Better Access to Community-Based Transportation Programs
People across Nova Scotia will have improved access to local transportation options through a new project led by the Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network.
Following a competitive tender process, the network selected Blaise Transit to customize and implement a new centralized dispatch system for community transit operators in up to 23 communities.
“Dependable transit makes communities stronger,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “I want to thank the Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network for their leadership on this project and I know that the network and Blaise Transit will work hard to develop a technology solution that meets the specific needs of our Nova Scotian communities.”
The new software platform will improve access for clients and enhance efficiency for operators. The Province is providing $525,000 over three years to support the project.
Most community transportation services are operated by not-for-profit groups that use a “dial-a-ride” model for bookings. This will be the first provincewide transit dispatch operators partnership in Canada and will serve as a leader for other networks and transit agencies looking to implement similar solutions.
The non-profit Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network is dedicated to building a strong, integrated community transportation sector across rural Nova Scotia. Acting as a hub for providers, funders and clients, the network fosters information sharing, education and innovation within the sector.
Based in Montreal, Blaise Transit has experience developing and deploying on-demand transit and dispatch management platforms across North America and has successfully tailored solutions to meet the needs of numerous small communities.
Quotes:
“Across Nova Scotia, operators work hard to give their neighbours and communities reliable transportation. This new dispatch system will support those efforts by improving the booking experience for everyone involved. We are extremely proud that this project is moving forward, and we are pleased to have an experienced partner like Blaise Transit helping us make it a reality.”
– Leslie Taylor, Co-ordinator, Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network
Quick Facts:
- in November, the government distributed $10.9 million in COVID-19 relief funding to transit service providers throughout the province
- in May 2022, the Nova Scotia Community Transportation Assistance Program provided almost $2 million in operating funding to 20 community transit operators
- also in May 2022, the Nova Scotia Public Transit Assistance Program provided $2.9 million to fixed-route transit services to support capital purchases, such as new buses
Additional Resources:
Department of Public Works on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NS_PublicWorks