Free Bus Pass Program Expanding to Cape Breton
Income assistance recipients, their spouses and dependants, and Disability Support Program participants in Cape Breton Regional Municipality will soon be able to ride the bus for free. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)
Eligible Nova Scotians living in Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) will soon have access to free public transit.
Free annual bus passes will be provided to income assistance recipients, their spouses and dependants, and Disability Support Program participants.
“Having the freedom to move around your community – to get to work, appointments, school, or to simply connect with others – is something many people count on every day,” said Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “Through our new community bus pass program, we’re working with our partners at CBRM on a solution that gives more people access to reliable public transportation and the freedom and opportunity that come with it.”
The program builds on the success of a similar program that launched in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) in 2018 as a pilot and was made permanent in 2021. It is expected to launch in CBRM this fall.
Those eligible for the program will receive a pass for Transit Cape Breton at no cost to them. People are not required to provide proof of their transportation needs to access the program. More information on receiving the passes will be available later this summer.
Quotes:
“This partnership supports greater equity in our community by removing a financial barrier to getting around. We’re proud to work with the Province to ensure more CBRM residents stay connected. Whether it’s getting to a job interview, a medical appointment or the grocery store, this program will make everyday life more accessible for those who need it most.”
— Cecil Clarke, Mayor, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
“This opportunity will have a tremendous impact on our youth. It will alleviate a huge financial barrier and allow more youth the opportunity to access supports and services with ease and connect to the community in meaningful ways.”
— Larissa Rodriguez, Manager, Abbey Ridge supportive living program for youth, CBRM
“This program brings with it both social and economic benefits with new opportunities for social activities, employment and education. It promotes social equity and inclusion for many who have been left behind and will improve social connections. Families will now be able to hop on a bus and go to YMCA CB, an outdoor concert at a park and have more choices of where to shop for food and essentials. For many, the money they save can be redirected to other essential needs. For those we serve and their advocates, this is an important step in local poverty reduction. It also gives folks the dignity they deserve.”
— Dorothy Halliday, Executive Director, Community CARES Youth Outreach, Sydney Mines
Quick Facts:
- about 7,265 people are eligible for the program in CBRM
- program costs will depend on uptake
- about 8,900 people are currently using the program in HRM
Additional Resources:
News release – Free Halifax Regional Municipality Bus Pass Program Becomes Permanent: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2021/06/24/free-halifax-regional-municipality-bus-pass-program-becomes-permanent
Transit Cape Breton: https://cbrm.ns.ca/transit
Income assistance program: https://novascotia.ca/coms/employment/income_assistance/index.html
Disability Support Program: https://novascotia.ca/coms/disabilities/index.html