Federal government and Nova Scotia give rural transit a boost in Colchester and Cumberland counties

TRURO, NS, Oct. 1, 2026 /CNW/ -- Transit services in Colchester and Cumberland counties will improve after an investment of more than $1.3 million from the federal and provincial governments.

This was announced by MP Alana Hirtle, Minister Dave Ritcey, Sue Taylor of the Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd, and Peter Lewis of Cumberland County Transportation Services.

In Colchester County, funds will be used to purchase two vans and two accessible minibuses to expand transit services. Transit services will also improve in Cumberland County with the purchase of one hybrid vehicle and a minibus.

Public transit is integral to the well-being of communities, helping people access the services they rely on for their health and well-being. These investments will make it easier for residents to get where they need to go, improving the lives of those who need this essential service.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is proud to support these projects that will improve transit services for people in Colchester and Cumberland counties. Investment in rural transit contributes to more inclusive and supportive communities, connecting residents to employment, healthcare, education, social services, and more."

Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester

"Our government is helping to build up transit in Cumberland and Colchester so people have more options to get to appointments, to run errands, or just to visit friends. By supporting our local community transportation providers, we ensure that people have a safe and accessible way to travel."

The Honourable Dave Ritcey, Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Truro–Bible Hill–Millbrook–Salmon River, on behalf of the Honourable Fred Tilley, Nova Scotia Minister of Public Works

"Funding from the Government of Canada through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund will make a meaningful difference in our ability to provide safe, reliable and accessible transportation. This investment will help us strengthen our service, reduce transportation barriers and keep rural residents connected to essential services and their communities. We sincerely thank the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia for their continued investment in rural community transportation."

Sue Taylor, Executive Director, Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd.

"The financial assistance from the Rural Transit Solutions Fund will enable CCTS to expand their existing service throughout Cumberland County with the addition of a 14-passenger bus and hybrid van. By developing a fixed flex route around the county, this will help to improve the quality of life and safety of equity seeking groups, wishing to use transit to access employment, education and health services. CCTS would like to acknowledge the continued financial support from the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia to rural transportation in Nova Scotia."

Peter Lewis, Chairperson of Cumberland County Transportation Services

Quick Facts

• The federal government is investing $707,594 to support the Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd. and $376,805 to support Cumberland County Transportation Services through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF). The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing up to $176,899 to support the Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd. and up to $94,201 to support Cumberland County Transportation Services.
• The RTSF supports a range of public transit models including fixed-route transit, flex-route transit, demand-response transit, community shuttles and Mobility-as-a-Service. In addition to supporting the purchase of rolling stocks, the RTSF also provides funding for fixed infrastructure that enhances access to public transit.
• A minimum of 10% of RTSF's funding is allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.
• One in five Canadians live in rural communities. Rural communities in Canada account for nearly 30% of the nation's gross domestic product.
• The RTSF complements Canada's strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through the plan the federal government has committed to providing funding for public transit to support making clean and affordable transportation available in every community.
• The Government of Canada is taking concrete actions to strengthen the economy by investing in Canadians and supporting Canadian businesses.
• Federal actions are creating good jobs, accelerating home building and helping communities grow across the country.
• The funding announced today builds on the federal government's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.
• Federal funding is conditional on the signing of contribution agreements.

Associated Links

Rural Transit Solutions Fund
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/rural-trans-rural/index-eng.html 

Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html 

Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html 

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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Arianna Durgerian, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Megan Couture, Link Nova Scotia, 902-237-1657, [email protected]; Sue Taylor, Executive Director, Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd., 902-896-8959, [email protected]; Helen Sims, Operations Manager, Cumberland County Transportation Services, 902-667-8149, [email protected]