Accessible Transportation Supported in East Hants

Getting to doctors' appointments, a job interview or to work will become easier for seniors and people with disabilities in East Hants.

The province is providing $10,000 to the East Hants Alternative Transportation Service to help purchase a new wheelchair accessible bus. The new bus will serve residents in East Hants. The purchase means there will now be a wheelchair accessible bus to serve nursing home residents, seniors, disabled and other Nova Scotians who require accessible transportation services in the area.

Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, will officially launch the new wheelchair accessible transportation service at 2 p.m. today, Dec. 14, at the East Hants Adult Learning Association.

"Lack of transportation is a prime barrier to quality of life and one of the single biggest roadblocks for many people to health care, education and employment opportunities," said Mr. Muir. "Organizations like the East Hants Alternative Transportation Service 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. These rides helped seniors, persons with disabilities and the economically disadvantaged get to jobs, school, medical appointments and social events.

"We're excited to receive the funding to help us add a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to the East Hants Alternative Transportation Service," said Robert MacLellan, executive director of the East Hants Adult Learning Association. "The funds will help us to better serve our clients and allow all residents of East Hants, regardless of ability, to have access to reliable, affordable transportation."

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, see 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).