get solved somehow? Of course it requires ridership and probably political input.  
 
Someone hopefully may find a solution. Most people are probably still unaware, especially those who need it most. It's unknown to most.

a smaller bus and a passenger van. They also only ran 3 days a week, Mon, Wed, Fri. And it was one trip a day to Winnipeg and back.

I'm suggesting that using a huge bus made no sense, a small van would have made more sense or just not bother. theres a reason grey hound gave up ...no need to be snotty because you don't understand either

Here's a simple solution for those who have "no way" of getting to Winnipeg...  
 
Rideshare.  
 
You see it in ALL urban areas, and it's really picking up steam. Some say it's not safe, but really, are busses and planes safe???  
 
Post an ad on Ebrandon or Facebook but/sell a day or two before you need to go asking to share costs fora ride...odds are you will get a seat with someone already driving to the Peg, and it shouldn't cost more than $20 and a couple coffees!

always been Brandon Air Shuttle service that runs between Brandon and Winnipeg 7 days a week. If you need to go to a medical facility in Winnipeg, they can accommodate by calling.  
 
http://www.brandonairshuttle.com/index.php  
 
As for VIA Rail, The Canadian isn't a reliable mode in terms of scheduled service. They are many hours late most times. It's not like what's in the Windsor - Quebec City corridor.