The van is called the "Grey Whale" and is waiting to bring customers to the Bowen Island Pub and/or back home safely, says Glen Cormier, the pub's co-owner and operator, who is launching the service on Friday, September 20.
Friday will also be the day Eddie Weismiller surrenders his facial hair in support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in a fundraiser that starts at 6 p.m. at the pub.
Cormier has looked into the feasibility of a taxi service on Bowen Island since he's taken on the operation of the pub in 2012. "I saw the taxi as a business opportunity that would benefit the island," he says, adding that the van is a fall-back option.
"As an operator of a venue with a primary liquor license, I can provide a shuttle service for my customers," Cormier said. He explained that the shuttle is a free service but customers are welcome to contribute to the costs by giving donations or tips.
The van will be parked behind the pub and Cormier plans to have a designated driver on stand-by during the weekends. During the week, he's likely to get behind the wheel himself if he gets calls for a ride.
"We try to encourage people to use the call-in service so we can pick them up and they leave their cars at home," Cormier says. And while the van is for the pub's customers only and not likely to address the entire range of needs for a taxi, Cormier suggests that people can be creative.
"If people need to get to the ferry, they can call us an hour earlier and stop at the pub for a bite to eat," he said.
Cormier's goal was to get the van ready in time for Friday's fundraiser.
Tickets to the event are for sale at the Snug Cove General Store and the Bowen Island Pub. They cost $20 and include a burger, fries and a beverage.
The donor with the highest pledge will be allowed to shave Weismiller's beard at 8 p.m. The proceeds go toward MADD's mission.
