News release

Dial-A-Ride in West Hants

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

The following is a feature story from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations on Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia.


Residents of West Hants know that supportive communities come together to help those in need. The Dial-A-Ride service in West Hants is a success because of people who care about others in their community.

Tanya Sanford is the co-ordinator of the West Hants County Alternative Transportation Service Society of United Partnerships (WHATSSUP), which oversees the Dial-A-Ride program. She says volunteers are very important to the service. Community partners, such as businesses and organizations, help out when volunteers can't.

"We have volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles, and we use community partners when we need other services, like an accessible bus," said Ms. Sanford.

According to Ms. Sanford, the two main reasons people use the service are for education and for medical appointments.

"The service enables adult learners to access post-secondary opportunities," she said. "It also gives seniors some independence."

Dial-A-Ride in West Hants provides about 125 rides each month to seniors, people with disabilities, people with low incomes and youth. Inclusive transportation services have been offered in West Hants since August 2001.

In areas where there are Dial-A-Ride programs, the service can pick up residents at home, take them where they need to go and return them later in the day. It is essential for those who cannot afford transportation by other means to travel to medical appointments, job interviews and other activities.

Up to one-third of the funding for Dial-A-Ride comes from the provincial government, while non-profit community-based organizations raise the rest of the funds.

Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia provides transportation services for Nova Scotians who have disabilities, have low incomes or are elderly, and who need safe, affordable and accessible transportation. It offers a wide range of services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles for people with special mobility needs.

"This service is helping to improve the lives of many Nova Scotians and we're proud to take part in it," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We're grateful to volunteers and community organizations who have come together to make it happen."

More information about Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia is available on the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Web site, at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/dialaride, or the toll-free hotline at 1- 877-305-RIDE (7433).