SYDNEY, N.S. — Inside a CBRM bus warehouse on Welton Street Tuesday, surrounded by enormous tires and vehicles in various stage of repair, Nova Scotia Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine announced $1.2 million for the area’s transit system, plus an additional $300,000 for a bus shelter at Cape Breton University.
“Access to affordable and reliable transportation is an important part of any community,” said Glavine. “Strengthening community transportation is truly a strategic investment in the economic and social development of a community.”
The $1.2 million will go towards buying six more buses for the community, including five used and one new bus. The announcement was welcome news to Kathy Donovan, the CBRM’s manager of transit and fleet maintenance.
“We’re grateful to the province for the contributions that they’re making to transit, helping us to bring our fleet a little bit closer to where we need it to be,” says Donovan, adding that transit needs have almost tripled over the past few years.
“Contributions like this put us one step closer to keeping our current routes the way we want them and maintaining the level of service that our patrons expect. People are using more transit. And of course we have the international students who certainly put transit on this course but because we have designed our runs better and we’re providing a better, more reliable service, local residents of Cape Breton are also beginning to use transit more ... it’s now a form of transportation that you can count on.”
CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke agreed the transit system has come a long way over the past few years.
“When I think back to 2012 and we were around the council table, we were considering the disbanding of the transit service - that was our budget option before us,” said Clarke, adding council kept the service going and it has since gone on to become a vital part of the community, especially in regards to students.
CBU president David Dingwall re-iterated the need for a reliable bus service.
“Public transportation is so important for our students,” said Dingwall. “This new bus shelter will help them be comfortable and better protected while using this essential service.”
Parteek (Gunny) Brar, president of CBU’s student union, said he was happy with Tuesday’s announcement.
“Adding six buses will certainly help the transit here in Cape Breton and will definitely help students,” said Brar.
He’s pleased with the addition of the on-campus bus shelter, especially with winter coming. But he adds even more buses may need to be added in the future as more international students make their way to the island.
“A lot of work is needed in transit - this is definitely the right step in that direction.”
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