HALIFAX: The provincial government announced it is investing almost $5 million in transportation services through the Community Transportation Assistance Program (CTAP) and Public Transit Assistance Program (PTAP).
In a press release issued on May 13, the province said 27 municipalities and community organizations will receive funding this fiscal year.
Among the local CTAP recipients is the Antigonish Community Transit Society, which was approved for $85,580. Strait Area Transit was greenlit for $96,984 in funding, while the Transit Association of Guysborough will see $56,000 from the province.
“Funding from the (CTAP) is to be used to help offset the cost of running the service,” Nova Scotia Public Works spokesperson Brett Loney wrote The Reporter via email. “Funding can be used to help cover the administrative and vehicle expenses (fuel, maintenance, etc.) for each organization.”
According to the province, the CTAP is providing almost $2-million in operating funding to 20 door-to-door community transportation services, while the PTAP is providing $2.9-million to seven municipalities and community organizations providing fixed route transit services.
“As for funding under (PTAP), Antigonish Community Transit Society received $25,000 which will go towards the purchase of a new bus,” Loney noted. “Strait Area Transit received $50,000 for their fixed route service which will be used to help purchase a new vehicle for their service.”
“The funds from the Public Transportation Assistance Program are essential to the operation of Strait Area Transit,” Amber Carrigan, Executive Director, Strait Area Transit said. “Without this capital funding, we would not be able to provide inclusive, safe, reliable, and accessible transportation to the residents of Inverness County. With the PTAP funding, we can purchase a new vehicle. Our fixed route service helps to reduce social isolation, promote independence, expand employment opportunities, increase access to health care, access to upgrade education and provides transportation to local food banks and other essential services.”
On May 17, Antigonish MLA Michelle Thompson, Guysborough-Tracadie MLA Greg Morrow, and Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau issued press releases stating that residents will soon have access to improved transportation services, thanks to this funding.
“The benefit of this investment is clear,” said Thompson. “We have people in our community who rely on public transit to get to appointments, to the grocery store or to work and it’s crucial that the system can meet those needs.”
Morrow said residents from Tracadie to Aulds Cove will benefit from the $85,580 in funding for the Antigonish Community Transit Society.
“Many of our residents live quite a distance from grocery stores or the pharmacy and rely on public transportation to get them where they need to go,” said Morrow. “This investment in our communities means people will have greater access to goods and services in our region.”
Boudreau said the $149,984 in total funding to Strait Area Transit will help Richmond County residents.
“There are people in our community who rely on public transportation to get where they need to go,” said Boudreau. “Whether they are heading out to shop, visit family, or get to work, this investment means our residents will be able to count on this service to meet their needs.”