Canada and Nova Scotia Invest Over $1.3 Million in Rural Transit for Colchester and Cumberland Counties
The federal and provincial governments announced more than $1.3 million in funding through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund to purchase new vehicles for transit services in Colchester and Cumberland counties, Nova Scotia.
On October 1, 2026, the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia announced a combined investment of more than $1.3 million to improve rural transit services in Colchester and Cumberland counties. The funding is provided through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) and will support the purchase of new vehicles for local transportation providers.
The announcement was made by MP Alana Hirtle, Minister Dave Ritcey, Sue Taylor of the Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd., and Peter Lewis of Cumberland County Transportation Services (CCTS). Federal officials and local transportation leaders stated that these investments aim to enhance accessibility, connect residents to essential services like healthcare and employment, and support inclusive communities.
Under the initiative, the federal government is investing $707,594 to support the Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd. and $376,805 to support CCTS through the RTSF. The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing up to $176,899 for the Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd. and up to $94,201 for CCTS.
In Colchester County, the funds will be used to purchase two vans and two accessible minibuses. In Cumberland County, the investment will go toward acquiring one hybrid vehicle and a minibus.
According to the announcement, one in five Canadians live in rural communities, and these areas account for nearly 30 percent of the nation's gross domestic product. The RTSF program also mandates that a minimum of 10 percent of its funding be allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.