Inclusive Transportation Conference Slated for Dartmouth

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Inclusive Transportation Conference Slated for Dartmouth

A conference aimed at improving transportation service to disabled, elderly and low-income Nova Scotians will be held at the Ramada Hotel in Dartmouth on June 26 and 27. The conference is being organized by the Nova Scotia Community-based Transportation Association, with assistance from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

The Inclusive Transportation Conference and showcase will bring together users and providers of community-based public transportation systems. These systems form a provincewide network of local, non-profit organizations known as Dial-a-Ride Nova Scotia. They offer transportation to and from medical appointments and education and recreation opportunities. Dial-a- Ride is an initiative of the Nova Scotia government.

"Thanks to Dial-a-Ride, many elderly, disabled and low-income Nova Scotians are able to get to the doctor, attend job training, or enjoy a day at the mall," said Rene Frigault, provincial co- ordinator of the Dial-a-Ride network. "Many Nova Scotians take such visits for granted, but if you don't have access to transportation, it becomes very difficult, especially for those living in rural areas of the province."

The goal of the conference is to find ways of sustaining and improving this public transportation service.

"These rural services are extremely important to the people who use them," said Mr. Frigault. "For many, it means the difference between having a measure of independence and being shut in."

At the conference, community groups, service users and providers, suppliers and government representatives will discuss best practices of other jurisdictions and options for maintaining and expanding the Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia network and inclusive transportation in Nova Scotia.

More information on registration is available from the Dial-a- Ride Nova Scotia Web site, www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/dialaride.