It will be free to ride a bus, take a ferry in Halifax this Friday and Saturday
From a transit perspective, the first weekend in December is one of the busiest of the year.
“We know folks are out and about and are celebrating with friends and family and we want to ensure that there is a weekend where people could take advantage of the services,” says Marley MacDonald, the director of responsibility and sustainability for the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission.
So, in partnership with Halifax Transit, all services will be free this weekend.
“We have a long-standing partnership with MADD Canada. They have lots of statistics that show increased impaired driving around moments of celebration, including the holidays,” MacDonald says.
The Nova Scotia RCMP is aware of those stats, too.
“Over the holidays we’re going to set up checkpoints to be more visible, but these activities are done throughout the year,” says Cst. Dominic Laflamme.
Laflamme says the public can play a part in keeping the province's roads and highways safe.
“If people suspect an impaired driver on the road just make sure you dial 911. We have officers working throughout the holidays, we are going to have people out there, so if you’re not sure, just don’t risk it, dial 911 and maybe you’re going to save a life on that night.”
Last year, the NSLC's free ride initiative saw more than 30,000 people use public transit.
The NSLC has brought back its free transit initiative. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV Atlantic)
“Things are getting busy and folks are out and heading downtown or heading to friends or family and celebrating together and we wanted to ensure that Halifax transit was an option for folks to get home safely from those celebrations,” says MacDonald.
This is the second year for the transit initiative. It will run from 6 p.m. until the end of service on both Friday and Saturday.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants and bounties for six activists including two Canadians
Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests.
What is flagpoling? A new ban on the practice is starting to take effect
Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as 'flagpoling.'
U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
Read Trudeau's Christmas message
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full.
Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights
American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive.
Economists say more room to fall as Canadian dollar continues downward trend
Experts say the next few months are going to be rough for the Canadian dollar as it appears set to continue its downward trend.
How much is too much alcohol over the holidays? A doctor explains
The holidays are here, as are the parties, happy hours and other get-togethers that often offer abundant mixed drinks, beer and wine.
Quebec fugitive gunned down leaving gym in Mexican resort town
RCMP are confirming that a fugitive, Mathieu Belanger, wanted by Quebec provincial police has died in Mexico, in what local media are calling a murder.
Justin Baldoni's 'Man Enough' podcast co-host Liz Plank announces her departure
Justin Baldoni's 'Man Enough' podcast co-host Liz Plank announced she's stepping away from the show after actress Blake Lively accused the actor and director of sexual harassment and a smear campaign in a civil rights complaint last week.