Improving Community Transportation in Rural Nova Scotia

NOTE: A list of projects receiving funding follows this release.

Rural transit organizations continue to provide cost-effective, sustainable transportation to help Nova Scotians get around in their communities with provincial support announced today, July 15.

The province is investing more than $650,000 in operating funding for 14 community-based transportation organizations through the Community Transportation Assistance Program (CTAP).

"Nova Scotians want to have access to affordable transportation to get around in their community, go to medical appointments, run errands, or visit family or friends," said Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau, on behalf of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell. "We are making life better for Nova Scotia families by supporting these organizations in our rural communities. We are funding two of these community-based transportation organizations for the first time."

The program offsets operating expenses for transit groups that provide transportation in low-population density areas of the province at a per capita rate. Municipalities and non-profit, community-based organizations can apply for funding once they have completed a feasibility study, a business plan and a pilot project.

The Sou'West Nova Transit Association provides low-cost, door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible transportation to Shelburne County residents.

"We are thrilled to receive CTAP funding in our first year of eligibility," said Renata Tweedy, manager, Sou'West Nova Transit. "This important program is a testament to the province's commitment to supporting, improving and diversifying public transportation in rural Nova Scotia, and will be a factor in our organization's sustainability moving forward. We are grateful for the continuing investment in our efforts to provide accessible, affordable transportation for residents of Shelburne County."

This work supports the province's sustainable transportation strategy launched in April, which ensures that Nova Scotia's transportation systems support healthy communities by helping people to drive less and move more efficiently. For more information on the strategy, visit novascotia.ca/sustainabletransportation .

The projects receiving funding are as follows:

• CHAD Transit, Pictou County, $82,157
• Municipality of Chester Transportation Society, $19,078
• Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd., $91,742
• Cumberland County Transportation Society, $56,435
• East Hants Community Rider, $41,751
• Handicap Organization Promoting Equality, Yarmouth County, $45,495
• Kings Point-to-Point, Kings County, except western section, $86,193
• La Cooperative de Transport de Cheticamp Lte., $9,504
• Le Transport de Clare, Digby County, $32,465
• MusGo Rider, Halifax Regional Municipality, $26,321
• Sou'West Nova Transit, Shelburne County, $26,093
• Strait Area Transit, Richmond and Inverness Counties, $39,528
• Trans County Transportation Society, Annapolis and western Kings Counties, $60,228
• West Hants Dial-A-Ride, $34,396