Transit Funding Announced

NOTE: A list of transit groups receiving Community Transportation Assistance Program funding follows this release.

Municipal Affairs Minister Mark Furey announced $1 million in new funding for public and community-based transit and $500,000 in additional funding for the Community Transportation Assistance Program today, June 17.

"We want Nova Scotians to be able to choose where they live and work, so it is important that they have access to public transportation to get them where they need to go," said Mr. Furey. "This new funding will help municipalities and community organizations provide and maintain reliable and affordable transit service."

The $1 million in new funding for public and community-based transit will go to Cape Breton Transit, serving Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Kings Transit Authority, serving Hants, Kings, Annapolis and Digby Counties. A portion of funds has also been allocated for anticipated new transit service providers and the Accessible Transportation Assistance Program.

"We at Kings Transit are appreciative of the provincial government for recognizing the importance of funding for public transit in rural Nova Scotia," said Stephen Foster, manager, Kings Transit Authority. "Provincial funds will assist Kings Transit Authority and our service partners with maintaining a viable public transportation system for all."

The $500,000 additional funding for the Community Transportation Assistance Program will be distributed to the 14 community-based transit organizations providing door-to-door service in rural Nova Scotia. The total program budget in 2014-15 is $1.15 million.

"Members of the Rural Transportation Association appreciate the ongoing support from the Department of Municipal Affairs to ensure that citizens of Nova Scotia have community-based, door-to-door, and accessible transportation options," said Kim Aker, association chair, and executive director, West Hants Dial-a-Ride.

"The additional funding will contribute to the sustainability of a rural transportation model that works, and potentially to current expansion efforts underway to have service in Antigonish and Lunenburg counties and St. Margarets Bay."

Following is a list of transit groups receiving Community Transportation Assistance Program funding:

• CHAD Transit, Pictou County, $129,497
• Chester Community Wheels, $51,914
• Colchester Transportation Association, $129,310
• Cumberland County Transportation Services $112,454
• East Hants Community Rider $71,906
• Hope Dial-a-Ride, Yarmouth County, $75,105
• Kings Point-to-Point, central and eastern Kings County $113,354
• L'Acabie, Cheticamp $41,958
• MusGo Rider, Jeddore to Porters Lake, HRM $65,994
• Sou'West Nova Transit, Shelburne County, $64,898
• Strait Area Transit, Richmond and Inverness counties, $72,259
• Trans County Transportation Society, Annapolis and western Kings counties, $99,763
• Transport de Clare Society, Digby County, $63,795
• West Hants Dial-a-Ride $61,794