Nova Scotians Get Better Access to Community Transportation

Government is helping Nova Scotians access affordable, accessible and reliable transportation options.

This year, 11 organizations will receive funding under the Accessible Transportation Assistance Program to help purchase accessible vehicles. Eighteen organizations will receive funding under the Community Transportation Assistance Program to support annual operating costs.

“Access to public transportation is essential for connecting people to employment, important appointments and maintaining independence,” said Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage Leo Glavine. “These investments will support a stronger and more vibrant Nova Scotia.”

One of the grant recipients is Kings Point to Point Transit. It will receive over $100,000 toward the purchase of two new accessible vans. This organization also receives $150,000 in annual operating funding.

“Last year Kings Point to Point Transit had an exceptional year with a 25 per cent increase in ridership,” said Helen Juskow, chair of Kings Point to Point Transit Society. “We are grateful to the province for their funding support, otherwise we would not have the vehicles needed on the road to meet our increasing demand.”

The Community Transportation Assistance Program provides over $1.7 million in operating funding to 18 door-to-door community transit services.

For more information and a complete list of Community Transportation Assistance Program grant recipients visit https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-funding-operating-costs-community-based-transportation-service-community-transportation-assistance-program .

The Accessible Transportation Assistance Program is an application-based program that provides over $700,000 to organizations to help purchase accessible vehicles.

The Accessible Transportation Assistance Program supports government’s efforts to achieve an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030. Last year, government released the province’s strategy for accessibility, Access by Design 2030, which identifies priorities to achieve the goals set out in the Accessibility Act.

A list of all organizations receiving grants and more information on the Accessible Transportation Assistance Program is available at https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-funding-buy-or-modify-accessible-vehicles-accessible-transportation-assistance-program .

Improving access to community transportation is a cornerstone of government’s Poverty Reduction Blueprint and is identified as a priority in SHIFT – Nova Scotia’s Action Plan for an Aging Population.