Truro, N.S., mayor says transit link to Halifax would open doors and economy

Nova Scotia is considering a new transit system between Halifax and rural communities.

Truro, N.S., Mayor Cathy Hinton believes a commuter-style transit service connecting Halifax to other nearby towns and communities would be good for the people and the economies on both ends of the road.

“This could be a game changer for us with our geographic central location,” said Hinton. “They don’t call us ‘The Hub’ town for nothing.”

The Nova Scotia Department of Public Works has issued a request for information and is looking for transit providers interested in operating a service that would connect Halifax to towns like Truro, Windsor and Bridgewater.

Public Works Minister Fred Tilley says reliable, affordable transit could ease congestion and expand access to jobs, education, and health care for people around the province.

“The goal would be to have less vehicular traffic on the peninsula,” said Tilley.

The province believes there’s a gap to fill until a regional bus network could even help build ridership for later projects, like light rail.

But Tilley stresses the transit proposal is still in the information gathering stages, and so the big questions remain around ridership costs and scheduling.

“I think this is a service that’s missing,” said Tilley. “As you know, we’re currently doing a study on light rail. So, a project like this could start to build a ridership for a project like that down the road.”

As it stands, the Town of Truro doesn’t have public transit of their own, but Hinton said they expect to bring a transit study soon. It’s a collaboration with the Municipality of Colchester, looking at the feasibility of introducing a bus service.

Hinton says residents want a transit option and can only see the positives of a local transit service being complimented by a wider regional service.

“There are some people who can’t even get to the city now from Truro to Halifax because they don’t have the means to do that,” said Hinton. “Something like this would open up a whole avenue for people.”

Transit operators or interested providers have until May 20 to signal their interest to the province, Tilley believes there’s opportunities out there.

“This is another spoke in the wheel of what we’re trying to do, to alleviate congestion and improve transportation for all Nova Scotians,” said Tilley. “I’m excited to get that information back and look forward to what the future can bring.”

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