The Raven is calling for you

For those who are unable to drive, have car problems, or simply enjoy the luxury of being chauffeured, the Raven Community Shuttle can bring you shopping or to appointments in Bellingham for free. Even better, it recently announced an expansion in service in Point Roberts itself.

Effective immediately, the service will now pick up and drop riders off around the Point on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It offers flexible stops anywhere in Point Roberts so if you need to go to the food bank, the post office, clinic or what have you, you’re covered.

The Raven Van initiative was launched in April 2024. It is funded through a contract with the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) and operated by the nonprofit Point Roberts Circle of Care. The service aims to provide reliable and accessible transportation to residents.

The van runs weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing from the community center at 9 a.m. and returning around 4 p.m. 

The Raven also offers after-school pickup Monday through Friday from any school in the Blaine school district for kids who have after-school activities. “We’ve had a productive year, but we’d love to see more families take advantage of the after-school transportation,” said Dina Boykiw, the executive in charge of the program.

Boykiw oversees a team that includes a dispatcher and two drivers, with all salaries and expenses covered under the WTA-funded budget. In addition to after-school transportation, the service is used for group outings to locations like the Deming library and is available for hire for private and business events. However, due to insurance restrictions, the van cannot travel to destinations in Canada.

Boykiw emphasized the importance of the service, particularly for the aging population and families who may struggle with transportation options.

“We’re here to make life easier for the community, whether it’s getting to an appointment or attending after-school activities,” she said. “We’re committed to finding solutions that will serve more residents. This service is vital for so many people, and we want to make sure it continues to grow.”

For bookings or inquiries, residents can contact the service at 360/788-9473 or email prraven@gmail.com. For more information, visit their website at prtheraven.com.