April 6, 2002

SNOWBUS melts away without license Young entrepreneur wants to take on Greyhound, Perimeter again

By Alison Taylor

The story of the Snowbus and its short stint ferrying bus passengers along Highway 99 is some what reminiscent of the little guy's fight against the giant. This modem day scenario of the age-old tale has David as a young entrepreneu r looking for business opportunities on the Sea to Sky highway , and Goliath as Greyhound Canada, trying to stop him. This time however , Goliath won. Complaints from Greyhound that the Snowbus was operating illegally during its four-mont h exi stence J ed to an investigation by the Motor Carrier Commission, the body responsible for licensing commercial transportation in B.C. The Commission found proof the Snowbus was operating without a license, forcing the young company to suspend its services. According to the Motor Carrier Act, companies are not allowed to provide regularly scheduled buses services where they charge individual fares unless they have an operating license. Joktan Elbert, founder of the Snowbus , said there is no room for his business on the Sea to Sky highway because there is a monopoly on bus transportation to and from Whistler. "The people who were doing a similar service didn't like it because they have a monopoly on il," he said. He places the blame on Greyhound for the demise of the Snowbus. "Thanks to Greyhound and their high-priced lawyers we were forced to shut down," he said. "I thought, 'I'm not going to fight these guys because they're bigger than me."' So the Snowbus service, which started in December, carne to a grinding halt on March 13. "From Greyhound's perspective, certainly we are happy to compete in an open market, but fair is fair," said Dave Mell, the general manager for Greyhound B.C. "It bas to be legal competition." Elbert says he will start from the beginning again and apply for a license from the Motor Carrier Commission in order to make his operations legal . But when Mell was asked if Greyhound would oppose such a license, he said: "We certainly will ... because it's our competition. We are looking to protect our route and our revenues." The story of the short-lived discount bus service from Whistler to Vancouver and back again began with Elbert, a 24-year-old Vancouver native who l iked coming to Whistler to snow board but found there was no fun or cheap way to travel here. "We have the number one ski resort in North America and there i s no fun way to get there and there is nothing cheap about Whistler," he said. As a result of this dilemma, the idea of the Snowbus was born. The Snowbus offered a $25 roundtrip ride (or $15 one way) on a luxury bus with movies, refreshments and other discount deals on rentals, tickets and Whistler restaurants, among other things. In order to ride the Snowbus, customers had to become a member of the Snowclub for a one time $5 fee. This whole package deal was geared towards Vancouver and Whistler locals , offering them a cheaper mode of transportation.

SNOWBUS melts away without license ...

Elbert's main target group was students. He estimates there are about 2,500 members of the Snowclub. Most of them go to UBC and SFU or are ESL students. "We had a great idea and people that loved it," he said. "We weren't a bus service. We were a club that had a chartered bus." He said the numbers are proof there is a need for this type of service. When the Snowbus was in operation it ran four times a day- twice from Vancouver and twice from Whistler. A club member could use the Snow bus at any time. Currently the cost of a roundtrip ticket to Vancouver on the Greyhound is $42. The Perimeter, which is the airport service to and from Whistler, runs for roughly $60 one way. These are the only two commercial bus services to the resort. "People don't have to pay those prices," said Elbert. "It's ridiculous . People are getting raked over the coals." Elbert saw the Snowbus as the cheap alternative, which in fact offered an enhanced service. He called the Snowbus the Costco of Whistler. And it was a way to break down the Greyhound/Perimeter monopoly. Greyhound has been operating the Whistler line for four years now, since the purchase of Maverick in 1998. Perimeter has been operating for about eight years now . Both services have firmly established roots in the community. They are the only way in and out of Whistler by bus . "I don't understand how it can be allowed," said Elbert. "There should be privatization. There should be competition. We let the big American companies come in and take over and there's no room for the little guys. It's not fair." But the fact remains that the Snowbus did not have a license to operate regularly sched uled services. "He was trying to operate outside the system that is established in B.C.," said Mell. At the moment Elbert is continuing to run special events for Snowclub members. He is allowed to do this because they are not regularly scheduled services. And he is also preparing an application for a Snowbus license. "Now I'm going to get a license and it's not an easy process. In this province it's like winning the lottery," he said. Jan Broocke , the director and secretary to the commission, said it takes about 60 days for a license to get approved or rejected . "But it depends upon how complex and how many objectors .... If it goes on to a public hearing it can go even longer." Elbert is asking people who support the concept of the Snowbus to log on to www .snowclub.ca and sign his petition as a show of support.

PRESSRELEASE

Highway Upgrade for $29 dollars JUNE15,2002

Creative Press

The Resort Municipality of Whistler ha s become an international destination , renowned for it's world -class recreational opportunit ies and spectacu lar natural settin g. Over the l ast thirty yea rs, the demand on the transportation infrastructure of the Sea to Sky corndor has dramatically increased. With over 11 million trips per year, concerns conti nue to rise over traffic delays , safety , quality of life and environmental sustainability . In addition, with the possibility of Vancouver I Whi stler hosting the 2010 Olym pics, the drive to improve the Sea to Sky highway is receivin g even greater attention. Studies have been completed exam ining the viabi lity of m any options for the corridor, but the bill to the taxpa yer for each initiative is in the million s. The question i s can we help address these con cerns without spending huge amounts of dollars during tough fiscal times? .

With the support of Mayor and Council of Whistler , Squami sh , North & West Vancouver, Richmond & others Elbert says " There i s no question there i s a need for improvements along the corridor, especially in transportation for commuter s." " When you ta l k environmental sustain a bility it doesn 't mean making road s bigger and encouraging more SOY traffic."

