Higgs government attracts criticism over transit spending
On the streets of Sackville, area residents say public transit would benefit people including students and seniors.
“It would be a good investment, especially for students who don’t have cars,” said Alison Parrell, a student at Mount Allison University.
She said it could help people access services in Moncton, including medical appointments.
“It would be nice if there were something for those that don’t have any transportation,” said Susan MacDonald, who lives in Dorchester.
In that rural village, having a personal vehicle is practically a must, since public transit there is non-existent.
Public transportation advocates have criticized the Higgs government for walking away from federal public transit funding earlier in the pandemic.
Ottawa is now allowing New Brunswick to use federal funds earmarked for public transportation to pay for roads and bridges.
A town the size of Sackville should have public transport connections to Moncton “at last half a dozen times a day,” said Ted Bartlett, president of the volunteer-based advocacy group Transport Action Atlantic.
“If you don’t have a car, you can’t get to Moncton conveniently,” he said.
Aside from limited services offered by Maritime Bus, “you can stand out on the Trans-Canada with your thumb out – or you can have, I suppose, a very expensive cab ride,” he said.
Otherwise, transportation options include limited VIA Rail service and a volunteer-driven charity called Rural Rides Tantramar.… Continue