Acadian, SMT, Apply for Bus-Fare Increases

UTILITY AND REVIEW BOARD–Acadian, SMT, Apply for Bus-Fare Increases

Acadian Lines Ltd. and SMT (EASTERN) Ltd. have applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board to increase fares on their scheduled bus service by approximately five per cent.

Acadian Lines rates are proposed to increase as follows:

• an increase to 13.2 cents per kilometre from 12.6 cents for the first 250 kilometres.

• an increase to 11.6 cents per kilometre from 11 cents for each additional kilometre.

• the minimum charge is being increased from $4.50 to $4.75 (HST not included).

The companies have indicated that the increases are necessary due to increased operating costs.

A copy of the proposed rates may be requested by contacting the Board’s Public Passenger Division.

A hearing into the application will be held Friday, June 22, at 10 a.m. in the office of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, Summit Place, Third Floor, 1601 Lower Water St., Halifax. All persons are entitled to attend.

Anyone wishing to present evidence or cross-examine witnesses should file notice of intention with the Board not later than June 14.

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed amendments may do so by sending a letter to: the Clerk of the Board, Box 1692, Unit “M”, Halifax, N.S. B3J 3S3, by e-mailing [email protected] , by faxing 902-424-3919, or by calling the Clerk at 902-424-4448.

Further information about the proposed amendments can be obtained from the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, Public Passenger Division, 902-424-3588; the clerk''s office, 424-4448; or by contacting staff at Acadian Lines Ltd. at 6040 Almon St., Halifax, N.S. B3K 1T8, 902-454-9321 or 1-800-567-5151.