A new bus stop in Dartmouth Crossing meant to provide easier access to IKEA isn’t sitting well with many shoppers.
Halifax Transit took to social media, describing the stop as a way to offer “closer service” to the Swedish furniture giant. But many disagree, including area councillors.
"Before it opened up we inquired about having a route go right by. At that point and time, (Halifax) Transit said to us, ‘Well, let's wait and see what happens and the popularity of IKEA,’ so when it opened up the popularity has been double what they expected," says Tony Mancini, councillor for Dartmouth Crossing.
Mancini says people in the area have asked him for a bus route directly to the store, and he hopes to see that happen in time.
"It's not like people are just buying placemats. That's great, but if you're just buying something more significant, how do you move that if you don't have your own vehicle?” Mancini asks.
Councillor Sam Austin acknowledges IKEA is a challenging spot for Halifax Transit service.
“We've done this over and over with Bayers Lake, Burnside, they all have the same problems. They're car-centric," Austin says.
Municipal officials say a route directly to IKEA is not in the plan for now, and likely won't be for some time.
"Right now what we've done is put two new stops at the best locations possible to accommodate buses in the beginning of intersections looking at places where it is accessible," says HRM spokesperson Nick Ritcey.
CTV’s Suzette Belliveau walked up the hill to IKEA from the bus stop for perspective. The walk was a total of 0.79 kilometres, taking her just over seven minutes.
Many people have taken to social media to voice their frustration with the circumstances. Councillors say they're concerned for the employees who need to make the trek up to work, along with shoppers trying to make it home.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Suzette Belliveau.
