What is the Network?
What is the Network?
The Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network (NSCTN) is a non-profit organization that supports and advocates for community-based transportation across the province. We serve as a hub that connects providers, funders, clients, and supporters, offering information sharing, education, advocacy, innovation, and ongoing support to both new and established transportation providers. Our goal is to strengthen and integrate community transportation throughout rural Nova Scotia.
The movement began in 1996 when the first two providers, Transport de Clare and CHAD, started serving residents in Clare and Pictou Counties. These grassroots organizations, built with limited resources, focused on meeting the needs of people living with disabilities. By the year 2000, eight community transportation providers were operating in rural Nova Scotia, highlighting the need for a united provincial voice.
In October 2000, over 120 stakeholders from more than 50 organizations came together to form the Nova Scotia Community-Based Transportation Association (NS-CBTA). This was the foundation of today’s network, a collective effort to share knowledge, provide education, advocate for accessible transportation, and encourage innovation across the sector.
Since then, community transportation has grown significantly. Today, 23 providers operate across Nova Scotia, supported by all three levels of government as well as the communities they serve.
While the organization has evolved and taken on new names, our vision remains constant:
An integrated transportation network that meets the needs of every Nova Scotian – a network that leads to everyone’s door.
Community-based transportation is public transit designed around where you live. It could be the bus service running through your town, the van that picks you up at your door for a medical appointment, or the car service you can call for a trip to the grocery store.
By advocating for more community-based transportation in rural Nova Scotia, NSCTN helps expand options for residents who need reliable ways to get to medical appointments, school, classes, recreation, shopping, or simply to visit friends.
Strong transportation options improve quality of life. They allow older adults to remain in their homes longer, give young people more reasons to stay in rural communities, and ensure residents of all ages can stay connected. Community-based transportation doesn’t just move people – it helps communities thrive and grow.
Vision:
An inclusive and equitable transportation service for everyone in Nova Scotia.
Mission:
To build capacity within the Nova Scotian transportation network by providing leadership, facilitating connections, while advocating for the sector’s needs and opportunities, and developing practical and innovative solutions to transportation challenges in Nova Scotia.
Values:
- Collaboration
- Client Focus
- Equitability & Inclusivity
- Pragmatic Innovation
As a member of NSCTN, you help shape the direction of our work ensuring it reflects the needs of communities across Nova Scotia and giving all community transportation supporters a united voice.
Accessible, affordable transportation connects people to work, school, medical care, social opportunities, and recreation. It helps older adults remain independent, supports families, and keeps communities vibrant. By joining NSCTN, you are directly supporting the growth of inclusive transportation for everyone in Nova Scotia.
As a non-profit, every membership and donation goes right back into communities. Your support strengthens our collective voice and ensures ongoing progress toward a sustainable, province-wide transportation network.
Through our dedicated volunteer Directors and members, NSCTN brings:
1. Passion for community transit
2. Expertise in service development and delivery
3. Representation from all regions of Nova Scotia
Membership Benefits:
● Voting privileges at our Annual General Meeting
● Eligibility to serve on the Board of Directors and contribute to priorities and action plans
● Monthly newsletters and E-News bulletins
● Opportunities to connect with other individuals and organizations, sharing knowledge and experience
Join us today and be part of building stronger, more connected communities across Nova Scotia.
C/o Leslie Taylor
PO Box 29116
Halifax, NS B3L 4T8[email protected]or use this form
Best Practices Manual for Volunteer Driver Insurance
Various community transportation organizations struggle with developing volunteer driver programs, with the greatest barrier being driver insurance. Some community transportation providers report that they have difficulty in recruiting volunteer drivers because of liability concerns, as well as confusion and inconsistency regarding insurance options available. Insurance costs and coverage vary among individual insurance companies, and volunteer drivers are understandably reluctant to “shop around” for more suitable coverage if their current insurer raises extra requirements.
While changes to insurance industry practices and the regulatory environment are beyond the scope of this project, developing consistent guidelines and best practices for community transportation providers regarding insurance will help in the recruitment and retention of volunteer drivers.
NSCTN management of the South Shore Transit Network Project
NSCTN has managed the Maritime Bus-South Shore Transit Network Project (MB-SSNTP) since the service started.
