Funding Supports Accessible Transportation

NOTE: A list of projects follows this release.

Nova Scotians will have easier access to safe, affordable and accessible transportation thanks to the Accessible Transportation Assistance Program.

Municipal Affairs Minister Mark Furey announced $366,000 in funding today, July 15.

"We want to ensure that Nova Scotians who need accessible transportation are able to access it in their communities," said Mr. Furey. "This funding will provide new vehicles for nine community transportation organizations across the province."

The program helps rural transit services buy or convert vehicles for accessible transportation. The program provides up to two-thirds of eligible costs, to a maximum of $70,000 for new vehicles and $15,000 for used vehicles.

"Accessible transportation contributes to the quality of life for those living in rural Nova Scotia, particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities and those with transportation barriers," said Kim Aker, chair of the Rural Transportation Association and executive director of Hants County Community Access Network and West Hants Dial-a-Ride. "The grants provided through the program are invaluable in strengthening the existing services and supporting expansion into new areas. The new accessible van for West Hants Dial-a-Ride will increase its capacity for quality service."

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

Following is a list of accessible transportation organizations receiving funding:

• East Hants Community Rider, eight-passenger van, $43,843
• St. Margarets Bay Community Transportation Society, Halifax Regional Municipality, four-passenger van, $32,402
• Kings Point-to-Point Transit Society, six-passenger van, $34,980
• Colchester Transportation Coop Ltd., 18-passenger bus, $54,120
• West Hants Dial-a-Ride, six-passenger van, $45,574
• Cumberland County Transportation Services Society, five-passenger van, $33,137
• CHAD Transit, Pictou Co., 18-passenger bus, $65,921
• La Cooperative de Transport de Cheticamp, Inverness Co., seven-passenger van, $13,992
• Cape Breton Regional Municipality Transit, 20-passenger bus, $42,500