Antigonish residents have a chance to help shape local bus routes by filling out a community survey before July 17. The Town of Antigonish is promoting the survey through the Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network, gathering input to plan transit improvements across town and county.
The survey asks for feedback on current transit services and what changes people need. It comes as the local transit system gains momentum from new funding and review efforts. On July 6, the province announced $925,000 in public transit funding for six operators, including $25,000 for the Antigonish Community Transit Society. Public Works Minister Fred Tilley said reliable transit gives residents “independence and access” for everyday trips like the pharmacy, grocery store, or visiting friends.
This survey builds on earlier planning work. In 2024, consultancy Happy Cities worked with the network on a pilot study recommending bus service improvements for Antigonish, Bridgewater, and Pictou County. The province committed $350,000 a year for three years, from 2025 to 2028, to implement those recommendations, with improvements aimed at better hours, weekend service, accessibility, and clearer route information. Antigonish Town and County also announced a joint investment of $37,800 in May 2025 through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to help the transit society redesign routes, update branding, and review operations.
Local leaders stress that resident input is essential. The transit society, formed in 2013 and launched as a short-term pilot in 2014, now offers both door-to-door and fixed-route services. A comprehensive service review began in late 2023 with the town, county, and transit society working together. The upcoming results will influence how buses connect neighbourhoods, shopping areas, and services. Organizers want everyday riders and people who rarely use transit to speak up, so future plans reflect real community needs.
Residents can find the survey link on the Town of Antigonish Facebook page. All feedback must be submitted by July 17.
