Just Ask: What Transportation Options Are Available for Pender Harbour Seniors?
Hayley Toth | Sunshine Coast Resource Centre
Transportation remains one of the biggest barriers for seniors living in Pender Harbour and surrounding rural communities. The area has no public transit service along its 90 km stretch of highway, meaning many residents rely on family, friends, or volunteer drivers to access essential services like medical appointments, groceries, and social programs.
Lack of transportation is closely linked to poorer health outcomes. Research consistently shows that limited mobility increases social isolation, delays medical care, and contributes to higher rates of chronic illness and mental health challenges among seniors. In rural and remote communities, even one missed ride can mean missed care.
To help address this gap, the Pender Harbour Health Centre (PHHC) launched the Seniors Link in December 2024. This free, accessible hop-on/hop-off bus runs between Egmont and Sechelt with multiple stops along the route. Since launching, the program has provided over 1350 rides to Coast seniors, showing strong demand for reliable transportation in the region.
According to PHHC Executive Director Nick Gaskin, “we heard loud and clear in our 2024 Health and Social Needs Assessment that accessible transportation was a key priority for our community. Given Pender Harbour is located in a transportation desert, with no public transportation, many members of our community are disconnected from vital health and social connections. We hear regularly from our passengers how the Seniors Link has changed their lives, made social connections possible and improved their quality of life and health outcomes. Transportation is a vital social determinant of health and all members of our community should have access to safe and accessible transportation supports.”
The program was developed in response to a clear local need and funded through a mix of community fundraising and grants, including support from United Way BC and local donors. It has quickly become an important link for seniors needing access to healthcare, food, and community connection.
However, due to a shortage of available drivers, the Seniors Link will be temporarily paused for the month of May. PHHC is actively recruiting transportation drivers to ensure the service can continue to meet community demand. Applicants should have commercial driving experience, familiarity with Sunshine Coast roads, and an interest in working with the public and supporting local seniors. This casual role (22.5 hours/week) involves operating the PHHC accessible minibus between Egmont and Sechelt, ensuring safe and courteous service. Those who meet these requirements are encouraged to apply by emailing nick.gaskin@penderharbourhealth.com.
The bus will continue operating for the remainder of April and is expected to resume service in June. The PHHC would like to thank and acknowledge their departing driver Brian. Brian has been pivotal in the success of the Seniors Link service, his care, compassion and commitment to his community is deeply appreciated and passengers will miss his friendly and welcoming approach.
PHHC is currently seeing steady use of the program, with ridership continuing to grow as awareness increases. The organization is also exploring funding options to expand capacity, including the potential for a larger vehicle to better serve the route.
The Seniors Link is set to resume in June, continuing its important role as a community connector that helps seniors stay active, independent, and connected to services across the region. During this temporary pause, seniors are encouraged to access local transportation supports, including volunteer driver programs and Better at Home services coordinated through PHHC. For information on volunteer driver options, as well as the full bus schedule including stops and times, please contact Program Coordinator Haida Bolton at 604-212-2232 or haida.bolton@penderharbourhealth.com, or visit penderharbourhealth.com/better-at-home/
Transportation programs like the Seniors Link reflect a broader need across the Sunshine Coast. In many rural areas, limited transit access continues to be a barrier to healthy aging. Seniors who need support with transportation, community resources, or navigating government applications can connect with the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre’s Seniors Community Connector, Tanis, for information, referrals, and local assistance. Tanis can be reached by calling 604.989.4945 or emailing scc@resourcecentre.ca. Just ask – we’re here to help!