**** CNS Media Release
Funding for Transit Service Providers Across the Province
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To help offset fare revenue lost as people stayed home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is distributing $10.9 million to transit service providers throughout the province.
In total, 20 community transit operators and eight fixed route operators (e.g. Halifax Transit and Transit CBRM) will receive one-time funding to help make sure that Nova Scotia communities have safe, accessible and efficient public transit options.
“Dependable transit makes communities stronger,” said Kim Masland, Minister of Public Works. “This funding does more than just help operators maintain invaluable transit services, it helps Nova Scotians get to work safely, allows them to attend important appointments, and helps combat loneliness and isolation by making it easier for them to participate in activities they enjoy.”
The funding comes from a federal investment of $750 million to help municipalities across the country maintain transit service levels in the face of decreased ridership due to the pandemic.
To access the funding, provinces were required to match the federal contribution in transit investments and also support improvements in housing supply. Provinces and territories are required to allocate their share of the federal funding based on overall transit ridership but have the discretion to make adjustments so that all operators in their jurisdictions received a nominal amount.
Quotes:
“Public transit plays an important role in keeping our neighbours connected, our economy in motion, and our communities moving forward. I’m thrilled to see a federal investment of $10.9 million for 28 transit operators across Nova Scotia that will help ensure Nova Scotians have access to the reliable transit options they need to fully participate in their community.”
– Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
“The pandemic was – and continues to be – hard on our communities. At a time when we can all use a little extra support, this funding will help us continue to provide our clients and neighbours with affordable and accessible transportation that enhances connections in our community and helps reduce social isolation.”
– Tara Smith, Chair, Queens County Transit Board
“Not everyone realizes that it can be a real barrier when you don’t have dependable transportation. For my son, Jordan, and I, being able to access the services of Queens County Transit makes it easier for us to live and engage in our community and supports our right to have choice and independence.”
– Sue Brenko, client, Queens County Transit
Quick Facts:
— in May, the Nova Scotia Community Transportation Assistance Program provided almost $2 million in operating funding to 20 community transit operators
— also in May, 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:
News release – Federal government announces an investment in public transit systems across Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2022/02/federal-government-announces-an-investment-in-public-transit-systems-across-canada.html
Department of Public Works on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NS_PublicWorks
Queens County Transit: https://qct.ruralrides.ca/
Community Transit Operators
— Antigonish Community Transit Society, $64,052
— BayRides (St. Margaret’s Bay Community Transit), $49,244
— CHAD Transit, Pictou County, $96,167
— Chester Community Wheels, $30,728
— Colchester Transportation Cooperative Limited, $68,233
— Cumberland County Transportation Society, $47,041
— East Hants Community Rider, $65,882
— HOPE Dial-a-Ride, Yarmouth, $76,909
— Kings Point-To-Point Transit, $88,854
— La Coopérative de Transport de Chéticamp Ltée, $53,392
— Le Transport de Clare, $88,405
— Musgo Rider, $53,430
— Musgo Valley-Sheet Harbour, $34,659
— Queens Transit Society, $46,617
— Sou’West Nova Transit, $42,560
— Strait Area Transit, $41,436
— Trans County Transportation Society, Annapolis Valley, $53,030
— Transit Association of Guysborough, $15,012
— Victoria County Transit, $30,083
— West Hants Dial-a-Ride, $52,368
Fixed Route Operators
— Halifax Transit, $8,655,876
— Transit CBRM, $359,809
— Kings Transit Authority (Grand Pre-Weymouth), $332,392
— Bridgewater Transit, $113,839
— Yarmouth Transit (town), $108,170
— Pictou County Transit (Stellarton and New Glasgow), $109,722
— Antigonish Community Transit Society, $101,620
— Strait Area Transit (Inverness), $101,472
