News Release
HRM Proposal for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Wins Funding
(Wednesday, November 26/2003)-- Commuters in the high-growth areas of Cole Harbour and Sackville will soon be able to leave their vehicles at home and travel by air-conditioned express transit buses to the downtown business district.
Mayor Kelly, on behalf of Regional Council, welcomed an announcement by Transport Canada that an HRM proposal for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was one of several projects across the country to receive funding under the Urban Transportation Showcase Program.
Funding contributions include $8.4 million from HRM; $4.1 million from the Federal government; $786,000 from the Province; and $25,000 from the Ecology Action Centre.
The BRT project, which is part of HRM's overall regional transportation strategy, is expected to attract a 20% ridership increase on the Cole Harbour corridor and a 15% new ridership increase on the Windmill Road corridor. This will result in a 750,000 kilograms/year reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) and a 2,900,000 km/yr reduction in auto travel.
Mayor Kelly said "This new system will provide faster and more convenient transit travel, result in fewer private vehicles coming into the downtown core, save wear and tear on our infrastructure and significantly reduce greenhouse emissions in our community."
The $13.3 million HRM project calls for construction of new transit terminals in Sackville, Burnside and Cole Harbour and upgrades at other locations. At the majority of stations, customers will access to park & ride facilities and other amenities, such as bicycle lockers, attractive shelters and, in some locations, waiting areas (with washrooms).
There will be two express or BRT corridor routes established from the Sackville and Cole Harbour areas to downtown. These corridors will be equipped with priority traffic signals, favouring transit service; and queue jump lanes, allowing transit to proceed in advance of vehicular traffic at intersections.
BRT Corridors:
Phase 1 - Portland Corridor (Cole Harbour - Dartmouth - Downtown)
- 14 kilometers
- 20 transit priority signals
- 11 transit queue jump lanes
- four (4) buses per hour in peaks to downtown (15 minute service)
- two (2) buses per hour to Woodside (30 minute service - matches ferry schedule)
Phase 2 - Windmill Corridor (Sackville - Burnside - Downtown)
- 23 kilometers
- seven (7) priority signals
- five (5) transit queue jump lanes
- four (4) buses per hour in peaks to downtown (15 minute service)
As part of the project, Metro Transit will purchase 18 superior quality, 40-foot low floor coaches, equipped with improved customer comfort features, such as air conditioning, highway-type suspension, improved seating and bike racks.
The Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works and the Department of Energy are cost-sharing on the province's contribution.
Premier John Hamm said " By working together to make commuting a more attractive, convenient option, we're making a significant impact on the environment and our quality of life in Nova Scotia."
The Transportation Showcase is a five-year program to demonstrate, evaluate and promote effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from urban transportation. Transport Canada will work in partnership with provinces and municipalities to showcase a range of urban transportation strategies. The program provides $40 million in funding through a nation wide competition.
HRM's Transportation Showcase Team, which included then-Deputy Mayor Harry McInroy, Regional Transportation Planner David McCusker and Brian Taylor, General Manager of Metro Transit, travelled to Moncton earlier this year to make a presentation on the BRT proposal. HRM's proposal also received support from the four local Members of Parliament.
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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010
Rob Batherson
Office of the Premier
(902) 424-6600
