Nicholas L. M. Allen
Feb 12, 2025
Community transportation service continues to expand, but future funding remains a concern
Crowsnest Cruisers, a community transportation service operating in the Crowsnest Pass, has seen growing demand for its services, particularly for medical appointments and essential travel. While the service is meeting many of the community’s needs, additional volunteer drivers and long-term funding solutions remain priorities.
The service, managed by a committee under the Peaks to Pines Residents Association, launched with funding from Healthy Aging Alberta in late 2023. It provides transportation for seniors and residents with mobility challenges, ensuring access to medical appointments, shopping, and other essential services.
“We believe we’re meeting needs with the exception of late afternoon services,” said Pauline Desjardins, co-lead of the Crowsnest Cruisers committee, “Our funding only allows for 25 hours a week, so we don’t operate on Thursdays, and some late-day trips—like food bank pickups—have to be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.”
Desjardins noted that medical transportation is the top priority, with rides provided to Pincher Creek, Lethbridge, and Calgary for healthcare-related appointments. The service also accommodates shopping and personal care trips, though those are scheduled around medical needs.
When the municipality ended its subsidized taxi service in early January, many former users transitioned to Crowsnest Cruisers without issue.
“The majority of those riders were already using the service,” Desjardins said, “For those who weren’t, we were able to bring them on board and accommodate their transportation needs.”
While the service is running efficiently, more volunteer drivers are needed to maintain operations. Crowsnest Cruisers currently has five drivers, but with work schedules, holidays, and illness to account for, an additional two drivers would improve flexibility.
“Some of our drivers work at the mines and have rotating shifts,” Desjardins explained, “Having a few more volunteers would help balance the schedule and ensure we can keep up with demand.”
To become a volunteer driver, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:
• A Class 1, 2, or 4 driver’s license
• A clean driver’s abstract, which the organization helps obtain
• A clear criminal record check
“We’ve had some applicants, but not all meet the requirements,” she added.
The service has been well received by the community, with many residents expressing appreciation for the accessibility it provides. In addition to the Crowsnest Cruisers van, the Peaks to Pines Residents Association also operates a bus, which is used for larger trips or when a wheelchair does not fit in the van.
“For out-of-town trips, 100 per cent of them are for medical appointments,” Desjardins said, “Our grant allows us to provide two trips a month, but we’re actually doing five, thanks to some generous donations.”
With the Healthy Aging Alberta grant set to expire in March 2026, securing additional funding will be crucial to sustaining the service.
“We are actively looking for other grants to ensure the service continues beyond 2026,” she said.
Residents interested in volunteering or learning more about the service can visit www.crowsnestcruisers.com or contact the transportation coordinator, at 403-583-5598.
“We welcome feedback and community support as we work to keep this essential service running,” Desjardins said.