A new intercity bus company linking Whistler and Vancouver is offering $29 round trip fares. Local Entrepren eur Joktan Elbert introduced hi s 47- passenger daily bus service between V an couver and Whi stler this pa st winter that had people leaving their cars at home . "The Snowbus is the newest and funest trend in resort transportation, combining low prices with entertainment " says Elbert. "80% of trips made to Whi stl er are from Lower Mainland resident s and 93% of those trips are in cars. The need for an affordable, fun and su stainable tran sportation alternative i s a no brainer." Indeed, recent studies have concluded that to meet demand along th e corridor in an economically and environmenta lly sustainable fashion , a combination of transportation initi a tives (bus, private auto, and ferry/bu s) that utilize the current infra structur e must be encouraged

For Elbert 11 million travel ers means a l ot of people who would want to use hi s service. "W e got great support in our first season and with very little advertising , we alread y have over 2000 members i n the Snowclub. I can only im agine the demand once we get the service up and runnin g again and people realize what a grea t alternative it i s" but El bert says n ot everyone was so supportive . Complaint s from Greyhound that the Sn owbus was operating ill ega ll y l ed to an invest igation and heari ng by the Motor Carrier Commi ssion (MCC), the body responsib l e for licen sing com mercial transportation in BC. ln late March of thi s year Elbert su spended hi s service.

PRESSRELEASE

Highway Upgrade for $29 dollars

El bert states that while he felt his service was not operating illegall y he understand s that th e MCC has a job to do and is encouraged when they suggested h e apply for a service license citing that his idea had considerable merit. " I 'm ju st the small guy here, so I am very excited that the Commi ssion i s receptive to our idea. With the growth of recreation along the Sea to Sky they can see the importan ce of a service like the Snowclub. Plus they haven ' t gi ven out a license for some 20 y ears. I think it' s about time , don't you?"

Joktan i s currently putting together the pieces of the application for his Snowbus idea. He hopes to come back next winter offering people much more than ju st a bus. SnowClub the company that runs the Snowbus w ill have more catered serv ices like hosts, feature films, prizes , events, discounts at local shops, 24 hr online bookin g, and more all for a one time member fee of $5. (sign me up!)

The next step for Elbert will be to submit hi s applicati on to the MCC. Jan Brooke, the director and secretary to the Commission , said it can take close to 60 days for a license to get approved or rejected . "But it depend s on how compl ex and how man y objectors ... if it goes on to a public hearin g it can go even longer."

When asked if he expects there w ill be any objectors, Elbert replied ;" Unfortunately , I think there will be objections becau se some companies are going to want to try and keep their monopol y". Joktan argues that the irony is that when you compare Snowbus to what is currentl y avail able it is clear that his servi ce is different. "W e have diff erent cu stomers, different fares and when it comes to service there is no comparison", adds Elbert.

The proposed Snowclub Bu s Service wiJJ not only provid e an economica ll y viable option for transportation a long th e corridor , but w ill do so in a manner that significantly enhances the experien ce of the traveler and meets the objectives of Vancouver and Sea to Sky communities to have tran sportation that is convenient , safe, affordable and fun .

For a crucial part of hi s application Elbert is askin g peopl e who support an alternativ e tran sportation serv ice to call (604.736.5228) or J og on to hi s website @ www . snowclub.ca and fill out the support l etter that is requested by the Motor Carrier Commi ssion .

Support small bu siness and competiti on in your province!

-30-

June 28,2002

Young entrepreneur looking to fuel support for cheap bus service Petitions circling to bring the SNOWBUS back

By Alison Taylor

The owner of a discount bus service, which was forced to shut down after four months of operating without a license, was in Whistler last week trying to drum up support for the Snowbus. Joktan Elbert was handing out petitions and pressing the flesh to get locals excited and supportive of his idea for a cheap alternate bus service between Whistler and Vancouver. "There's got to be choices available and the public should decide whether it's good or bad," said Elbert, the 25-year-old Vancouver native and the driving force behind the Snowbus. Still, there is one thing standing in Elbert's way. He must have a license from the Motor Carrier Commission to operate a scheduled service. The wheels of the Snowbus stopped turning in March when Greyhound Canada complained to the MCC that the discount bus service was operating illegally. For $25 the Snowbus was regularly taking people from Vancouver to Whistler last season on a luxury bus with movies, refreshments and discount deals on rentals, tickets and Whistler restaurants , among other things. According to the Motor Carrier Act, companies are not allowed to provide regularly scheduled bus services where they charge individual fares, unless they have an operating license. By the end of March, the short-lived service was suspended. Since then Elbert has been working towards getting a license. Various city councils have supported the Snowbus, including Vancouver , North Vancouver , WestVancouver , Richmond and Whistler, he said. In the next two weeks, he will have a detailed business plan with financial statements and financial projections for the next 24 months finalized for the MCC.

Young entrepreneur looking to fuel support for cheap bus service...

Also attached to his proposal will be the couple of hundred of statements of support he has collected in communities. Those statements, including the more than 2,000 members of the Snowclub- the organization which Snow bus riders must belong to for a $5 fee in order to ride the bus - show that there is a need for the service in the community, he said. "It's the coolest thing I've ever had the opportunity to do in my life," said Elbert. "It's also the most difficult thing , but I love to have fun and this could be so much fun." Elbert admits tackling a huge corporation like Greyhound can also be very tiring. In a previous interview with Pique Newsmaga-;,ine, the general manager for Greyhound B.C. said the company would oppose Elbert's application for a license. "We certainly will... because it's our competition," said David Mell. "We are looking to protect our route and our revenues." Elbert calls Greyhound "a monopoly" on the Sea to Sky highway and said their service at $42 round-trip is simply not affordable to many people . The MCC has not given out a new license in the past 20 years. It takes about 60 days for a license to be approved or rejected by the MCC but if the application is very complex or there are many objectors, it can go even longer. Elbert is hopeful the Snowbus will be back again for next winter season at $29 round trip. He is asking people to sign his petition as a show of support at www.snowclub.ca or call 1-866- SNOWBUS .