September 10, 2018 marked the first day of daily bus service connecting Lunenburg County and the South Shore to Halifax and beyond. Since then this daily bus service has proved to be a lifeline for many residents who lack the ability to get to Halifax and beyond.
In the first fourteen months of operation the service provided 6,000 rides, with an average of 428 rides per month. This represents a lot of stories and connections, medical appointments made, family get-togethers attended, celebrations enjoyed, student homecomings, meetings met, new communities discovered, surprise visits, hazardous weather avoided, and tourist visits.
There is the potential that many provincial government offices will benefit from affordable public transit for their clients, such as the Departments: Community Services, Justice, Health and Wellness (NSHA), and rural employees that have meetings in downtown Halifax. MB-SSNTP has made several service enhancements to help encourage additional ridership.
Pilot study: 2024
The Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network (NSCTN) is working with transit providers in Antigonish, Bridgewater, and Pictou County to improve bus service in each community.
In 2024, NSCTN administered a pilot study to develop recommendations and a budget for each transit provider. The recommendations were developed through a comprehensive process, including background research and analysis, community engagement, and collaboration with transit providers and municipal partners in each community.
A summary of the key findings and recommendations from this study is available here.
Pilot project implementation: 2025-2028
Recognizing the critical role of transit in rural communities, the Nova Scotia Department of Energy has allocated $350,000 of funding annually for bus service improvements in Antigonish, Bridgewater, and Pictou County over three years. The changes aim to increase ridership, efficiency, and access to transit by improving route design, operations, information and communications, and more.
The recommendations from the pilot study will be implemented by each transit provider, in coordination with NSCTN and the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, annually from 2025 to 2028. Service improvements will be funded through both provincial and municipal contributions.
Regular reporting and metrics tracking will ensure that each community can evaluate the success of the pilot program interventions and collect data to inform future changes
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network?
The Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network (NSCTN) is a non-profit that advocates and supports community-based transportation in Nova Scotia. Within the community transportation sector in Nova Scotia, we act as a hub for providers, funders, clients, and supporters. Out of this hub we offer information sharing, education, advocacy, innovation, and support new and existing providers within the community transportation sector. We are working to build a strong integrated community transportation sector across rural Nova Scotia.
Learn more
How will this project impact trips by transit in my community?
This 2024 pilot study developed a budget and recommendations for service improvements for transit routes in Antigonish, Bridgewater, and Pictou County. The recommendations are planned for 2025 to 2028, with a phased approach to implementation. Download the pilot study recommendations summary to see the proposed changes for each community.
The service changes aim to make it easier, more convenient, and more efficient for you to take transit to meet daily needs—for example, travelling to work, school, the grocery store, or to visit friends.
The recommendations include changes to improve:
- Hours of operation and weekend service
- Accessibility of buses and transit stops
- Transit information, including improved maps and communications
- Bus frequency
- Route design
What are the goals of this project?
The project aims to identify and implement changes that will make transit more accessible, efficient, and convenient to as many people as possible. By doing so, we aim to increase the number of people who ride transit and decrease car usage. Throughout the course of the project, we aim to collect detailed data to track the success of each recommendation and refine service improvements as needed.
What transit routes are included in this project?
This project includes transit service and routes operated by:
- Antigonish Community Transit
- Bridgewater Transit
- Pictou County Transit (both the main route and expansion route)
Future phases of this project may consider additional routes in other communities.
More than Just…interviews
Sometimes things are more than they seem. Simple labels like “bus” or “transit” simply don’t describe the full story. More than just…is our Network’s way to celebrate the journey that community groups have taken to put wheels on the road. Every episode tells the backstory of how communities came together to meet the transportation needs of all Nova Scotians in their communities. Because sometimes a bus is more than just ….
ACTS – Antigonish Community Transit Society – How Antigonish Poverty Reduction Coalition and Women’s Centre took the lead to provide a transit service for Antigonish Town and County residents. Please note this file was originally shot as a video.
CHAD – How six municipal units came together to provide a service to Pictou County.
