HALIFAX –
Nova Scotia’s Opposition Liberals say the province will be the first in Canada to offer free public transit if they form the next government.
In a campaign-style announcement Tuesday, Liberal Leader Zach Churchill said $65.6 million in proposed funding would eliminate existing transit fares, while helping to expand transit systems.
“We would be the first province to provide free public transit to people,” Churchill said in an interview after his announcement at a municipal transit terminal in the Halifax suburb of Cole Harbour.
Churchill said daily commuters who use public transit could save up to $1,080 a year, with seniors saving about $800 a year. In addition, people who switch from driving their own vehicle to riding public transit could save more than $5,000 a year in gasoline, maintenance and parking costs.
“This will have a big impact on people’s finances,” Churchill said. …