June 28, 2002

SNOWBUS seeks community's support Firm aims to secure rights in scuffle with MCC, Greyhound

By David Burke Reporter

A company that provided bus transportation between the Lower Mainland and Whistler last winter is looking for a helping hand in its effort to secure the rights to operate this winter. Snowbus, which purports to have carried more than 4,000 customers during its four-month stint from December through March, is embroiled in a dispute involving itself, Greyhound and B.C.'s Motor Carrier Commission (MCC). Essentially, Greyhound has the "running rights" to operate scheduled bus service on the Sea to Sky Highway and has challenged Snowbus' application to operate its members-only service -at substantially lower prices than Greyhound -on the same route. The MCC, for its part, has told Snowbus officials they must prove the service is needed by soliciting statements of support from municipalities, businesses and ordinary people who have used the service or who might use it in the future. "Usually you ask people what they think of a service while it's running. Here I've got to ask people what they think of a service while it's not running," said Joktan Elbert , the company's 25-year-old president. "They (the MCC) need to be educated a little bit and the Whistler people who would use the service need to make their voices heard." Last season, Snowbus officials got what they thought were all the necessary approvals -licences to operate from the City of Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and other communities along the route. Before last season, Snowbus officials forged cross- marketing agreements with various local businesses, offering discounts on ski and snowboard rentals, free coffees, reduced-price meals , even discounted lift tickets through Whistler-Blackcomb . Elbert said the service operated successfully through March, when the ski season was drawing to a close. That was about the same time the MCC warning buzzers went off, after Greyhound challenged Snowbus' application.

Snowbus seeks community's support ...

Elbert doesn't dispute the MCC's main contention- that Snowbus is a scheduled service, similar to the one operated by Greyhound. "How do you not say you're scheduled service when you have to tell people where and when to be picked up? So they said we're a scheduled service," he said. However, the similarity ends there, Elbert contended . "Greyhound is an international service," he said. "They get you where you need to get. We're not really a bus company . We're a resort transportation/ entertainment service . "Inevitably , people have to get back and forth, and with all the cars on the highway, with all the congestion , is crazy. People need alternatives. You've only got one bus service for 11 million people coming up and down the highway every year. "People need options. We're a local, Lower Mainland service for Whistler. We're trying to affordably give people the option of leaving their cars at home." In May , Snowbus officials received a letter of support from the RMOW, largely on the premise that the service offered people a viable alternative to private vehicles . However , Elbert s aid the MCC also wants expressions of need/support from ordinary citizens, small businesspersons and the like. Time is short. Elbert said he wants to submit a pile of statements to the MCC by the end of June. "They want you to go out and demonstrate a need - what they call support indicators : letters from tour companies saying, 'Ye we would put people on the bus, or we have people who might use the bus. Or people saying, I'd use it so many times,' " he said. Dave Mell, general manager for Greyhound B.C., was out of town and unavailable for comment this week.For printed questionnaires that can be used as statements of support, visit the company website (www.snowclub.ca), e-mail Elbert at snowclub@shaw.ca or telephone 1-866-766-9287 (SNOWBUS).

Sunday, December 15', 2002

Entrepreneur wants alternative bus line to whistler Private bus runs up against Greyhound

By David Carrigan Staff writer

A LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR IS TRYING TO break Greyhound's monopoly on the Vancouver-to-Whistler regular bus run. Joktan Elbert, a 25-year-old Vancouverite, operated a 48-seat bus service between the two cities for three months last winter before being reported to the Motor Carrier Commission by greyhound for not holding a Scheduled Commercial Passenger Vehicle license. The MCC told Elbert to gather as much public support for his bus services as possible, then present that information to ICBC's Motor Carrier Department, the administrative arm of the MCC. Elbert has support from the mayors of each city and town the bus passes through between Vancouver and Whistler, along with tourism organizations, the Granvi lle Entertainment Group, Comfort Inns, The Roxy nightclub and 104.9 FM radio station. Even MLA Ted Nebbeling , Minister of State for the 2010 Winter Olympic bid , has given Elbert a letter of support. Elbert said the current level of service is inadequate, pointing out that of 11 million trips made between Vancouver and Whistler each year, only six percent are by bus. "Right now it's more expensive to take the Greyhound bus to Whistler than a car. This combined with the closure of the rail service, means even more congestion on a treacherous stretch of highway" , said Elbert, who charged customers $29 for a round trip last winter, although customers must join his snow club for a $5 annual fee before being able to use the bus. Greyhound charges $42 for the same trip. Elbert , who says he transported 4,000 people in three months last winter , argues a huge demand is not being met; yet Greyhound has already opposed his application to the Motor Carrier Commission. " Greyhound say they will lose money if my service is permitted. They say that I as an individual am not able to maintain the service," said Elbert , who already has a deal with a charter bus company to provide the bus, a driver and maintenance. Commercial passenger transit is one of the few B.C. industries that is still regulated, with the MCC deciding which bus, taxi or limousine company can operate on what routes in the province. Greyhound bought the exclusive right to the Vancouver-Whistler run 10 years ago when it took over the Maverick bus company. The only other bus company permitted to ply the route is Perimeter Transportation , on condition it doesn 't stop in Vancouv er International Airport The Motor Carrier Department is holding public hearings into Elbert's application between Dec. 16 and 18 at the department's Burnaby office, 4240 Manor St. Dave Mel, Greyhound 's B.C. spokesman, was not available for comment at the Courier 's press time.

