Upcoming airport service a step closer

(August 12, 2011) Halifax – Three companies are vying to supply a fleet of buses for the passenger service which Metro Transit plans to start next spring between downtown and the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

A tender call for the nine vehicles closed Thursday and bids will be evaluated by staff and forwarded, with a recommendation, to Regional Council for a decision, likely in early fall.

Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Peter Kelly welcomed this next step in the process of launching a dedicated airport bus service.

“This new service is a positive response to community demand and will, I am sure, be well used by both airport employees and passengers,” Mayor Kelly said.

Whichever bid is chosen, the airport authority will contribute $500,000 towards the purchase price.

The Metro Transit airport connection is scheduled to begin in May with 12.2-metre (40-foot) buses specially equipped with luggage racks. It will operate seven days a week, 6 a.m. to midnight, from Scotia Square to the Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth, then to Fall River and the airport. Fares will be the same as on MetroX, (adults $3.25 cash or $100 for a monthly pass).

 

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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010