ELMSDALE: Residents across East Hants will have several opportunities this fall to have their say on a proposed scheduled transit service that could make it easier to travel between communities, workplaces, schools and essential services.
The Municipality of East Hants is exploring the possibility of introducing a scheduled transit bus service, with Municipal Council recently voting to seek public feedback on proposed routes following the latest business plan update for Transit.
The first proposed pilot route would connect Lantz, Elmsdale, Enfield and Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Municipal staff and project consultants will be on hand at a series of public engagement sessions to explain the proposed service, including potential routes, costs, timetables and the expected benefits to residents, businesses and the environment.
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Public sessions begin Oct. 6
The first of five in-person open houses will be held Oct. 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lloyd E. Matheson Building, 15 Commerce Court in Elmsdale.
Additional in-person sessions are scheduled for:
Oct. 15, 7–8:30 p.m. — East Hants Sportsplex, Lantz
Oct. 19, 7–8:30 p.m. — Nine Mile River Hall
Oct. 29, 7–8:30 p.m. — Shubenacadie Legion
Nov. 4, 7–8:30 p.m. — Enfield Fire Hall
Two virtual town halls will also be held Nov. 9 and Nov. 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The virtual sessions will cover the same information as the in-person open houses.
Residents who cannot attend an engagement session can also provide feedback through an online survey. The approximately five-minute survey asks about transportation needs, current travel habits and interest in public transit.
Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/easthants-transit
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The municipality says dependable public transportation could help connect East Hants residents with employment, healthcare, post-secondary education and other essential services.
A transit service could also help households reduce transportation costs associated with fuel, vehicle maintenance, parking and long-distance travel.
For seniors, youth, people with disabilities and lower-income residents, improved transportation could provide greater independence and opportunities to remain connected to their communities.
The municipality also points to potential economic and environmental benefits, including helping local businesses access a broader workforce, supporting investment, reducing traffic congestion and providing residents with a more sustainable transportation option.
While the Lantz-Elmsdale-Enfield-Airport route is being proposed as the initial pilot, information about potential future routes and timetables will also be shared during the public engagement process.
The municipality is encouraging residents to take part and provide feedback on where transit is needed most and what a service should look like to meet the needs of East Hants residents, workers, students and visitors.
