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TAG launch: Rural transit no longer just a dream in MODG

  • December 1 2021
  • By Lois Ann Dort, Local Journalism Initiative reporter    

GUYSBOROUGH – Discussions began a decade ago, and that’s a long time to wait for a drive, but it’s finally here: public transit in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG).

The Transit Association of Guysborough (TAG) celebrated its official launch on Nov. 27 at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Centre in Guysborough and has been on the road, taking fares, for more than a month.

TAG vehicles can be seen throughout the municipality with drivers Colin Purcell, Sharri Browne and Amanda (Mandy) MacDougal behind the wheel. The service, which provides rides via a booking system, is a three-year pilot project that the board hopes will continue to fill the need for public transit in Guysborough County for years to come.

Catherine Hartling, TAG chair, said at the launch, “It’s exciting to finally have our transit moving forward on the highway…We’re happy to have drivers and also are happy that the clients we have our really enjoying the transit.”

Colin Campbell, research and statistical officer with the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, has been working with the community members advocating for transit in the MODG since 2011. After the initial effort stalled, he returned to move the project forward in 2019. At that time, he told the local proponents, “We’re going to make this happen; have faith.”

Guysborough-Tracadie MLA Greg Morrow was unable to attend the launch event as planned but sent the following comment to The Journal via email, “Transit is a much-needed service in rural communities. It’s a topic I heard on many doorsteps during the provincial election campaign this past summer. I’m excited transit is now available in the area, and I believe it will be a successful program.”

MODG Councillor Mary Desmond addressed those gathered for the launch, beginning her comments by stating that they all had something to celebrate. “After several attempts, we have come to the finish line. A lot of volunteers with a dream and a vison came together, thinking outside the box and [with] hard work, determination, collaboration and cooperation, we’re finally here today.”

Desmond also noted that it was through the availability of public transit that seniors from the African Nova Scotia communities within the MODG would be able to attend the annual seniors Christmas dinner held by the recreation department for the first time.

“For many years members of the African Nova Scotia community have been deprived of activities and events due to the lack of transportation. This is a great day for all citizens of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough and the Transit Association of Guysborough,” Desmond said, calling on community members to support the service.

“Now the dream is here,” said Hartling.

For more information on TAG visit https://guysborough.ruralrides.ca/.