Monday, December 16,2002

Bus guy takes on Greyhound Mike Roberts. B.C.'s Liveliest Opinions

The wheels in his bead go 'round and 'round .

Joktan Elbert has got buses on the brain. He'd run a bus to the moon if the road was paved. The 25-year-old entrepreneur is back in the news with another controversial scheme involving the poor man's stretch limo.

You may remember Elbert. He's the young fellow who figured the Canadian Auto Workers Union, which represents Lower Mainland bus drivers, would be too busy roasting weenies over a barrel to notice the modest "Commuter Club" bus service he dropped into gear during last year's long and acrimonious transit strike.

Well, as Elbert quickly learned, you don't mess with the CAW - no matter how passionate you are about buses.

When the picketing and collar-twisting ceased, three commuters were brave enough to board Elbert's beleaguered bus before it was returned to the garage.

This time out, the Vancouver " ideas roan" wants to budget-bus young powder junkies back and forth from Whistler on his Snowbus, a 48-passanger luxury bus that wouldn't look out of place in an I AM Canadian commercial.

1't' s meant to be a youthful, fun resort experience," says Elbert, recently appoint ed chairman of the young Entrepreneurs Association of Vancouver. "We've got movies on board and a host and there are prizes. As soon as get on , you 're having fun."

You go bus boy. Unfortunately, the scheme is providing less-than-popular with the companies that are

already servicing the route. Especially transportation giant Greyhound International, which plan s on working Joktan Elbert over during his three-day license-application hearing, which gets under way tomorrow at the Motor Carrier Department.

If Elbertwasn't so chipper, I'd figure him for some sort of masochist. The CAW Greyhound.

Elbert even attempted a Whistler bus service last ski season. But the Snow Clubservice was shut down in short order.

"We ran into problems becau se Greyhound said we didn't have a license," says Elbert. ''They complained and complained and finally the Motor Carrier Commission had no choice but to shut us down."

So the battle between Elbert and greyhound has been brewing for some time.

"We're trying to say, 'Hey, hold on a second,' says Elbert, who plans to charge $29 for a round trip on his leased Snowbus. " Greyhound 's had a monopoly for over 20 years and we're going after a whole different demographic. "

"I have to fight Goliath in order to do something everyone wants," adds the snowboarding enthusiast. "Then I have to contest this legal craziness with an expensive lawyer."

DaveMell, genera l manager of Greyhound B.C., may share Elbert's enthusiasm for buses, but he's not prepared to share the spoils with some young upstart.

"He's looking to operate only in peak season, and not operate Whistler the rest of the year," insists Mell, who also questions Elbert 's safety and maintenance protocols.

"The real root of this is that (Elbert) is trying to cherry-pick the best time of the year and then not run the rest of the year," adds Mell, whose company must run year-round to Whistler under Greyhound's licensing agreement. (peak season) subsidize the 72 per cent of Greyhound 's B.C. routes that lose money.

'If I have to compete with more carriers on our profitable route, obviously, at some point , I'm going to have to pull resources from some place else in the province," 8ays Mell ."What happens on Whistler can have an effect on the rest of the province ."

Them 's fighting words. "I'm really quite confident that the commission will give us the license," says Elbert."l

want to get out and do it. I'm not in the business of fighting unions or Greyhound but what am I supposed to do?"

SaysMell: "certainly we 're optimistic , but you really can't take anything to the bank with these things until the commission comes down with a ruling."

Regardless of the outcome of this week 's hearing, something tells me the wheels in Joktan Elbert's head keep on going "round and 'round. Goliath be damned.

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December 22, 2002

Snowbus proponent worries, waits By David Burke Reporter

By the time your read this, Joktan Elbert will officially be in limbo. B.C.'s Motor Carrier Commission (MCC) this week was scheduled to hear the application of his company, Snowbus, for the right to run a schedu led bus service bet\veen Vancouver and Whistler.

After hearing input on the application Monday through Wednesday , the MCC was expected to adjourn for "several weeks" before announcing a decision .

"1 just hope that I don't have to jump through all these hoops for no reason, but I'm happy to do it because I really believe it's a necessary service," Elbert said.

Already , the application process has taken up almost a year ofElbert's life. Last year, Elbert began running regular Snowbus service from Vancouver to Whistler , only to be ordered to shut down in March after the operators of the only other scheduled service on the route, Greyhound Canada, objected .

The MCC ordered the service to shut dovm after learning that Elbert didn't have the proper operating licence . He was invited to sub mit an application for such a licence, which he did , then spent the next seven months gathering letters of support from the various players in the market, along with data which he hopes will demonstrate a need for his service.

The seasonal Snowbus service is targeted at the crowd of young skiers and snowboarder s in the Lower Mainland . At $29 round -trip from downtown Vancouver , it's cheaper than Greyhound's $43 round-trip ticket. What's more, passengers on the Snowbus -before it shut down , that i s -watched videos and were offered coupons for discount s at many Whistler businesses.

Elbert says his primary aim is to get young peopl e out of cars and into a safe, reliable transportation alternative by makin g it fun and affordable. With 11 million vehicle trips per day on the Sea to Sky Highway , he says riding the bus is the best way to get to Whistler in relative safety.

"You couldn't have a better time (for the MCC) to make a yes decision ," he said. "The situation on the highway is only going to get worse. The commission has a tough job , but I think it behooves them to grant more licences."

