Inter-municipal Transit

Inter-municipal transit can provide regular, dependable bus service, travelling between rural towns and key destinations in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Buses would be equipped for longer-haul trips and carry passengers in comfort at a reasonable cost.

This service can better connect communities, coordinating with existing fixed-route services run by municipalities (Bridgewater, Kings, Halifax). Options for new Park & Rides will be assessed at key locations (like the Halifax Stanfield International Airport) as this could extend transit access to even more people.

Along with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), ferry service and expanded community transportation operations, inter-municipal transit would form a future integrated transit network.

Action 1.3.1: Launch an Inter-municipal Transit Service and establish new Park & Ride lots to expand its reach.

Regular fixed-route transit service between Halifax and surrounding communities will improve access to key destinations and make travel between communities more affordable for everyone. New Park & Rides at key locations primarily outside of HRM and at Halifax Stanfield International Airport will enable more people to access this service, help lower fuel, parking, and other vehicle related costs, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Inter-municipal transit service can also build ridership for potential future rail service within these key regional corridors.

Goal 1 | Strengthen Regional Connections

Strategy 1.3 | Build an Integrated Transit Network

Challenges Addressed

Benefits

Flexible and scalable.
Reduces transportation costs.
Improves access to employment, education, healthcare and other services. Helps employers access the province’s primary labour force in Halifax.
Removes transportation barriers.
Reduces isolation for rural Nova Scotians and provides access to key destinations across the region for locals and visitors to the province.

Status

A study is underway to further determine routing options, vehicles, and detailed costs. Results of this study could determine the first pilot route for the service.

Related Projects

A map shows urban HRM, with Lower Sackville to the north, Cole Harbour to the East, Bedford and Clayton Park to the West, and Spryfield and the mouth of Halifax Harbour to the south. Solid lines show the four planned bus rapid transit routes, Dartmouth Crossing to Larry Uteck, Saint Mary’s University to Lacewood Terminal in Clayton Park, Portland Hills to Dalhousie University, and downtown Halifax to Spryfield. Dashed lines show future frequent service or possible extensions, travelling across the MacKay Bridge, on Main Street in Dartmouth, along Parkland Drive, Main Avenue, Kearney Lake Road / Larry Uteck Boulevard, Bedford Highway, on Highway 102, to West Bedford, and to Lower Sackville via Magazine Hill. Solid lines show existing ferries at Alderney and Woodside, and the planned high-speed ferry at Mill Cove, all travelling to downtown Halifax. Dashed lines show proposed high-speed ferries at Shannon Park, Larry Uteck, and potenital future ferry service to Eastern Passage and Purcell's Cove.

Rapid Transit

Community Transportation

A train passes by a platform at high speed at night. The long exposure of the image stretches and distorts the train.

Rail Feasibility Study