Dial-A-Ride Colchester: A Day on the Town

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Dial-A-Ride Colchester: A Day on the Town

"We’ve had a day out on the town." That’s what Margaret and Jean, residents of Matlyn Place say after Dial-A-Ride Colchester returns them home from the VON Adult Day Program.

Residents of the Onslow seniors’ home get to activities and appointments through the Colchester Transportation Co-operative Limited, the lead organization for Colchester County’s Dial-a- Ride service.

"There are no worries about scheduling or how residents are treated," said Kit MacCoul, manager of Matlyn Place. "We pre-book the service and the drivers are extremely reliable."

Colchester Transportation Co-operative Limited operates six vehicles and serves a base of 49,000 residents. Last year, the service provided 16,000 rides. They hope to reach their target of 25,000 this year.

"Rides are available to all members of Colchester County, including those with disabilities, seniors and anyone in need of transportation," said the co-operative’s president, Terry LaPointe. "We offer door-to-door and fixed-route service and charters and we work with the school board."

Colchester Transportation Co-operative Limited is part of the Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia Network, which provides safe, affordable, accessible and inclusive transportation to over 24,000 people per year.

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).