THUNDER BAY — Kasper Transportation promises its customers more comfort and improved service once the reconstruction of its Thunder Bay depot is completed.
The company is spending $600,000 to gut and renovate part of the building that houses its terminal at 947 Memorial Avenue, beside Lakehead Motors.
While the work is underway, operations continue in another part of the same building.
Owner Kasper Wabinski said Tuesday the project will create a "true transit hub" and a modern, passenger-focused facility designed to enhance the travel experience for intercity bus riders in Northwestern Ontario.
"The time came finally that the old office we used to have is fully renovated and becomes a fresh bus office. Essentially, everything down to the metal studs, new bathrooms, HVAC, electrical, windows, floors. Everything's being redone."
The renovated facilities will provide a comfortable indoor waiting area, a dedicated customer service section, digital ticketing and real-time schedules, and parcel service integration.
"We moved to the front [of the building] a year and a half ago to make room for this to happen at some point. So customers are not affected...We'll move back in when the work is done," Wabinski said.
He said the renovations are being funded through private means, with no government assistance.
"Every employee deserves a safe place to work from, that's number one. Two, customers deserves to have a safe, comfortable place to wait for the bus and get on the bus."
Wabinski said the project should be completed by the end of April.
"We appreciate the community utilizing our services, and hope they enjoy the better location when it's ready."
Kasper Bus Lines' current routes for scheduled service include Thunder Bay/Winnipeg via Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay/Longlac, Thunder Bay/White River and Winnipeg/Balmertown.
The company operates a variety of vehicles, with capacity ranging from 12 to 55 seats.
