Community Transportation Action Plan Strengthening Communities Through Transportation
We are making community transportation more affordable, accessible, convenient, and reliable.
Nova Scotia is fortunate to have many community transportation options, but gaps still exist. Working with partners and communities, the Government of Nova Scotia is investing in new ideas, approaches, and programs to close these gaps. The goal is to improve transportation options within and between communities, and to make it easier for people to get to the places they need to go.
Affordable and accessible community transportation helps Nova Scotians get to work, school, and important appointments, stay connected with friends and neighbours, and maintain active and independent lifestyles.
Our Work
In collaboration with partners and stakeholders we will support local community transportation services in areas that are unserved or underserved. This work will make it easier for Nova Scotians to access services, jobs, and schools in their communities, and travel between communities and to Halifax. Together, through community-based planning, we can ensure Nova Scotians are connected to services, to opportunities, and to each other.
More options for community transportation also means more Nova Scotians can ‘age in place’ as outlined in SHIFT: Nova Scotia’s Action Plan for an Aging Population; this will help ensure more Nova Scotians can grow older in their homes and stay involved and connected to their communities.
| Actions | Completed | In progress/upcoming |
|---|---|---|
| Help create the Cape Breton Regional Municipality Transportation Lab to identify transportation needs and opportunities to meet those needs — especially for persons with diabilities, those seeking employment opportunities, and persons living in poverty. |  |
|
| Support a new service from Bridgewater to Halifax, connecting key communities along the route. | |
|
| Create the Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network to provide advice to grow and expand the number of community transportation service providers, to help government develop policies, and to develop a five-year plan for community transportation in Nova Scotia. | |
|
| Change legislation and polices to support community transportation. | |
|
| Develop information on insurance requirements for community transportation services. | |
|
| Explore dispatch system and ride-hailing options for rural Nova Scotia. | |
|
| Increase funding for the Community Transportation Assistance Program (CTAP) program, helping service providers better meet the increasing demand for community transportation. | |
|
| Increase funding for the Accessible Transportation Assistance Program (ATAP), enabling organizations and municipalities to replace aging vehicles (thus reducing maintence costs) and buy more accessible vehicles to meet increased demand. | |
To Learn More
To speak to someone about the community transportation needs in your community and how you may be able to help meet those needs, contact:
Phone: 902-424-3007
or email Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network at connect@communitytransitns.ca.