Dial-A-Ride Funding For Digby, Shelburne Counties

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Dial-A-Ride Funding For Digby, Shelburne Counties

The Nova Scotia government is helping to expand accessible transportation services in western Nova Scotia. Funding to extend Dial-a-Ride service into Digby County and to support the service in Shelburne County was announced today, Jan. 12, by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Barry Barnet.

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

"This service helps improve the lives of many Nova Scotians by enabling them to do their own shopping, their own banking, or just to get out of their homes for a few hours," Mr. Barnet said. "We're grateful to the volunteers and community organizations who make it happen, and we're glad we can support them."

The Annapolis County Alternative Transportation Society (ACATS) is receiving $6,157 to extend its Dial-a-Ride service to residents of Digby County. "ACATS has been operating in Annapolis County since April 2000 providing 600 to 800 rides a month. Our service removes transportation barriers enabling residents easy access to medical, employment and educational opportunities," said VickiLynn Spriggs, executive director of ACATS. "Daily errands and activities become possible without fear of economic hardship or imposing on friends and family. ACATS is pleased to extend this valuable service to our neighbours in Digby County."

In Shelburne County, Hardt's Haven Dial-a-Ride and the Shelburne County Transportation Society have provided accessible transportation service since January 2003. The service's wheelchair accessible vehicle was purchased with provincial government assistance and now the transportation society will receive $11,443 to help with its operating costs.

"Our service has grown every month since we began a year ago, and we see that growth continuing into the foreseeable future," said Emil Degenhardt, operator of the dial-a-ride service. "We take people shopping, to the bank, to church and any other place they want to go. Ours is a vital service in a rural area where people don't have access to other public transportation."

Through the Community Transportation Assistance Program (CTAP), the Nova Scotia government provides funding to nine dial-a-ride services in rural Nova Scotia. The provincial program also supports the Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia network for community-based transportation groups in the province, helping them to improve their service to Nova Scotians.