Bus service from Quebec's coastal Cree communities to Val d'Or begins today

A new bus service 15 years in the making starts Wednesday, connecting Quebec's coastal Cree communities with Val d'Or in the Abitibi region.

"We feel that it is time," saidChisasibiChiefDaveyBobbish.

The Cree communities linked by the new bus route are currently served by a Cree-owned airline but no overland passenger service. Gas can cost several hundred dollars fromChisasibito Val d'Or and back, a round-tripdistance of almost 2,000 km.

• LISTEN: Chisasibi Chief Davey Bobbishon the new bus service (Cree language)

The partnership between Maheux bus lines and the Chisasibi Business Development Group will offer twice-weekly round-trip service, starting in Chisasibi and stopping at the turnoff to each of the coastal Cree communities as well as a truck stop at km 381 of the James Bay Highway. A one-way trip between Chisasibi andVald'Oris scheduled totake about 11 hours.

"It'll help with the people less fortunate, without vehicles," said Matthew Diamond of Waskaganish, who said he plans to use the new bus service.

"There are many single parents... who like to shop down south for groceries, do some Christmas shopping [or]just have a small family trip with their kids... I think it's a really good idea."

Bobbish said there may be opportunities for spinoff servicessuch as shuttle buses in other communities along the route.

Some Cree travellers worry that the notorious bumps and sinkholes on the James Bay Highway voted one of the worst roads in Quebecin a recent online poll could take an expensive toll on the new buses.

But for the Chisasibi band council, it's a much-needed service and a promising investment.

"This is a six-month pilot project for now," said Bobbish."After that time, we'll look at how it works and maybe make changes if needed."

Pierre Maheux, director of Maheux bus lines, said the new partnership has the potential to offset other Maheux-operated routes within the Abitibi region that are currently less profitable.

"These communities... don't have any service, and the people travel a lot," Maheux said at the announcement of the new service during the Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Temiscamingue Economic Alliance conference in Amos on June 1.

The first departure from Val d'Or will be June 8, and the first departure from Chisasibi June 9. Parcel delivery is also available.