Article content“Tidal Transit has been able to get some newer buses, but none of these are brand new. They’re buying used and trying to do what they can with the assets they have,” Blois said.Article content Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois announces $8 million in federal funding for Tidal Transit through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund. Photo by Kirk Starratt /Valley Journal-AdvertiserArticle contentHe said it’s “absolutely essential” for the federal and provincial governments to provide the capital needed for new infrastructure to improve the service. The service is essential to people who don’t have access to a vehicle, and considering the rising price of gasoline, making it more reliable and convenient is an affordability measure for people struggling with fuel costs.Article content“That’s where Meg and the team are trying to take us,” Blois said.Article contentHe said the federal government is making public transit a priority across Canada. For example, the federal government is also providing Tidal Transit $500,000 a year for 10 years through the Canada Public Transit Fund to support operations and build capacity.Article contentLohr said the provincial government is supporting public transit through Link Nova Scotia, and they recognize how important the well-used Tidal Transit service is to the Annapolis Valley.Article contentArticle content“We’re very aware of the need to upgrade the buses that are here, and obviously when an opportunity comes along to participate with the federal government on funding like this, we’re going to be a part of that.”Article content Nova Scotia Finance Minister John Lohr announces $2 million in provincial funding for Tidal Transit through Link Nova Scotia. Photo by Kirk Starratt /Valley Journal-AdvertiserArticle contentLohr said there are about 125,000 people in Tidal Transit’s catchment area between Grand Pre and Weymouth. He said the transit authority is a great example of the towns and municipalities that own the service working together in partnership.Article contentArticle content‘Truly a lifeline’Article contentKings County Mayor Dave Corkum, chairperson of the Valley Regional Services board that oversees Tidal Transit, said it’s very exciting to see the provincial and federal governments step up to support the purchase of new buses. He said it’s a wonderful day for people who use the service to know they can count on it for years to come.Article content“This fleet that we have here is well past its due date. I congratulate our staff for keeping it rolling the best that they could and congratulate Meg Hodges for her efforts to get the federal and provincial monies together,” Corkum said.Article contentArticle content Tidal Transit will be able replace six of its buses thanks to an investment from the federal and provincial governments announced on Aug. 13. Taking part in the announcement, from left, were Kings North MLA John Lohr, Tidal Transit general manager Meg Hodges, Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois, and Kings County Mayor Dave Corkum. Photo by Kirk Starratt /Valley Journal-AdvertiserArticle contentHe said there are residents who can’t drive or can’t afford their own vehicle. Tidal Transit “means everything to someone that needs the service.”Article content“Tidal Transit is truly a lifeline for so many in the community we jointly serve,” Corkum said.Article contentHe also congratulated other members of the Tidal Transit team who continue to ensure that “the wheels on the bus go round and round,” and the municipal partners that have helped keep the transit authority going since 1981. He pointed out the municipal owners increased their capital and operating contributions this year.Article contentFormerly known as Kings Transit, Tidal Transit is currently owned by seven municipal partners under an intermunicipal service agreement. They include the County of Kings, County of Annapolis, Municipality of the District of Digby, and towns of Kentville, Wolfville, Berwick, and Middleton.Article contentArticle contentAging fleetArticle contentHodges said that when everything is operating as it should, Tidal Transit runs 13 buses to cover its five routes. Hodges said a 2021 model bus with a stainless-steel frame is currently one of the newest in their fleet, and it already has 800,000 km on it.
Government funding announced to replace half of Tidal Transits aging bus fleet
