Strait Area Transit Co-op: Taking it to the Street
Transportation plays a vital role to the effective functioning of a modern economy. In larger urban areas, public transportation systems are generally in place that provide for the many and varied transport requirements of its citizens. In many smaller communities and rural areas however, effective and sustainable means of transportation for all user groups is a growing concern.
This Strait Area transportation initiative represents an example of an innovative pilot project aimed at meeting the transportation needs of many residents of the Strait of Canso and Richmond Country areas. Under the leadership of the Strait Area Regional Development Agency, a steering committee was established to consult with stakeholders and determine an effective approach for the delivery of accessible and feasible transportation services, particularly for those who are disabled, seniors, and the economically disadvantaged. Funding was generously provided by Service Canada to hire a project coordinator and two assistants to research various passenger transportation delivery models and examine sustainability issues. Research carried out by project officers concluded that the non-profit co-operative organizational form to be representative, recognizable, and appropriate to meet anticipated management and governance requirements.
In April 2007, Strait Area Transit Co-operative Limited was incorporated and an interim board of directors was elected. The cooperative spent 18-months finalizing its business plan, conducting community meetings, and researching possible funding sources to meet its start up requirements. The co-op’s 26-passenger bus was delivered in mid-September and started into service in September 2008. The bus is standard-size bus, but with coach-style seating and wider aisles. “Usually on a bus you have 50 or 60 seats and on ours we only have 26. We wanted to give a lot of space and nice big seats because we don’t know if we’re going to be renting the bus to someone doing excursions," said general manager Malcolm Beaton.
Communities including Port Hastings, Mulgrave and Louisdale would have access to the bus, which will make two daily trips into Port Hawkesbury. The service will make stops in areas such as L’Ardoise, St. Peter’s, Chapel Island, Arichat and Petit de Grat, and then transfer users to the bus in Louisdale and that vehicle will take them into the town. n addition to the bus, the service will have two seven-passenger vans. In April, the province announced it would contribute $120,000 to the system. If the service is supported by identified user groups and becomes financially sustainable, consideration will be given to carrying out the service on a permanent basis. If successful, this co-operative transportation service may serve as a model for other rural populations hoping to meet similar challenges. |
