Greater Moncton groups seek better public transit

A publicly-funded anti-poverty group and an environmental organization have teamed up to find ways to improve public transportation in the greater Moncton area.

The citylocked outabout 80 Codiac Transpo bus drivers, mechanics and service workers on June 27 in an ongoing contract dispute.

Meanwhile, Via Rail isreducing servicein Atlantic Canada at the end of the month and Acadian Bus Lines isshutting downat the end of November.

"Without proper transportation people can't access health care, jobs, education. And without that, you can't have vibrant healthy and sustainable communities," said Meggie MacMichael, co-ordinator of theproject called Go Transpo: Connecting Southeastern N.B.

The Region 1 Community Inclusion Network and EOS Energy Inc. want to work with communities in the region to create a model for accessible and sustainable transportation.

Surveys will helpdevelop action plan

Part of theproject will be a survey of people's transportation needs, she said.

"We are looking at various things, but specific questions for people would be likehow far is it to your doctor's office? Do you have access to a vehicle? Do you have an extra vehicle you don't use often?

"And then different questions about public transportation like buses, car pooling and car sharing," MacMichael said.

Information from the questionnaires, which are available online and at city hall, will be used to create an action plan next spring, said city spokesman Paul Thomson.

He's looking forward to seeing the results, he said.

"We have been working on, when the system is back up and running, that it is an improved system. And any feedback that we get on that, whenever we get it will be valuable," Thomson said.