Dial-A-Ride Yarmouth: Offering HOPE

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Dial-A-Ride Yarmouth: Offering HOPE

In October 1999, using three borrowed nursing home vehicles, Dial-A-Ride Yarmouth was born. Today, the project provides over 600 rides each month using its own fully accessible vehicle and a seven-passenger minivan.

Yarmouth’s Handicapped Organization Promoting Equality (HOPE) operates the service, which is funded by Service Nova Scotia. Working with the provincial government, the organization has developed a model for community-based transportation.

"Nova Scotians should be proud of the government’s initiatives this year," said HOPE president Bill Crawford. "Without the support of provincial, federal and municipal governments, we would not have been able to develop this valuable resource."

Crawford adds that the service helps break down barriers.

"People from all walks of life have a means to find sustainable employment or access education and health care," he said.

Building on the success of the two-year Inclusive Transportation Pilot Project, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations works with community organizations through the Community Transportation Assistance Program (CTAP) to provide inclusive transportation in low-population areas.

"We are committed to working with community partners to create an environment which improves the quality of life for all Nova Scotians," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

Organizations that would like to apply for CTAP funding can download an application form at Service Nova Scotia’s Web site, at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/infr/

The department publishes a newsletter about CTAP projects, The CTAP Dispatch. To let them know about projects and successes, or to receive a copy of the newsletter, contact Nadine Tanner at 902-424-5378 or tannernm@gov.ns.ca

For more information about Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia, call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-305-RIDE (7433).