N.S. provides one-time payment to transit operators to offset losses during COVID-19 pandemic

A Halifax Transit bus arrives at a terminal in Dartmouth, N.S. on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

The Nova Scotia government is providing $10.9 million to transit service providers throughout the province to help offset fare revenue lost from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 In total, 28 operators will share the one-time payment, including eight fixed route operators and 20 community transit operators.

The funding comes from a federal investment of $750 million to help municipalities across the country maintain transit service levels in the face of decreased ridership due to the pandemic.

"Dependable transit makes communities stronger," said Minister of Public Works Kim Masland, in a news release Friday.

"This funding does more than just help operators maintain invaluable transit services, it helps Nova Scotians get to work safely, allows them to attend important appointments, and helps combat loneliness and isolation by making it easier for them to participate in activities they enjoy."

The eight fixed tour operators include:

• Halifax Transit, $8,655,876
• Transit CBRM, $359,809
• Kings Transit Authority (Grand Pre-Weymouth), $332,392
• Bridgewater Transit, $113,839
• Yarmouth Transit (town), $108,170
• Pictou County Transit (Stellarton and New Glasgow), $109,722
• Antigonish Community Transit Society, $101,620
• Strait Area Transit (Inverness), $101,472

The 20 community transit operators include:

• Antigonish Community Transit Society, $64,052
• BayRides (St. Margaret's Bay Community Transit), $49,244
• CHAD Transit, Pictou County, $96,167
• Chester Community Wheels, $30,728
• Colchester Transportation Cooperative Limited, $68,233
• Cumberland County Transportation Society, $47,041
• East Hants Community Rider, $65,882
• HOPE Dial-a-Ride, Yarmouth, $76,909
• Kings Point-To-Point Transit, $88,854
• La Coopérative de Transport de Chéticamp Ltée, $53,392
• Le Transport de Clare, $88,405
• Musgo Rider, $53,430
• Musgo Valley-Sheet Harbour, $34,659
• Queens Transit Society, $46,617
• Sou'West Nova Transit, $42,560
• Strait Area Transit, $41,436
• Trans County Transportation Society, Annapolis Valley, $53,030
• Transit Association of Guysborough, $15,012
• Victoria County Transit, $30,083
• West Hants Dial-a-Ride, $52,368