Greyhound officials, who rai sed the original objection, have argued that they run a reliabl e service as well, and that while they make a profit on the Vancouver-to- Whi stler run , there may not be enough customers to allow both Greyhound and Snowbus to both operate profitably over the long haul.

Officials with Perimeter Transportation Ltd., which operates scheduled airporter service betwe en Vancouver Airport and Whistler, also were expected to speak as objectors at Snowbus' application hearing .

Lorne Richard , Perimeter's operations manager, said he think s it's important that the industry be regulated by the govern ment. B.C.'s Minjster of Transportation appoints MCC commi ssioners, who then serve as an arm's-length body, regulating bus, truck and taxi operators in in the province.

Perimeter, which also operates chartered bu s service elsewhere in B.C., is licenced through the MCC.

"Any vehicl e that operates comm ercially in thi s prov ince falls under the Motor Carri er Act and und er the authority of the Motor Carrier Commission ," Richard said. "There are three set criteria that they look at when they consider an application -need, safety, economi c impact. If someone is applying and could have an economic impact, that's when objections come in and they have the authority to weigh that impact and decide whether to approve that application.

"If it (Snowbu s) didn't affect our business , we would not be objecting."

After Snow bus' service was shut down earlier this year , Elbert began pounding the pavement , lining up statements of support . A mong those supportin g hi s appli cation are Whistler Council , the Whistler Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Whistler.

Mayor Hugh O'Reilly said Whistler Council l ent its support when Elbert cam e to them earlier thi s year because his service i s in keeping with the RMOW's Transportation Advisory Group (TAG) recomm endation s and its overall sustainability initiati ves.

"We support it because we think it wou ld put more people on buses and reduce the number of private vehicles on the hi ghway ," O'Rei lly said.

"I think that Grey hound and Perimeter do a good job , but I thin k this program services a niche market. It's seasona l and I think it's a market and a client base that I think he can attract and support .

"It's a safe env ironment geared toward a younger crowd and it ju st adds variety to the market."

Feb 6, 2003

Snowbus service denied by Commission

By Alison Taylor

The municipality will conti nue to support a young entrepreneur and his dream of alternative bus service between Whistler and Vancouver despite a recent ruling by the Motor Carrier Commission that takes the Snowbus off the road.

The Snowbus service operated for three months last season , charging travelers $29 roundtrip from Vancouver to Whistler. The young proponent of the idea, Joktan Elbert, wanted to provide a cheaper alternative to Greyhound, where a roundtrip ticket costs $43. The service was geared to the younger traveler and it was an attempt to break through the monopoly on the bus service in the Sea to Sky corridor. Greyhound is currently the only scheduled bus service through the corridor.

Recently the MCC shut down the Snowbus but Elbert wi ll not be defeated in his goal.

"I am not going to quit and I will make this happen," said Elbert.

"We will work strenuously to improve the financial/operational side of the business by providing greater details inclusive of a comprehensive safety plan ."

Elbert said the MCC made its decision based on its mandate to promote safety on the highways , among other things.

At Monday's council meeting Elbert asked Whistler council members to support him again in his reapplication to the MCC.

"We have supported you in your numerous attempts to get this going and I don't see why we wouldn't support you in the future," said Councillor Ken Melamed.

Councillor Kristi Wells added: "As you are learning, the bureaucratic side can be a little challenging ... It's a learning process that's for sure."

Wednesday, November 03, 2004 Snowbus operator Joktan Elbert successfully negotiated the slippery slope of transportation board licensing. Photo by Dan Toulgoet Snowbus on road to Whistler By David Carrigg-Staff writer It's been a long and icy road but local entrepreneur Joktan Elbert's bid to operate a bus service from Vancouver to Whistler is ready to run again. "It's taken a few years but we're happy how it's come together," Elbert said. Elbert, owner of Snowbus, battled the provincial transportation authority for three years to break into the Vancouver to Whistler route, which until now has been controlled by Greyhound and Perimeter Transportation.

Bus or taxi company routes and access in B.C. are controlled by the Motor Carrier Commission, recently renamed the Passenger Transportation Board. During the 2001 TransLink strike, Elbert created what he called the Commuter Club. Passengers would pay a small fee to join the club and pay a fee to board a bus for a round trip from White Rock to Vancouver. But the Canadian Auto Workers, the union representing public transit system bus drivers, picketed the bus and sunk the plan.

Undaunted, Elbert decided to apply the same concept to the Vancouver to Whistler route, with passengers paying a $5 Snow Club membership fee and $25 each time they boarded the bus for the return trip. Elbert also arranged cross marketing deals with coffee providers and Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Resort. During the winter of 2001/2002 about 4,000 Snow Club members took the ride to Whistler before Greyhound found out about the service and advised the Motor Carrier Commission. The commission investigated Snowbus and in March 2002 ruled Elbert was not allowed to operate the service because he didn't have a proper passenger licence. Elbert spent the summer preparing to apply for a licence and gathering support, including from the mayors of each community the bus passed through, the Granville Entertainment Group, Comfort Inns, 104.9 FM and West Vancouver-Garibaldi Liberal MLA Ted Nebbeling. In December 2002 the commission conducted public hearings into Elbert's application, at which Greyhound opposed the bid on the grounds Elbert only wanted to operate a service during the lucrative winter months. Elbert argued only six per cent of the 11 million annual person trips from Vancouver to Whistler are made by bus, and that he had considerable support for his proposed service. In February 2003, Elbert was denied a licence. "The first application wasn't comprehensive enough obviously, so we tried again," Elbert said. "This time we added three times as many support certificates and two or three studies we commissioned and more supporting evidence about safety and operational components." In March this year, the commission ruled in favour of Elbert and he began preparing for the 2004/2005 winter. Snowbus now has an office in Vancouver, three 50-passenger buses and will have a staff of 20 by the time the first trip occurs Nov. 27. Snowbus will charge $29 a round trip and will offer package deals with lift passes included. Membership is $10. Greyhound has recently lowered the price of return trip from Vancouver to Whistler from $42 to $35.20.

