Public transit services expanding to Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton

A new route will connect Sydney, N.S., with Membertou.

Public transit services will soon be accessible for those looking to travel to and from Membertou First Nation in Nova Scotia.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) and Membertou partnered to bring Transit Cape Breton to the community for the first time.

The updated route will start on May 5 and the bus will run every half-an-hour, Monday to Saturday.

“The expanded service aims to support access to employment, education, healthcare, and commercial areas while strengthening connections between Membertou and the surrounding parts of the municipality,” said Cecil Clarke, mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, in a news release Friday.

“This expansion also reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering strong relationships and ensuring that all residents have access to the services and opportunities they need.”

The CBRM says Route 12, which has two-way service between Sydney and Sydney River, will now include 36 new bus stops in Membertou – 18 in each direction.

“This new bus route has been a longtime goal for Membertou, and we’re proud to partner with the CBRM to make public transportation more accessible for our community. It strengthens connections, supports our workforce, and brings us one step closer to truly welcoming the world,” said Terry Paul, chief and CEO of Membertou.

Paul said five new bus shelters will be built in the community to accommodate the new service.

Fares for Membertou are:

• Membertou to Sydney River ($1.25 adult/ $1 senior/child)
• Membertou to CB Regional Hospital ($1.25 adult/ $1 senior/child)
• Membertou to Whitney Pier ($1.25 adult/ $1 senior/child)
• Membertou to Sydney ($1.25 adult/ $1 senior/child)
• Membertou to Mall/Walmart Spar Road ($1.25 adult/ $1 senior/child)
• Membertou to CBU ($2.25 adult/ $2 senior/child)
• Membertou to Glace Bay ($3.25 adult/ $3 senior/child)
• Membertou to New Waterford ($3.25 adult/ $3 senior/child)
• Membertou to Northside ($3.25 adult/ $3 senior/child)

More information for new and existing routes, rider guidelines, bus scheduled, ticket fares and more can be found online.

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