Province Provides Funds to Rural Transit Groups

The province is helping Nova Scotians access public transportation in rural communities by providing a grant for capital and operating expenses.

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell announced today, May 31, $300,000 in funding from the Sustainable Transportation Strategy for the province's 14 rural transit organizations. The one-time, unconditional grant will be shared equally.

"We recognize that access to transportation is a daily necessity for most people, whether going to work, getting groceries, accessing health care services or participating in community activities," said Mr. MacDonell. "This funding will help these organizations provide affordable and accessible transportation to Nova Scotians across the province.

"The aim of the Sustainable Transportation Strategy is to ensure that our transportation systems support healthy communities, by helping us to drive less, and move more efficiently."

The Rural Transportation Association and its members provide transportation to seniors, persons with disabilities and Nova Scotians with barriers to transportation to travel to and from medical appointments, educational programs, social and recreation opportunities and errands.

"Our organization appreciates the ongoing support we receive from the province through the Community Transportation Assistance Program which helps us provide community-based public transportation in rural Nova Scotia," said Kim Aker, chair of the Rural Transportation Association.

"The additional funding announced today will allow our organizations to address growing demands, contribute to building age friendly communities, and ensure quality of life for our citizens."

The organizations receiving the grant are:

• CHAD Transit, Pictou County
• Colchester Transportation Co-operative Ltd., Colchester County
• Municipality of Chester Transportation Society, Municipality of Chester
• Cumberland County Transportation Service, Cumberland County
• East Hants Community Rider, eastern Hants County
• HOPE Dial-A-ride, Yarmouth County
• Kings Point-To-Point Transit, central, eastern Kings County
• MusGo Rider Co-operative Ltd., Jeddore, Musquodoboit Harbour, Chezzetcook and Porters Lake
• Sou'West Nova Transit Association, Shelburne County
• Strait Area Transit Co-operative Ltd., Richmond and Inverness counties
• Trans County Transportation Society, Annapolis and western Kings counties
• Transport de Clare, Digby County
• West Hants Dial-A-Ride, western Hants County
• La Coopérative de transport de Chéticamp Ltée., Chéticamp\