Inclusive Transportation Pilot Project

A local non-profit group will be looking at ways to provide transportation for persons with disabilities. The Handicapped Organization Promoting Equality (HOPE) will receive $55,000 in provincial funding for a community-based transportation pilot project for the Yarmouth region.

A community steering committee will be formed to explore opportunities with the aim of implementing feasible options this year.

"Nova Scotia has a higher percentage of disabled persons than any other province in Canada," said Ray White, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "Without sufficient accessible transportation services they are unable to connect with the labour market and successfully participate in their communities."

In response to a need for transportation services that includes all members of our society, the provincial departments of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Community Services, Health, Transportation and Public Works, Education and Culture, the Utility and Review Board, in conjunction with the Disabled Persons' Commission launched the Inclusive Transportation Project this year. The goal is to find innovative, community-based sustainable solutions to improve existing transportation resources.

"Since the loss of our subsidized taxi service a number of years ago, HOPE has been trying to find an adequate transportation system for the disable in the area," said Eleanor Cottreau of HOPE. "We view this pilot as complementing any other existing transportation system in the area. We are pleased to take the lead in this initiative."