Shuttle Buses for Indigenous Communities

Versatile, right-sized transportation for daily community operations—from medical appointments and Head Start programs to Elder services and staff transport.
Community members reviewing a mid-size shuttle bus used for medical, Elder, and program transportation

Right-Sized Transportation for Community Programs

Not every program needs a 56-passenger motorcoach. Medical transport, Head Start, and daily community activities often work better with smaller, more maneuverable vehicles that match actual ridership—without the investment a full coach requires.

Available Now

Available Shuttle Buses

Make the Right Choice

Shuttles vs. Motorcoaches

Finding the right fit for your community's transportation needs
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Shuttles & Transit Vans

15-32 Passengers
  • Program transport, medical trips, daily operations
  • More accessible price point
  • Easier in tight spaces, community roads
  • Community routes, trips up to ~1 hour
  • 15-passenger option needs no commercial license
  • Wheelchair-equipped options available on select models
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Motorcoaches

56 Passengers
  • Long-distance travel, large events
  • Higher investment (~$1 million)
  • Designed for highways and larger facilities
  • Onboard bathroom for extended trips
  • Maximum passenger comfort for multi-hour journeys
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View our motorcoach options
Not sure which fits your community?
Let's Discuss Your Needs
Use Cases

A Vehicle for Program Success

Shuttle buses serve as the reliable link between community members and the services, programs, and gatherings that strengthen daily life.
A teacher helps young children with backpacks safely exit a white shuttle bus.

Head Start & Early Childhood

The 15-passenger transit van is ideal—right-sized for smaller groups of young children, affordable, and any staff member can drive.
A driver assists a woman in a wheelchair using a hydraulic lift on a medical transport shuttle.

Medical Transportation

Multiple daily trips with smaller groups. The 15 or 22-passenger options serve more appointments and fit medical facility parking.
A driver assists an elderly woman with a tote bag as she steps off a white transport shuttle.

Elder Services & Wellness

Comfortable, accessible transport for activities, appointments, and wellness programming. Wheelchair-equipped options available.
A group of people carrying gear and coolers walk toward a lake from a parked white shuttle bus.

Community Activities

Day trips, cultural activities, and recreation programs within an hour's travel. The 32-passenger handles larger groups.
Students with backpacks board a white shuttle bus for school transportation services.

School Transportation

Safe student transport to and from school, regional programs, and educational activities.
Staff members coordinate and load supplies into the side door of a white shuttle bus.

Daily Operations & Staff

The 15-passenger transit van provides consistent, economical daily service that any team member can operate.
Decision Guide

Choosing the Right Size

Program Need

Recommended Option

Head Start & early childhood programs
15-passenger transit van
Medical transport (multiple daily trips)
15 or 22-passenger options
Small Elder groups and appointments
15-passenger or 22-passenger with wheelchair option
Leadership and staff travel
15-passenger transit van or 22-passenger executive shuttle
Community events within 1-hour radius
32-passenger shuttle
School routes and youth programs
22 or 32-passenger shuttle
Large group activities
32-passenger shuttle

Key Decision Factors

  • How many passengers does your program typically transport?
  • Do you need wheelchair-equipped options?
  • What distances and road conditions will the vehicle encounter?
  • Does your program need any staff member to be able to drive?
Why TBC

Why Communities Choose Our Shuttle Buses

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Program-Ready Features

  • Wheelchair-equipped options on select models
  • Winter-ready operation
  • Multiple capacity options (15, 22, 32)
  • Durable construction
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Flexible Driving Requirements

  • 15-passenger needs no commercial license
  • Any staff member can operate
  • Reduces driver dependency
  • Simplified scheduling
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Community-Focused Support

  • Operator orientation included
  • Maintenance documentation
  • Service network access
  • Ongoing support
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Flexible Acquisition

  • Financing options available
  • Funding navigation support
  • 32-passenger in stock now
  • Quick delivery available
Funding Support

Federal, Provincial & Funding Solutions Available

Multiple programs support shuttle bus acquisition for Indigenous communities. We work alongside your administration to navigate applications and identify funding pathways—many communities secure significant coverage for program vehicles.

  • Transportation funding programs
  • CHRT funding for community transportation
  • Provincial transportation and infrastructure programs
  • Program-specific funding (medical, education, wellness)
  • Bridge financing options while awaiting approvals
Two hands shaking in front of a fire truck, symbolizing First Nations fire protection funding support.

75-100%

Many communities secure significant coverage for transportation equipment
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the 15-passenger, 22-passenger, and 32-passenger options?

The 15-passenger Ford Transit van is the most affordable and accessible option—any staff member can drive it without a commercial license, making it ideal for Head Start and smaller programs. The 22-passenger executive shuttle offers premium comfort with executive seating and accent lighting, built on a Ford F-550 chassis. The 32-passenger shuttle maximizes capacity with leather upholstery and overhead racks, also on the Ford F-550 platform.

Does anyone need a special license to drive these vehicles?

The 15-passenger transit van can be driven by any licensed driver—no commercial license required. The 22 and 32-passenger shuttles may require additional licensing depending on your province. We can discuss the specific requirements for your community.

Are wheelchair-equipped options available?

Yes, wheelchair-equipped options are available on certain models. Contact us to discuss your accessibility requirements and we'll match you with the right vehicle configuration.

How do shuttle buses handle Canadian winters?

All options are built on proven Ford platforms designed for Canadian conditions. The 15-passenger transit van features all-wheel drive for added traction. Service networks across the country ensure parts and maintenance support year-round.

How do I know if we need a shuttle or a motorcoach?

The key factors are passenger count, trip distance, and whether passengers need onboard bathroom facilities.

Shuttles and transit vans work well for community routes under an hour where passengers can use facilities before departure. Motorcoaches are better for long-distance travel where onboard bathrooms and maximum comfort for extended trips are needed.

What's the typical delivery timeline?

The 32-passenger shuttle is currently in stock and available for immediate delivery. Timelines for the 15-passenger van and 22-passenger executive shuttle depend on current inventory—contact us to discuss availability.

Can Thom Brokerage and Consulting support our funding application?

Yes, we have experience working alongside Indigenous communities to navigate funding applications. We understand that securing funding is a critical step and provide support throughout the process.

Get Your Program Moving

Every community program deserves reliable transportation that fits its actual needs and budget. We work alongside program coordinators and community leadership to identify the right shuttle solution.
  • 1
    Review transportation patterns
  • 2
    Discuss accessibility needs
  • 3
    Explore funding and financing pathways
  • 4
    Arrange delivery, training, and ongoing support
Protecting Indigenous communities across Canada - Because every community deserves to be safe.