Community Bus Pass Program Launching in Cape Breton

Getting around Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) will be easier for thousands of eligible low-income residents with the expansion of the Province’s Community Bus Pass Program.

Under the program, a free Transit Cape Breton pass is available to income assistance recipients, their spouses and dependants, and Disability Support Program participants. About 7,300 people in CBRM are eligible for a pass.

“Reliable transportation is essential for people to fully participate in their communities,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “Thousands of people in Cape Breton now have the freedom to get to work, school, medical appointments and community activities – without the cost barrier.”

Starting today, November 4, eligible people can book an appointment online to have their photo taken for the pass at one of three Opportunities and Social Development offices in CBRM. The first appointments will be November 12.

People will receive a temporary pass on the spot, and a permanent pass will arrive in the mail. People are not required to provide proof of their transportation needs to access the program.

Quotes:

“We know how important transportation is to staying connected, accessing services within the community and maintaining independence. This program will make a meaningful difference for many residents by removing a barrier that can limit opportunity and participation in daily life.”
— Cecil Clarke, Mayor, Cape Breton Regional Municipality

“The Community Bus Pass Program will have an amazing, positive impact for the clients of Cape Breton Community Housing. Transportation can be a major challenge for vulnerable individuals as they navigate community resources and amenities. This program will help eliminate some of these challenges so that individuals can focus on other important aspects of living fully within communities. It is a game-changer.”
— Fred Deveaux, Executive Director, Cape Breton Community Housing Association

“Our clients have all been awaiting this announcement! Often, housing becomes available in towns on the outskirts of Sydney which are more affordable, but clients feel they will be isolated from the services offered here in Sydney such as the Ally Centre. Having a bus pass will alleviate isolation for many folks and improve access to healthcare, housing and many other supports. It will also alleviate some of the financial strain on community-based organizations who often had to provide bus fare or tickets to allow clients to access necessary services.”
— Christine Porter, Executive Director, Ally Centre of Cape Breton

Quick Facts:

• program costs in CBRM will depend on uptake
• about 8,900 people are currently using the program in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), where it began as a pilot in 2018 and was made permanent in 2021
• the program opened to Disability Support Program participants in HRM October 6

Additional Resources:

Community Bus Pass Program: https://novascotia.ca/bus-pass/

News release – Free Bus Pass Program Expanding to Cape Breton https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/07/03/free-bus-pass-program-expanding-cape-breton

Transit Cape Breton: https://cbrm.ns.ca/transit

Employment Support and Income Assistance program: https://novascotia.ca/coms/employment/income_assistance/index.html

Disability Support Program: https://novascotia.ca/coms/disabilities/index.html