Transit Cape Breton – How a transit manager worked with community groups to keep a service in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
CarShare Atlantic – How a woman’s vision leads a movement of alternative transportation in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Newsletter
NSCTN also publishes a monthly newsletter with transportation updates from across the province. To subscribe to our mailing list, please email Megan at [email protected]
Community Transportation Assistance Program
See how the NS Government, through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, has invested over $1.8 million to the Community Transportation Assistance Program (CTAP 2020-21) which helps support nineteen community transit organizations in rural communities.
Toolkit for RTA Transportation Managers
NSCTN developed this user manual to help community transportation managers in their mission to run an effective and efficient organization. This Toolkit will help you navigate the vast amount of information related to how to safely and properly offer passenger services in Nova Scotia.
 |
 |
Vehicle Licensing Information for Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board (NSRAB)
NSCTN developed these graphics to help explain the differences between licensing, as required by the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board.
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Insurance Questions around Volunteer Drivers
NSCTN developed this guide to clearly outline the best practices for organizations that recruit volunteer drivers to transport people. This guide has two goals:
- Demystify issues around insurance for both non-profits and their volunteer drivers.
- Supply tools and forms to help screen potential volunteers.
 |
|
 |
NSCTN is very grateful to our funders: the Government of Nova Scotia
Government of Nova Scotia
The Government of Nova Scotia contributes to the well-being and prosperity of Nova Scotia’s diverse and creative communities through the promotion, development, preservation, and celebration of our culture, heritage, identity, and languages, and by providing leadership, expertise, and innovation to our stakeholders. The Government of Nova Scotia is working in partnership with NSCTN to make community transportation more affordable, accessible, convenient, and reliable.https://beta.novascotia.ca/
Our friends are very important to us. They range from like-minded organizations to groups and businesses who share or complement the goals of NSCTN. Thank you for your support.
PLANifax is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and engaging the public on important planning, development and policy issues in Atlantic Canada, making them more informed and involved in their communities. Since 2015, we have helped community groups, municipal and provincial governments and individual clients tell their stories through many media with an emphasis on creating fun and engaging videos.
We believe that everyone should have access to safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation options, regardless of their mobility. In this spirit, MoveMobility is proud to be the industry leader through innovative and user-friendly vehicles, designed to be accessible for all.
Service Nova Scotia touches every citizen, business, and municipality in Nova Scotia. We conduct over five million client interactions each year through the various programs and services we deliver on behalf of government.
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service to more than 4,000 community and social services across Nova Scotia. It is available throughout the province – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – by dialing “2-1-1” to speak to a helpful staff member or by searching the easy-to-use online database.
Community Links is a province-wide organization that supports the establishment of age-friendly, inclusive communities by linking with others to promote needed changes.
The Community Sector Council helps build organizational capacity within the Non-Profit & Voluntary Sector. It also acts as a non-partisan voice for the Community Sector, to help tell Nova Scotians about the contributions that the Community Sector makes to our province.
Malley Industries manufactures ambulances, wheelchair accessible vehicles, plastic products and specialized commercial fleets for a wide range of clients. Malley is also a sponsor of our monthly E-newsletter. Thank you!
Maritime Bus travels 10,000 km daily connecting passengers and parcels. The Bridgewater – Lunenburg – Mahone Bay – Chester service exemplifies their philosophy of where passion and belief exists, we must be connected.
The NSCC, Truro Campus has been a supporter of NSCTN since 2016 when they graciously hosted the AGM.
Advocacy and information for Nova Scotians with disabilities
The Bus Boys (Perry Rand Transportation Group) sell the safest school, commercial, vocational, special needs and transit bus vehicles manufactured. Their goal is to also give customers the very best after-sale service. The Bus Boys are also a sponsor of our monthly E-newsletter. Thank you!
Rural Transportation Association (RTA) is a group of partner service providers that offer door-to-door, accessible transportation for residents of rural Nova Scotia. On their site you will find links to service providers specific to your area.
Following is a list of our board members, current as of June 2024. To contact any of our board members, please email us at [email protected]
Sam Thompson, Pictou County
Sam is a student at Dalhousie University and Owner of Melmerby Adventures water sport rentals. He is very interested in improving his connections with community through his involvement with various local and provincial groups. Sam looks forward to working with the board and partners towards improving transportation across the province.