SnowBus takes headache out of heading to Whistler By Lori Kittelberg Are you sick of trying to bum a ride to Whistler all in the name of saving a few bucks? Well, if you still think 'getting a good deal going to Whistler' is an oxymoron, give your head a shake. For ski and 'board bunnies on a fixed budget, the days of avoiding the big-boy slopes are over, thanks to SnowBus. The new coach service, which took its maiden run last month, now offers an alternative to skiers and boarders to thumbing a lift or riding the Greyhound. What is this SnowBus I speak of, you ask? Perhaps you recall reading about founder Joktan Elbert's three-year battle to license SnowBus (Hyperactive April 15-21, 2004). Initially started in 2001, SnowBus was shut down in the spring of 2002 after Greyhound complained to the provincial Motor Carrier Commission that the start-up was running illegally - that would be sans licence. After proving there was a need for his discount shuttle service with a stack of 2,000 letters of support and that SnowBus was indeed a "fit and able operator", Elbert's company was granted its licence in March last year. Enough history; what does it cost? Though it's not required, purchasing a SnowClub membership - $19 for one year - is encouraged if you plan on making Whistler trips a habit. A round-trip from Vancouver to Whistler Village costs $29 for members, $35 for non-members, and a round-trip from Richmond is $34-$42. SnowBus also offers packages that include discounted Whistler Blackcomb lift tickets. If you aren't into commitment, the Get in 'n Go package gets you a three-month trial membership, one full-day lift ticket and one return trip for $98 from Vancouver and $103 from Richmond. Or the Bus 'n Grind gets you the same minus the trial membership, costing $88 for members and $96 for non-members traveling from Vancouver and $93-$102 for Richmondites. Here's some comparison pricing and info: A round-trip to Whistler Village from Vancouver via Greyhound costs $36.92 for adults and $33.22 for students. Travelling with a friend, you can pay full price for

one person and get 75% off the second ticket, however, in order to get the companion discount, you must buy your tickets at least three days in advance. Greyhound offers eight trips from Vancouver to Whistler Village daily. Whistler Blackcomb one-day lift tickets purchased onsite are $69 until Jan. 28 then increase to $72 Jan. 29-April 3. SnowClub members also get discounts on equipment rentals and some school programs at Whistler Blackcomb and on purchases with participating retailers and restaurants. Onboard movies, snacks and pop help make the ride - a little over two hours from Vancouver and three from Richmond - go by faster. Weekdays SnowBus currently departs twice daily in Richmond from Westminster and Minoru, in Vancouver from Cambie and W. 40th, Cambie and Broadway, and Burrard SkyTrain Station, and in West Van from Park Royal Mall. Weekends there are four trips daily. Buy tickets and find out more at snowbus.ca or call 604 685-SNOW (7669).

Snowbus is just one local line offering peace of mind on the slippery roads leading to ski destinations, as well as a great way to meet fellow fans of the slopes. Luke Moloney photo. Features Archives Heading for the Hills? Then Get on the Bus By ulrike rodrigues Publish Date: 13-Jan-2005 Snowbus is just one local line offering peace of mind on the slippery roads leading to ski destinations, as well as a great way to meet fellow fans of the slopes. Luke Moloney photo. Mittens firmly in the 10 and 2 o'clock positions, I was driving behind a Greyhound bus one winter morning when an impatient driver turned a Celica from a side road in front of the coach, lost control on the icy shoulder, bounced off the side of the bus, and--shooting off fractured quarter panels and shattered glass--spun to a stop five metres in front of me. I realized then that I'd be better off inside the bus than behind it. Ski-tour operators and bus companies agree. Moose Travel Network, Destination Snow, Canadian Outback, Snowclub, and even Greyhound have hit the highways with stress-free bus services to B.C. mountains. Cheap and flexible, the ski-bus trips are ideal for adventurous skiers and snowboarders--both locals and tourists--who'd rather ride than drive.

Unlike the SUV driven by your mom, boyfriend, or buddy, these vehicles are steered by professional drivers. Other benefits? They're righteously HOV, they often include movies, giveaways, and discounts, and (ahem) they're a great way to meet new people with similar interests. "Hi, my name's Teddy and I'm interviewing all the hot women on this bus." I turn in my seat and realize I'm being hit on by a purple beanie bear. Attached to "Teddy" is a roving video camera and Steve, one of six rollicking Aussies who've chosen a Moose Travel Network cross-province trip to--as Steve puts it--"get on as many hills as I possibly can". Moose runs backpacker-style adventure bus trips all year and--in partnership with Samesun hostels--targets its winter destinations to skiers and 'boarders who want flexibility when they're in the mountains. In addition to Whistler and Banff shuttles, Moose runs budget "jump-on, jump-off" bus-only and package trips to Interior mountains that are far enough from Vancouver to require overnight stays. "Okanagan Powder" visits the Kelowna area's Silver Star and Big White resorts, "Kootenay Kruiser" drops down to the Kootenays' Kimberley and Fernie, "Rocky Rager" adds Sunshine Village and Lake Louise to the Kootenay Kruiser, and "Big Kahuna" samples all six resorts in a 17-day loop. Like Moose, Destination Snow and Canadian Outback offer bus service to Whistler, Silver Star, Big White, and Fernie, but the similarities stop there. Destination Snow runs additional coaches to B.C.'s Apex (Penticton), Sun Peaks (Kamloops), Red Mountain (Rossland), Panorama (Invermere), and Kicking Horse (Golden) ski hills. They cater more to large student, ESL, and recreation groups than individuals, but with plenty of weekend departures and package options, the outfit will accommodate singles, couples, or small groups who want to tag along. Canadian Outback has been running year-round "soft" adventures for social, corporate, and tourist groups since 1991, and, like Destination Snow, includes Sun Peaks and Apex in its trip list. The company also welcomes singles and smaller groups to step on the bus of booked trips, and lays out lots of goodies and extras for skiers and 'boarders who want more than a seat on a coach. Their tours are more likely, however, to appeal to the 30-plus age group that appreciates wine tastings and group brunches to beer and pizza.

