Joktan Elbert media coverage of fight with greyhound, the motor carrier commission, and the development of a new bus service to whistler.

6. April 6, 2002
SNOWBUS meltsaway 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-month existence Jed 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 liked 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 is 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.

7. SNOWBUS melts away without license...
Elbert'smaintargetgroupwasstudents. Heestimatesthereareabout2,500membersof
the Snowclub. Most of them go to UBC and SFU orare ESL students. "We had a great
idea and people that loved it," he said. "Weweren't a bus service. We were aclub that
had a chartered bus." He said the numbers areproof there is a need for this type of
service. When the Snowbus was in operation itran four times a day-twice from
Vancouver and twice from Whistler.
A club member could use the Snowbus 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 scheduled 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.

8. PRESS RELEASE
Highway Upgrade for $29 dollars
JUNE 15, 2002
Creative Press
The Resort Municipality of Whistler has become an international destination , renowned
for it's world-class recreational opportunities and spectacu lar natural settin g. Over the
last thirty years, 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 Whistler hosting the 2010
Olym pics, the drive to improve the Sea to Sky highway is receivin g even greater
attention. Studies have been completed examining the viability of many options for the
corridor, but the bill to the taxpayer for each initiative is in the millions. The question is
can we help address these concerns 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 is no question there is a need for
improvements along the corridor, especially in transportation for commuters." " 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 Entrepreneur Joktan Elbert introduced his 47-
passenger daily bus service between Vancouver and Whistler this past 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 Whistler are from Lower Mainland residents and 93% of those trips are in cars.
The need for an affordable, fun and sustainable transportation alternative is a no brainer."
Indeed, recent studies have concluded that to meet demand along the corridor in an
economically and environmentally sustainable fashion , a combination of transportation
initiatives (bus, private auto, and ferry/bus) that utilize the current infrastructure must be
encouraged
For Elbert 11 million travelers means a lot of people who would want to use his service.
"W e got great support in our first season and with very little advertising , we alread y have
over 2000 members in the Snowclub. I can only imagine the demand once we get the
service up and runnin g again and people realize what a great alternative it is" but El bert
says n ot everyone was so supportive . Complaints from Greyhound that the Sn owbus was
operating illegally led to an investigation and hearing by the Motor Carrier Commi ssion
(MCC), the body responsib le for licensing com mercial transportation in BC. ln late March
of thi s year Elbert suspended his service.

9. PRESS RELEASE
Highway Upgrade for $29 dollars
Elbert states that while he felt his service was not operating illegally he understand s that the
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 Commission is 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 given out
a license for some 20 years. I think it' s about time, don't you?"
Joktan is 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 application 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 will 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
monopoly". Joktan argues that the irony is that when you compare Snowbus to what is currentl
y available it is clear that his service is different. "We have different customers, 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 lly viable option for
transportation along th e corridor , but w ill do so in a manner that significantly enhances the
experience 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 his application Elbert is asking people who support an alternative 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 letter that is requested by the Motor Carrier Commi
ssion.
Support small bu siness and competiti on in your province!
-30-

10. 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.

11. 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 .

12. 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 theLower Mainland
and Whistler last winter is looking for ahelping hand in its effort to secure the
rights to operate this winter. Snowbus,which purports to have carriedmore 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 hasthe "runningrights"tooperate
scheduled bus service on the Sea to Sky Highway and has challenged Snowbus'
application tooperate itsmembers-only service-atsubstantially lowerprices
thanGreyhound-onthesameroute. TheMCC,foritspart,hastoldSnowbus
officials they mustprove theservice isneeded by soliciting statementsofsupport
frommunicipalities, businessesandordinarypeoplewhohaveusedtheserviceor
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 aservice
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 usetheserviceneed tomaketheirvoicesheard." Lastseason,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 alongtheroute. Beforelastseason,Snowbusofficialsforged cross-
marketing agreements with various local businesses, offering discounts on ski and
snowboardrentals,freecoffees,reduced-price meals,evendiscounted lifttickets
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.

13. 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 11million 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 apile
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 ortelephone 1-866-766-9287 (SNOWBUS).

15. 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
Granville 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
Vancouver International Airport
The Motor Carrier Department is holding public hearings into Elbert's application
between Dec. 16 and 18at 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.

17. 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 appointed
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.

18. "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, general 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.
}0

19. 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 scheduled bus service betveen
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 .
"1just 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 snowboarders
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 is-watched videos and were offered coupons for discountsat many
Whistler businesses.
Elbert says his primary aim is to get young people out of cars and into a safe, reliable
transportation alternative by making 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."

20. Greyhound officials, who raised 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- Whistler
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
between Vancouver Airport and Whistler, also were expected to speak as objectors at
Snowbus' application hearing .
Lorne Richard , Perimeter's operations manager, said he thinks it's important that the
industry be regulated by the government. B.C.'s Minjster of Transportation appoints
MCC commissioners, who then serve as an arm's-length body, regulating bus, truck and
taxi operators in in the province.
Perimeter, which also operates chartered bus service elsewhere in B.C., is licenced
through the MCC.
"Any vehicl e that operates commercially in this province falls under the Motor Carrier
Act and under 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 (Snowbus) 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. Among those supporting his application are
Whistler Council,the Whistler Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Whistler.
Mayor Hugh O'Reilly said Whistler Council lent its support when Elbert came to them
earlier this year because his service is in keeping with the RMOW's Transportation
Advisory Group (TAG) recommendation s and its overall sustainability initiatives.
"We support it because we think it wou ld put more people on buses and reduce the
number of private vehicles on the highway," O'Reilly said.
"I think that Greyhound and Perimeter do a good job , but I think this program services a
niche market. It's seasonal and I think it's a market and a client base that I think he can
attract and support.
"It's a safe environment geared toward a younger crowd and it ju st adds variety to the
market."

21. Feb 6, 2003
Snowbus service denied by Commission
By Alison Taylor
The municipality will continue 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 will 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."

24. 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.

25. 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.

28. 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

29. 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).

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. 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.

35. 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

36. 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.

37. 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."

38. 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. That’s 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.

39. ÒI am a bit disappointed that it didn’t go any further than at least that
presentation (on Monday night), said Elbert the following day. All in all
itÕs 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.
Elbert’s 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 Melamed’s request, but they did not give him $10,000 for
a small development grant as requested.