Cyril Camus, Inverness County
Cyril currently resides in Chéticamp and works for the CSAP, Le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial, as Mathematics and Science Consultant. He is a board member of several community organizations including NIRCA, Le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp, and l’Acabie. He believes volunteers are the heart of most communities in Nova Scotia, particularly rural communities and this passion has motivated him to be an active volunteer in his community for the past 30 years and plans to continue throughout his upcoming retirement.
Sarah Balloch, HRM
Sarah Balloch is a well-rounded Engagement Manager with Net Zero Atlantic. Previously, she was the program manager at Clean Foundation with experience in public outreach and engagement surrounding energy efficiency-related programming, rebate programs and community-focused programming. While currently living in Halifax she was raised in West Hants and continues to work towards making Nova Scotia a leader in the environmental space. With a BA in Environmental Studies and an MA in Environmental Education and Communication, Sarah has a wide breadth of knowledge relating to environmental issues and the complex social, economic and ecological systems they exist in. Her enthusiasm for the environment continues into wild spaces, with training from the Outdoor Council of Canada, Hike NS, Canadian Women & Sport and the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
Shelley Berry, HRM
Shelley Adams is the Manager, CNIB Voice (Advocacy) for Atlantic Canada. She has worked at CNIB for over 20 years in many capacities. She has a Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work and is a registered social worker. She is the mother of two children and loves to knit and listen to audiobooks in her spare time. She is blind and has a guide dog named Rookie. Her lived experience and passion for helping others with disabilities are what got her interested in being part of the NSCTN board. Transportation is one of the most significant barriers faced by people with disabilities, so she is grateful to be able to bring that voice to the table.
Tanya Burke, East Hants
Tanya is the Executive Director of East Hants Community Learning Association (EHCLA)/East Hants Community Rider (EHCR). EHCLA believes in a strong and connected community, and through individualized programming and opening doors to education and transportation, they help to contribute to a more prosperous and proud community. With the availability of rural transportation, they are empowering individuals to live with a sense of freedom and confidence. EHCR is committed to delivering safe, affordable, and accessible rides to all those facing transportation challenges in our community, irrespective of age or mobility.
Gil Johnson, Queens County
Gil is a former Regional Councillor with the Region of Queens Municipality, representing the Caledonia area, and is currently president of GJ Utility Safety Training and Consulting Services. He has over 35 years experience in Electrical Utility Management and continues to offer humanitarian support following major storm events. Gil is adamant that accessible transportation is basic infrastructure and should be treated and supported like any other utility service.
Phil Laven, HRM
Phil is the Communications and Programs Manager for East Hants Community Learning Association (EHCLA)/East Hants Community Rider (EHCR). He is always looking for ways to better connect people with their communities through programs and fun-filled events for all ages. He sees transportation as a key part of life and is focused on finding ways to make it more accessible to everyone. Phil can usually be found in the driver’s seat, transporting family, friends, his dog Odin or anyone else who needs a ride.
Mary MacLellan, Pictou County
Mary has worked with Seniors Outreach and Resource Centre, where she diligently worked to help vulnerable older adults maintain their dignity and independence, and to stay connected to their communities. Mary is excited to continue this work as part of the NSCTN Board to help improve transportation options for everyone.
Julie Weir, HRM
Julie Weir is currently a provincial Program Manager with Nova Scotia Health, focused on growing our healthcare workforce, especially in rural communities. Prior to joining NSH, Julie managed Clean Foundation’s Workforce Development department, working with youth and environmental and clean tech organizations in NS and across Canada. Her past experience in economic development, research, education, as well as with all levels of government lend to collaboration and informed perspectives.
Heartwill Elewosi, Kings County
Heartwill Elewosi currently works with the Provincial Government’s Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD) as a Youth Counsellor. Heartwill has over 7 years of experience as a Mental Health and Disability Supports Professional. Originally from Ghana, West Africa, she currently resides in Kentville, Kings County, Nova Scotia. Heartwill holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Health Psychology, a Bachelor’s in Psychology (Major) with Adult Education, and a Diploma in Disability Supports and Services. She has been and continues to be a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, especially regarding universal design and the destigmatization of mental health and disability. During her studies at NSCC Kingstec, she served on the disability and inclusion committee as well as the wellness committee. She is also a mental health content creator, raising awareness about mental health in the hope of breaking the stigma around it.
