NOTE: A list of projects follows this release.
Nova Scotians in rural communities will have more accessible transportation after a government investment announced today, Aug. 1.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey, on behalf of Municipal Affairs Minister Mark Furey, announced the funding for new accessible vehicles for eight community transportation organizations.

“The province is committed to helping Nova Scotians in rural communities to get where they need to go,” said Ms. Casey. “We want to ensure that safe and affordable, accessible transportation is available to Nova Scotians.”

Government is investing $412,990 under the Accessible Transportation Assistance Program.

“With the grants from the provincial government, we are able to provide for the transportation needs of seniors, the disabled, and all other Nova Scotians who are transportationally disadvantaged,” said Danny MacGillivray, vice-chair, Rural Transportation Association and executive director of CHAD Transit in Pictou County. “Accessible transportation in rural Nova Scotia contributes to making our province a better place to live and work.”

The program helps rural transit services buy or convert vehicles for accessible transportation. The program provides up to two-thirds of eligible costs, to a maximum of $70,000 for new vehicles, and $15,000 for used vehicles.

Municipal accessible transit services will be eligible to receive 50 per cent of the capital cost of the vehicle to a maximum of $50,000.

“I wouldn’t be able to get out at all without the bus,” said Paulette MacNeil, a client of Colchester Transportation Co-operative Ltd. “I use it to go shopping and to get to all of my appointments.”

Source: Release