Government Invests in Community Transportation

The provincial government is investing close to $100,000 for three studies to support community transportation.

“We understand the challenges people have in some areas of the province accessing affordable transportation. This is an important investment that supports building stronger rural communities,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “Access to transportation helps people of all ages get around their communities, whether it’s for social activities, employment, health services or education.”

The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s is receiving $35,000 to develop a business plan exploring options for a new transit service.

Senior Wheels Association of Bridgewater is looking to expand its community transportation service to include the western portion of Lunenburg County. Currently, it provides transportation to seniors and physically disabled people within the Town of Bridgewater and a seven-kilometre radius. The Province is providing $36,000 to fund a business and marketing plan.

Pictou County Transit is looking to expand its service to include the towns of Westville, Trenton and Pictou. The Province is providing $25,000 to study potential routes and costs.

Quotes:

“The municipality is excited to partner with the Nova Scotia Rural Transit Network to assist in the development of a business plan for community transit in St. Mary’s. The project is being led by a management team, consisting of members of Common Good Solutions, Nova Scotia Rural Transit Network, Department of Public Works and St. Mary’s municipal staff. As St. Mary’s is one of only two areas left in the province without a community transit service, the municipality looks forward to exploring the feasibility of a community transit project.”

– Marissa Jordan, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s

Quick Facts:

• the $96,000 provincial investment is through the Strategic Community Transportation Investment Program

Additional Resources:

Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s: https://www.saint-marys.ca/

Senior Wheels Association: https://www.seniorwheels.ca/

Pictou County Transit: https://pctransit.ca/