Closer to home, Moose Travel Network and Destination Snow run regular shuttles up to Whistler Blackcomb. This year, they're joined by Snowclub's "Snowbus" and Greyhound Canada's "Whistlerbus". Upstart Snowbus's Web site apologizes in advance to Sea-to-Sky Highway drivers for the "awesome distraction that our very cool buses create on the road". Stocked with movies, discounts, and 16- to 28-year-olds, the graphics-plastered Snowbus considers itself a cheap and irreverent alternative to a certain "grandmother" bus line already plying the Highway 99 corridor. After a nominal Snowclub membership fee, a "Bus 'n' Grind" bus-and-lift package costs $88, and a bus-only roundtrip ticket goes for $29. Snowbus's aggressive pricing has certainly placed it on Greyhound Canada's radar. The transportation Goliath has boosted its Whistler service with "Bus & Lift" packages that hover just above the cost of Snowbus's, and asserts that its focus is on "trying to cater to everybody". On the plus side, this translates into a plethora of destinations and fare concessions. Family, child, senior, student, companion, hostel, and even military discounts range from 10 to 75 percent off a regular fare, and Greyhound Canada is far-reaching enough to offer regular passage to even the most obscure ski town. The trouble is, a ski town and a ski hill are not always the same thing; getting yourself and your equipment to the foot of the chair lift can be daunting. Luckily, most B.C. mountains now charter snow shuttles from town sites to their bases. Locally, car-free Lower Mainland visitors and residents can easily access Grouse Mountain by TransLink public transit, and Cypress Mountain and Mount Seymour have shuttles running seven days a week. Skiing and snowboarding are usually considered destination-oriented activities, but throwing a routine-rocking bus trip into the mix can really add an element of adventure to the journey. Whether you're a snow-shy local or a visiting ski bum, B.C.'s ski buses have a roomy, reclining seat waiting for you...and your mom, boyfriend, or buddy.

Snowbus' application approved But Greyhound, Perimeter may appeal bus firm's MCC licence By Reporter Joscelyne Yu news@whistlerquestion.com After a 2 1/2-year battle to obtain permission to operate a bus service between Vancouver and Whistler, Snowbus will begin operating its youth-oriented service this November that is, unless competitors' appeals succeed in stifling it. Snowbus President Joktan Elbert last week said he was ecstatic that the B.C. Motor Carrier Commission (MCC) had approved his application to operate in the corridor. As a result, he said the company and its $29 round-trip service should be up and running for the 2004-05 ski season. "I've been dreaming of doing this," said Elbert, the company's founder. "Now I'm going to finally be able to do this. We can move on," he said. However, Greyhound and Perimeter, which have stood up as objectors to the Snowbus application, have the right to appeal Snowbus' approval to the MCC. Snowbus definitely has the potential to take away customers, said Lorne Richard, operating manager of Perimeter Whistler Express. Greyhound was the primary objector to the Snowbus application, and Richard said he plans to meet with a Greyhound lawyer as soon as he can, after receiving the message this week that Greyhound was considering an appeal of the Snowbus approval. Richard said he has seen a lot of both licenced and unlicenced carriers take away Perimeter's business. "They just come in the winter and take the cream of the crop," said Richard, whose

company operates between Whistler and Vancouver International Airport. "We basically built the service, and everyone wants to carbon copy our business." Dave Hickie, Greyhound's general manager for Western Canada, said the company hasn't decided whether to appeal Snowbus' licence, adding that he expects a decision "in the near future." Elbert said he is preparing to go up against Greyhound's plan should the company appeal his licence approval. In the meantime, the focus will be on getting sponsors, and getting the word out that the Snowbus service will be available, Elbert said. "We're just going to wait and really work at it, and make it really successful," Elbert said. "We're definitely going to roll it out in style in November." Snowbus won't only be a means of transportation, but will embody the whole snow-club culture, he said. Geared toward those between the ages of 15 and 25, Snowbus is aiming to provide a safe and inexpensive way to get to Whistler from the Lower Mainland. "It's all about the young people having a good time," he said. "Older people can get on, too, but they just have to put up with the fun," he said. The Snowbus route will start in Richmond and make two stops in Vancouver, before heading to West Vancouver's Park Royal Mall. From there, the bus will go to Whistler Creek and stop at the bus loop in Whistler's Main Village. One bus will run daily on the weekdays, doing two pickups from Vancouver and Whistler. Another bus will be added on the weekends, Elbert said. Elbert said the buses will start with 47 passengers, and go up to 55 passengers if needed. The demand for cheaper rides to Whistler is huge, he said. Out of 11 million trips to Whistler a year, he said, 9.5 million are taken in cars, with 80 per cent of locals driving up to Whistler. Buses only account for 6 per cent of the trips up to Whistler, he said. He said Snowbus aims to convince more people to consider taking the bus instead of a car. "People will always use a car, but maybe they'll use one less," he said. "I'd like to think I can take 40 cars off the road every day. That'd be awesome." Currently, Greyhound offers a $45 adult return from Vancouver to Whistler. The student and senior rate is $40.50. Greyhound also offers discounts, including those for companion and family fares.

