Ottawa pledges $148K for transit studies in three rural Nova Scotia regions

A highway in Nova Scotia is pictured. (Source: Government of Nova Scotia)

Three Nova Scotia regions will undertake transit studies with $148,000 in funding from the federal government, announced Thursday.

The Annapolis Valley, the Municipality of the County of Inverness and the Town of Mahone Bay are all set to participate.

Tidal Transit Authority will undertake the study in Annapolis Valley to “modernize their existing transit infrastructure to support the introduction of lower-emission vehicles into their service,” according to the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

“Tidal Transit is committed to lowering their carbon footprint with lower emission vehicles, and this study is the first step,” says MP for Kings-Hants Kody Blois in the announcement.

The Municipality of the County of Inverness will assess the efficiency of their transit system by determining transit needs with transportation providers, partners, and communities.

“In a rural county like ours, transportation is essential, especially for seniors, people with health challenges or disabilities, low-income residents, and newcomers who rely on it most,” says Inverness County Warden Bonny MacIsaac in the announcement.

The Town of Mahone Bay will be exploring zero-emissions transportation options for the town and surrounding region.

“Due to the rural nature of our town, we don’t have a conventional transit system. Our residents have unique transit needs. We are hoping that this money from the Rural Transportation Solutions Fund can help us address those needs,” says Mahone Bay Mayor Suzanne Lohnes-Croft.

The federal funding comes as part of the government’s Atlantic Growth strategy, aimed at creating jobs and strengthening local economies.

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