News release

Accessible Transportation Supported in Valley Region

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

Getting to doctors' appointments, a job interview or to work will become easier for seniors and people with disabilities in Annapolis, Digby and Kingston-Greenwood.

The province is providing $20,000 to the Trans County Transportation Society to help purchase a new wheelchair accessible bus. The new bus will serve residents in Annapolis, Digby and Kingston-Greenwood. The purchase means there will be two buses to serve nursing home residents, seniors, single mothers getting back into the work force, disabled and other Nova Scotians who require accessible transportation services in the area.

"Lack of transportation is a prime barrier to quality of life and one of the single biggest roadblocks to accessing health care, education and employment opportunities," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "Organizations like the Trans County Transportation Society are making a big difference in people's lives and government is committed to continuing to support that success."

Last year, community-based organizations funded by the province provided more than 90,000 rides to seniors and people with disabilities in Nova Scotia. Most of these rides were for people with disabilities looking for a job and taking seniors to medical appointments.

"We're excited to receive the funding to better serve our clients," said Debbie Decker, a Trans County Transportation employee. "The funds will help to purchase a much needed new wheelchair accessible vehicle."

The Accessible Transportation Assistance Program helps to improve existing transportation services through the purchase of an accessible vehicle or modification of an existing vehicle. The program is one way the province is demonstrating its commitment to equal opportunity and improving access to community facilities and venues for persons with disabilities. Under this program, cost-shared grants are available to community groups for accessibility-related improvements.

For more information on the community and municipal accessible transportation programs, visit the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations website at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/infr or call toll-free 1-877-305-RIDE (7433).