The owner of Trius has taken over from Acadian Lines and is operating buses on many of its former routes through his Maritime Bus division but no service is being provided to Southwest Nova Scotia.
Bernard (Bernie) Melanson, owner of Bernie’s Shuttle Service, applied to the Utility and Review Board for a motor carrier license in November to replace the run but withdrew his application when all of the ticket agents he required could not be secured.
However he has no regrets at the outcome and says he is now benefitting from more parcel contracts and former customers from Trius.
“Some are starting to realize the convenience of a shuttle being able to go from door to door as opposed to bus stops and because of it I’m getting a lot of business,” he said.
He’s also picked up delivery service for the Canadian Blood Services. Although that aspect of the business is sporadic, he says he’s only had one day since Dec. 1 that he hasn’t delivered.
“It allows me to run with less passengers and to justify it,” he said.
Peter Winkels, owner of the Cloud Nine Shuttle, says he’s also picked up a handful of former bus customers and that he’s had more enquiries lately.
