Current State of the Neepawa Handi-Van

The Neepawa and District Disabled Persons Association Incorporated, also known as the Neepawa Handi-Van, is a non-profit organization that provides transportation services in the Town of Neepawa and the Rural Municipalities of Rosedale, North Cypress-Langford, and Glenella-Lansdowne.  Priority is given to seniors and persons with disabilities to transport them to their medical appointments but it now accepts bookings from the public for other trips if the vehicles are available.

John Pottinger, Neepawa Handi-Van Board President, mentioned that it has been existing in the area for more than forty years. The Board is composed of representatives from the town or municipalities and community representatives that currently include a senior.

Justin Cicholski is the current contractor of the Handi-Van service. He explained his responsibility with the vehicles and managing the drivers, bookings and all the day-to-day operations. Aside from transporting residents to their medical appointments, it is also offering transportation service for seniors to grocery stores and recreational trips, service for students going to school and is also accepting requests from organizations for recreational trips and anyone needing transportation to work.

One of the major challenges of the Neepawa Handi-Van is its limited source of funding. With the increasing cost of fuel, it has endured additional financial costs. Despite these challenges, the Handi-Van is trying to keep their rates affordable for the residents. With the strong community support for the Handi-Van and the good synergy between the Councils/ Board and the Contractor, the Neepawa Handi-Van continues to operate and serve the Neepawa and District area.