‘We Know What’s at Stake’: Manitoba Minibus Drivers Say Safety Paramount for Seniors

A scorched patch of ground where a bus carrying seniors ended up after colliding with a transport truck and burning on Thursday is seen on the edge of the Trans-Canada Highway where it intersects with Highway 5, west of Winnipeg near Carberry, June 16, 2023. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

For seniors in communities across Manitoba, minibuses or handivans are essential means of travel.

“Without the use of the handivan as a service, there isn’t much else for seniors who are in wheelchairs or walkers to be able to move around,” said Justin Cicholski, manager of a non-profit handivan service in Neepawa, Man., a town about 190 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.