Funding Puts More Buses on Road in Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Cape Breton Regional Municipality will purchase three buses to add to its existing public transportation fleet with $250,000 provided by the province.
Students at Cape Breton University, in particular international students, have increased the demand for public transportation.
“When people have better access to affordable, accessible and reliable transportation they can participate more fully in their communities,” said Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Energy and Mines, on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine. “This investment will ensure students and other bus users can more easily get to schools, work, appointments and social events.”
Cape Breton University has seen a significant increase in international student enrolment this school year. In September, the university attracted 800 new international students and an additional 500 registered this January. The university currently has about 2,600 international students.
“I am so pleased we were able to work with the province and Cape Breton University to expand our fleet. With an 80 per cent increase in ridership, Transit Cape Breton has come a long way in a very short time,” said Mayor Cecil Clarke, Cape Breton Regional Municipality. “This investment further supports getting residents to school, work, shopping and medical appointments through more timely and reliable bus service.”
“Providing accessible transportation to our students and ensuring that they have safe and affordable passage to and from campus every day is so important to Cape Breton University,” said David Dingwall, president, Cape Breton University. “We’re thrilled that our students will benefit from this funding and look forward to continuing to work with the municipality and the Province of Nova Scotia.”
As part of the Culture Action Plan’s mandate to strengthen communities, the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage has earmarked more than $2.3 million for community transportation this year.