Many Greyhound passengers were left stranded last October when the company announced they would be ending their service across the prairies.
Local business owner Keith Coleridge is picking up the pieces with his company's KM Courier and Cold Shot Parcel and Bus Services. Located at 345 Sakitawaw trail; they offer passenger bus services, overnight delivery & in town courier services. MM: So how did you decided to start your business? Keith: My business started by fluke I guess, I answered an ad in the newspaper and taking opportunities one after another that we're put in front of us over the last 12 years. We started with Red Arrow and rented a van from them per month; then we grew to two vans after six months and eventually went to Greyhound as their agent managers until they closed last fall. A new company Cold Shot, a bus company that is basically our infrastructure was left behind from Greyhound in Edmonton; the same as I was in Fort McMurray. Instead of folding with Greyhound they decided to start a small bus company and replace Greyhound so we became their partner in Fort McMurray. MM: I didn't realize you guys move people as-well as freight? Keith: Yes, we are moving passengers and freight similar to what Greyhound did. We're just using smaller equipment our busses are smaller but we are priced comparable to Greyhound. We're just trying to fill the void that Greyhound left behind. MM: Are there some struggles you find after you've separated from Greyhound? Keith: We're trying to make people aware that we are here, it's basically the same business just a new name. It's relatively the same people; it's my wife and I running cold shot vs. running Greyhound. It's still the same driver on the road doing delivery and pickups in town. For the most part, the people that were doing the leg work in Edmonton for Greyhound; are still in place, they are just working for a different company. MM: How long have you been in this building? Keith: Since Greyhound closed, they closed their doors downtown October 31st and we opened here November 1st. We've been growing day by day and adding new products and services. MM: Other than getting the word out and letting people know you are here; is there anything you would like the public to know about your business? Keith: For people doing any outdoor activities like quading or snowmobiling, because of the fire and that situation there are no more dealerships in town so you have to get parts from Edmonton. Well, we can have them here overnight ready for pick up at 6 am. Nobody else in town can offer this service. If you'd like to say “hello:”, be featured on McMurrians or for Speaking requests, media, and pitches: samantha@mcmurrians.ca
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