Funding Supports New and Improved Transit Services

NOTE: A list of projects follows this release.

Municipal Affairs Minister Mark Furey announced funding for nine projects under the Nova Scotia Transit Research Incentive Program today, July 25.

The program supports initiatives that will generate new or improved public transit services in rural and underserviced urban areas of the province. In total, $167,625 is being invested under the program this year.

"It is important that we support pilot projects, studies and business planning, where we can, that could result in improved public transit services for Nova Scotians," said Mr. Furey.

Eligible funding recipients include municipalities, organizations providing transit services in rural areas, and not-for-profits with a transit mandate.

For more information on the program and eligibility criteria, go to http://novascotia.ca/dma/funding/community-grants-and-programs.asp

Initiatives receiving funding are:

• Antigonish Community Transit Society, $50,000, pilot project for a door-to-door and fixed flex route transit service
• Kings Transit Authority, $15,000, transit strategy study
• Lunenburg County Joint Transportation Committee, $25,000, pre-pilot phase for door-to-to service
• Municipality of the District of East Hants, $15,000, development of a transit business plan for a fixed route service
• Musquodoboit Valley Tourism Association, Halifax, $10,000, development of transit feasibility study for Musquodoboit Valley area
• Neighbours Helping Neighbours Society, Colchester County, $10,000, development of transit feasibility study for Tatamagouche area
• St. Margarets Bay Community Transportation Society, Halifax, $25,000, pre-pilot phase for door-to-door service
• Town of Yarmouth, $15,000, development of a transit feasibility study
• Trans County Transportation Society, Annapolis County, $2,625, revise policy and procedures manuals and develop orientation brochure and employees handbook.