The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is getting $2.3 million from Ottawa to boost public transit with two new buses, two accessible hybrid mini buses, five bus shelters and smart cards for bus fares.
The mayor and Cape Breton’s two Liberal Members of Parliament announced the funding in Sydney yesterday. MPs Jaime Battiste, Mike Kelloway and Mayor Amanda MacDougall-Merril say the funding’s necessary because ridership is increasing.
Cape Breton University started an aggressive recruiting drive for international students about five years ago resulting in more demand for buses. Some CBU students say it’s common to see them full of passengers and waiting longer for a ride is the only option.
Meanwhile, officials say public transit is cheaper for people driving vehicles and it’s better for the environment. The new upgrades will take place over the next year.
