Membertou gets first bus service
Chief Terry Paul stood at the podium beaming Friday morning as he told the crowd standing by a new all-equipped, accessible CBRM transit bus, that a long-standing vision he has had for Membertou is now realized. Beginning Monday, May 5, a new route 12 will serve the First Nation community providing public transit from downtown Sydney to Sydney River and back for the first time in its history.
Chief Paul described a scene from his youth when there was a constant transportation challenge getting from Membertou to the bingo hall in Whitney Pier – a weekly joy and pastime for many.
'But now,' he said, 'one of our own stops will be right here in Membertou in front of our own bingo hall!'
He said the new route will be a relief for those who face transportation challenges and will provide easy and accessible connections to other parts of Sydney.
Two of those people happy to hear on Friday about a bus service starting in Membertou are George Christmas and Lizette Dennis.
'We're really happy to hear about this,' said Christmas.
Dennis said a local bus service in and out of downtown Sydney and over to Sydney River will make a big difference in her life. She says she has to walk everywhere now.
'We can get a bus now in Membertou instead of walking back and forth to town,' said Christmas. 'It's summer now, but this is going to make a big difference in the winter when it's colder.'
'This new bus route has been a longtime goal for Membertou, and we're proud to partner with the CBRM to make public transportation more accessible for our community. It strengthens connections, supports our workforce, and brings us one step closer to truly welcoming the world,' said the Chief and CEO of Membertou.
He said he looks forward to the opportunity to take a bus beginning next week.
CBRM did some test runs in February before finalizing the route. Notice of the non-operational runs on Facebook brought huge support from community members for the route.
'This would be great for the community if we did get public transit,' said Membertou resident Deanna Joe in February. 'So many people rely on cabs or walking to get basic needs like groceries. This could also break down barriers of not being able to work off-reserve due to transportation issues.'
The initiative is a partnering between the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) and the community of Membertou. Mayor Cecil Clarke and some CBRM staff were also on hand to welcome the new service, as well as MP Mike Kelloway and CBRM councillor Dave MacKeigan.
'The expanded service aims to support access to employment, education, healthcare, and commercial areas while strengthening connections between Membertou and the surrounding parts of the municipality. This expansion also reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering strong relationships and ensuring that all residents have access to the services and opportunities they need,' said CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke.
Route 12, which has two-way service between Sydney and Sydney River, will now include 36 new bus stops in Membertou; 18 in each direction. The updated route will travel from Sydney to Membertou to Sydney River, and back again from Sydney River to Membertou to Sydney, with the change taking effect on May 5. The bus will run every half hour, Monday to Saturday.
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