Aron Ashton, CBRM
This is Aron’s second time around as a health sector representative ex-officio with NSCTN. He has been working in the health sector for 15 years, in different capacities from health educator to health promoter, and eventually the strategic partnership engagement consultant, all within the Eastern Zone of Nova Scotia Health. For the last six years, he has been managing the Eastern Zone Public Engagement Community Health Board (PECHB) Support program. The CHBs Community Health Plans, a legislative responsibility of the CHBs based on the Health Authorities Act, align very well with the kind of work that the NSCTN strategic plan. It has been a great partnership, and he looks forward to future collaborations to try to reduce barriers when it comes to accessibility, isolation and transportation.
NSCTN is a non-profit charitable organization, and every donation we receive goes directly back into Nova Scotia communities. Your support helps us build inclusive, accessible transit that connects people to work, school, medical care, and their community.
By donating, you’re not just supporting NSCTN, you’re helping create a stronger, more connected Nova Scotia for everyone. Thank you for being part of the journey.
Promote Your Organization. Support Community Transportation in Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network (NSCTN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating an inclusive transportation network across Nova Scotia. We tackle community transportation challenges with innovative solutions, supported by sponsorships. We’re now offering a simple, affordable sponsorship opportunity for organizations looking to increase their visibility while supporting community mobility in Nova Scotia. This sponsorship will allow you to: Reach a growing province-wide audience Build brand alignment with community impact and accessibility. Your organization or business could be visible on our website, on our social media, or in our electronic newsletter.
Website
The Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network website is one of the main ways we connect with Nova Scotians as it contains all information on NSCTN including current projects.
A source for our online traffic is the “Need a Ride?” page. Nova Scotians will find up-to-date information on fixed routes, shuttle and community transportation providers among others. With a home page and three subpages, we have dedicated 3 advertisement windows that are available for certain time periods for sponsorship.
| LEVEL 1 | $2000 | Your company/organization logo and link to website for 3 months. |
| LEVEL 2 | $3000 | Your company/organization logo and link to website for 6 months. |
| LEVEL 3 | $5000 | Your company/organization logo and link to website for 12 months. |
Social Media
Feature Friday Sponsor $100.
Your sponsorship includes:
- A dedicated Feature Friday spotlight on Facebook
- Your logo featured prominently in the campaign graphic
- A tagged and linked shout-out in the caption (directing to your website and/or
socials) - A short sponsor description included (written by you or curated by NSCTN)
How it Works
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Book one week or commit to multiple dates with additional insights on your organization/business.
To reserve your Feature Friday or learn more, contact:
[email protected]
Electronic newsletter
An electronic newsletter that is sent to all members monthly. Our members represent a cross-section of individuals with an interest in community-based transportation. Members include providers, general public, government members, for-profit and non-profit organizations.
| LEVEL 1 | $300 | Your company/organization logo in 12 electronic newsletter issues. |
| LEVEL 2 | $450 | Your company/organization logo in 12 electronic newsletter issues. Publish an approved article from your company in 2 issues. |
| LEVEL 3 | $600 | Your company/organization logo in 12 electronic newsletter issues. Publish an approved article from your company in 5 issues. |
Coordinator: Leslie Taylor Leslie, an original Community Transportation NS board member, came on as a staff member in 2018. In addition to her role with the Network, Leslie is involved in a number of health and community projects on Nova Scotia’s South Shore and is a founding board member of Community Wheels, the door-to-door community transit system serving Chester and area. For general inquiries or information, please contact Leslie at [email protected]
Project Support: Megan Ebert Megan joined the team in 2019. Along with helping with daily administration tasks, she also aids with the mapping, community outreach, and organization of Network projects. [email protected]
Administrative Support: Amy Chrysler Amy joined the team in 2023. She is responsible for administrative duties, board and website support. [email protected]
Communications: Gina Pearson Gina joined the team in 2024. She is responsible for communications and marketing. [email protected]
Mailing Address
Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network c/o Leslie Taylor Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network PO Box 29116 Halifax, NS B3L 4T8 Call Toll Free 1-833-899-2253 Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter
