News release

Province Supports Community Accessible Transportation Services

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

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Province Supports Community Accessible Transportation Services


For some Nova Scotians such seemingly routine things as daily appointments and activities outside the home can bring with them the real challenge of finding necessary transportation. The province's Dial-A-Ride programs help people across the province overcome this challenge by providing access to necessary transportation services.

This fall, the province is providing $10,000 in financial support towards the purchase of new, accessible vehicles by the Windsor Senior Citizens Bus Society in West Hants and the Handicapped Organization Promoting Equality (HOPE) in Yarmouth County. The funding is being provided by the province's Dial-A-Ride Accessible Transportation Assistance Program.

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 that the government of Nova Scotia is demonstrating its commitment to equal opportunity and is 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 capital improvements.

"This service is one of the many ways government is working towards improving the lives of Nova Scotians," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We appreciate the many volunteers and organizations that have worked together to help people have access to the resources they need."

HOPE co-ordinator, Eleanor Cottreau, and the chair of the Windsor Senior Citizens Bus Society, Dan Boyd, say the program is helping provide accessible transportation for those who need it.

"This new bus will improve access for seniors and persons with disabilities in Windsor. The existing bus was in desperate need of replacement," said Mr. Boyd. "The community is looking forward to the delivery of the vehicle and I would like to thank the province, municipalities and the community for their generous contributions."

Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia provides transportation services for Nova Scotians who have disabilities, are on 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 year the program has provided more than 90,000 rides throughout the province, mostly to people with disabilities seeking employment opportunities and seniors who need access to medical services.

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.

Since 2001, the province has contributed $120,000 in capital grants towards the purchase of 12 accessible vehicles under the Accessible Transportation Assistance Program. It has also provided more than $1.3 million in operating grants to community- based transportation services under the Community Transportation Assistance Program. Nine counties now provide community-based transportation under the program: Kings, Pictou, Clare, Colchester, Annapolis, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby and West Hants.

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. For further information see the website at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/dialaride or call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-305-RIDE (7433).