New public transit system coming to New Glasgow and Stellarton
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEIGHBOURING MUNICIPALITIES AND CHAD ON ESTABLISHING A NEW PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEM.
Residents of Stellarton and New Glasgow will have access to full-service public transit this spring.
With an investment of $200,000 from the province, the towns will be able to offer a fixed-route bus service through their communities, the first of its kind in the area in decades.
“This is an important investment in the area that supports building stronger rural communities,” said Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. “Access to transportation helps people of all ages stay connected, attend social events, access employment opportunities, important health services, education and so much more.”
CHAD Transit will operate the new service in addition to its existing on-demand, door-to-door service offered for Pictou County residents. The fare for passengers will be $3 with discounts available for youth, seniors and pre-purchased tickets or passes.
Quotes:
Stellarton is pleased the province is nurturing this idea with significant funding. The fixed-route bus service will offer our citizens an affordable, convenient and environmentally-friendly form of transportation. I often hear people question how they can get around without a car. In 2020 and beyond, the answer for Stellarton and New Glasgow residents, will be Pictou County Transit.
Danny MacGillivray, mayor, Town of Stellarton and executive director, CHAD Transit
This is an important initiative for our citizens and our community as it will provide them with the opportunity to shape more aspects of their lives and well-being. I am very happy to have our council understand the community's need and make a three-year commitment to the fixed-route pilot. Public transportation has the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gases which are directly aligned to New Glasgow’s participation to the Partners for Climate Protection program and the Global Covenant of Mayors Pilot Showcase.
Nancy Dicks, mayor, Town of New Glasgow
Quick Facts:
- the $200,000 provincial investment is through the Strategic Community Transportation Investment Program
- this will be a three-year public transit pilot project
- The government invests millions every year to help service providers maintain or expand public transit. Recent examples include $1.5 million for new buses and a bus shelter in Cape Breton Regional Municipality, $350,000 for a new bus in Bridgewater and $3 million through the Public Transit Assistance Program to seven transit providers to help them buy buses, bus terminals, and shelters
- improving access to community transportation is a cornerstone of the government’s Poverty Reduction Blueprint, Community Transportation Action Plan and is identified as a priority in SHIFT – Nova Scotia’s Action Plan for an Aging Population