Two new buses on the way for Strait Area transit service

The Strait Area Transit Co-operative, a community transit service for southern Cape Breton, is expanding its fleet with the help of funding from both the federal and provincial governments. Established in 2008, the co-operative has recently placed an order for two new 16-seat accessible buses to enhance its charter services and boost ridership on fixed routes between Port Hawkesbury, N.S., and the Inverness County communities of Port Hood and Inverness.

With Ottawa contributing $340,000 through the federal Rural Transit Solutions Fund and the province adding an extra $85,000, the co-operative will soon see its fleet grow to nine vehicles. These buses will be operated by 11 drivers who provide fixed-route travel between Port Hawkesbury and Inverness, as well as pre-booked Dial-A-Ride services in Richmond County.

The general manager of the co-operative, Nichole Briand, highlighted the increasing demand for their services. While the pandemic initially led to a decrease in usage, once social-distancing restrictions were lifted in early 2022, the co-operative experienced a significant rebound in ridership. In fact, by 2024, they had nearly doubled their numbers from the previous year.

Briand also mentioned that their charter services are not only popular for large groups but also cater to events where drinking and driving may be a concern. The new buses are expected to arrive by midsummer, just in time for the busiest time of the year for charter operations.

Zelma Mariner, a long-time driver for the co-operative, emphasized the vital role that the service plays in the community, particularly for residents in need of transportation for various purposes. From bringing students to school to assisting seniors with medical appointments and shopping trips, Mariner sees firsthand the impact of the co-operative’s services on the lives of local residents.

As the co-operative looks forward to the arrival of their new buses, Mariner expressed gratitude for the government funding that made it possible. She emphasized the importance of the service, stating, “We need this service so bad. Everybody appreciates it.” With the support of government funding, the co-operative is poised to better serve the transportation needs of the community while continuing to grow and improve their services.