Governments deliver accessible minivans for residents of Kings County

GRAND PRÉ, NS, June 25 /CNW Telbec/ - Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova; Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations; and Naomi Blanchard, chair of Kings Para-Transit Society, today announced funds for two new accessible vehicles for the residents of Kings County, Nova Scotia.

"Our government is working with our provincial colleagues to support, strengthen and enhance Canadian communities," said MP Kerr. "These new minivans will provide safe, reliable and accessible transportation services to the residents of Kings County, making it easier for everyone to use the public transit system."

"Investing in organizations such as Kings Para-Transit helps build a better, healthier environment and sustainable communities for our future," said Minister Jennex. "The launch of these new accessible vehicles is a fine example of the many ways we are working to help communities become healthier and more prosperous for the benefit of all Nova Scotians."

Kings Para-Transit Society, a community-based accessible transportation service, provides services to residents with disabilities, seniors and others in need throughout Kings County. These new accessible vehicles will help accommodate the growing number of residents who require this transit service in and around the community. The two new vehicles will significantly increase the wheelchair-accessible services being offered, as well as expand Para-Transit's existing services for the community. The first vehicle, a 2009 GMC Uplander, has the capacity to carry four passengers, or one wheelchair and one passenger, while the second, a 2010 Dodge Caravan, seats five passengers, or two wheelchairs and one passenger.

Ms. Blanchard thanked the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia for their continuous support over the years. "These two programs have been invaluable in replacing and upgrading Kings Para-Transit's fleet for the past five years. Without the generous support, it is unlikely that KPT would have accumulated the monetary resources to maintain their fleet and continue to provide Kings County residents with such a valuable service," she said.

Kings Para-Transit Society received $76,708 in funding through the Government of Canada's Public Transit Capital Trust 2008. In addition, the Government of Nova Scotia contributed $20,000 through its Accessible Transportation Assistance Program and the Kings Para-Transit Society provided a $520 contribution for the purchase of the new accessible minivans.

In Budget 2008, the Government of Canada provided $500 million for the Public Transit Capital Trust, which helps to fund public transit projects such as rapid transit, transit buses, and high-occupancy vehicle and bicycle lanes.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

For further information: Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055; Deborah Bayer, Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Secretariat, 902-424-0112; Alexia J. Forrester, Office of Greg Kerr, MP, West Nova, 613-944-6597; Naomi Blanchard, Kings Para-Transit Society, 902-542-1084