It was Dr. James Oshiro who pioneered the vision.  In the 1980s, Dr. James Oshiro identified a need in Coaldale for a transport service for those needing assistance due to physical restrictions.  In 1989, the Coaldale Community Hospital Association sponsored $20,000 to purchase a bus.

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He served on Town Council, Palliser School Board, University of Lethbridge Senate and Board of Governors.  Dr. Oshiro went on to be appointed Canada's first Japanese Chancellor!

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The Handi Bus Association was formed, and donations were collected from many individuals in the community including the Japanese Canadian Redress Foundation, Knights of Columbus, FCSS, Rotary Club of Coaldale, Town of Coaldale, and others.  The first Board included Leonard Fast, John T. Klassen, George King, Doug Foxall, Len Scheibner, Steve Slemko, Helen Dueck, Betty Hribar, Tom Tsukashima, Barb Kowalsky, Roy Niedermier.  Its first drivers were George King, Bill Giesbrecht, and Nellie Slingerland.

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Over the next twenty-three years, the Association owned a couple of units.  As they wore out, those were donated to the Los Amigos campaign coordinated by Karl Samuels of the Lethbridge Rotary Clubs.  These units were repurposed to Mexico.  In 2013, the Association purchased its current bus.