Until May 1, riders can sign up for free Snowbus membership at www.snowclub.ca. With the membership, the roundtrip from Vancouver to Whistler is $29. From Richmond, the fare is $34. After May 1, a yearly membership will cost $9. Non-members will be paying $35 and $42, respectively, for round-trip from Vancouver and Richmond to Whistler. Elbert said the Snowbus is for people who don't like driving in the snow. "After six hours of skiing and a beer or two, you're not doing so hot on the highway," he said. "For $29, at least you're on a comfortable bus watching a movie." Snowbus began running in late 2001, charging $25 round-trip. However, the service was stopped because Elbert didn't have the proper operating licence. After the MCC denied his application in early 2003, Elbert re-applied. On the second application, the company spent a considerable amount of time and money putting together business and safety plans, and soliciting support from a wide range of corridor stakeholders including the Whistler Chamber of Commerce and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. "They're (Snowbus) attracting a niche market, and we're supportive of that," said Whistler Mayor Hugh O'Reilly. He said Greyhound also has an excellent service that is serving a well-established market. But O'Reilly doesn't see Snowbus taking away clients because it is aiming to attract a youth-oriented market. If the new service goes ahead, Greyhound will be proactive in looking at ways of competing with Snowbus, Hickie said. "We want to be the first choice with customers," he said. He said in the past 12 months, Greyhound has seen a 5.5 per cent increase the miles of operation, and a passenger load increase of 3 per cent. Hickie said Greyhound plans to evaluate its prices and see if they are where they should be. "Given our existing pricing, I'd say we are very competitive at this point," Hickie said. Perimeter's Richard said the summer operations don't compare to the winter months in the business. "You need a good winter (season) to offset summer (season) costs," he said. "We need all we can get."

Council lukewarm to P3 idea for commuter bus Council asks Elbert to work with staff but does not approve $10,000 development grant Published Date: 2005-05-05 Time: 09:30:27 By Alison Taylor A young entrepreneur is disappointed council shot down his idea to revive the commuter bus service between Squamish and Whistler. Joktan Elbert, the man behind the Snowbus, which offers roundtrips from Vancouver to Whistler during the winter, pitched his idea at Mondays council meeting for a P3, or Public Private Partnership, between his company and the two municipalities. This P3, he said, would be instrumental in reinstating a commuter bus service after the hugely successful three-month pilot project ended last month. That pilot project was funded equally between Squamish and Whistler in a partnership with Whistler Transit. Elbert said his Commuter Club Express would be a stopgap measure for about a year while corridor partners work on a long-term, region-wide transit solution, such as a Regional Transit Authority. The major catch, however, is that it would need a subsidy of more than $22,000 per month, which he proposed the municipalities could fund in part. Thats one of the reasons why his proposal was met with a lukewarm response from council. Mayor Hugh O'Reilly said it would be tough to find $22,000 a month to subsidize the service. It seems like a lot of effort and energy (for a year's work), he said. Elbert, who spent almost three years getting the Snowbus off the ground, said it would be fairly simple to get the commuter service up and running by the summer.

I am a bit disappointed that it didnt go any further than at least that presentation (on Monday night), said Elbert the following day. All in all its a pretty straightforward process for us to get buses on the road and servicing the community in a matter of weeks. Councillor Kristi Wells, while praising Elbert's creativity and research, explained the municipality has a larger vision to create a Regional Transit Authority. Part of that vision could see the corridor implement a gas tax to help pay for the transit service. Currently that is where we're focused on, said Wells. Elberts proposal, based on his preliminary figures, would have seen four buses running between the two communities at peak times, much like the pilot program. Two buses would run early in the morning from Squamish to Whistler. Those buses could also do return trips to Squamish. The buses would again leave Whistler in the early evening and take passengers to Squamish and then return to Whistler. There's a lot of opportunity here I think, said Elbert. I'd like to do this and I'm prepared to do it at cost. Early estimates show the service would cost $46,000 per month, about half of which could be recovered through bus tickets, the rest of which would need to be funded another way. Tickets would cost $4.50 in that scenario. Tickets in the pilot program cost a little less at $4 a ride, with most riders paying only $3 per ride by buying in bulk. Scott Pass, manager of Whistler Transit, said he knows people are eager to see the commuter service up and running again and he sees the way to do that through the proposed transit authority, which could sustain the service over the years. I think the regional transit authority is a perfect way of funding it over the long term, he said. Council invited Elbert to continue to work with municipal staff at Councillor Ken Melameds request, but they did not give him $10,000 for a small development grant as requested.

1LOGO SB2001.12.20 QUESTION2001.12.21 THIS WEEK2002.02.03 PROVINCE2002.04.05 PIQUE2002.04.06 PIQUE2002.06.14 PRESS RELEASE2002.06.28 PIQUE2002.06.28 QUESTION2002.12.15 COURIER2002.12.15 COURIER12002.12.16 PROVINCE2002.12.16 PROVINCE12002.12.22 QUESTION2003.02.06 PIQUE12004.03.18 QUESTION2004.03.19 PIQUE2004.11.03 COURIER2004.12.03 COURIER2004.12.26 SUN2005.01 WESTENDER2005.01.13 G. STRAIGHT2005.01.13 WESTENDER2005.01.18 PROVINCE2005.03 QUESTION2005.05.05 PIQUE2007.06.30 PROVINCE