November 30, 2023
FREDERICTON – Today in the Legislative Assembly, Green Party Leader David Coon presented a motion calling on the government to revive the long-dormant New Brunswick Transportation Authority to lead the implementation of a public transportation strategy – one which would include inter-city bus and regional rail services.
“Making sure that all New Brunswickers have access to a public transportation system is essential for fostering inclusivity, affordability and addressing climate change,” stated Coon. “The New Brunswick Transportation Authority is well-suited to lead the development and implementation of an effective transportation strategy.”
Coon’s motion also called for the Higgs government to allocate the necessary funds to fund the implementation of the strategy. New Brunswick’s municipalities currently do not receive any provincial support for their public transit operating budgets. Premier Higgs has also been unwilling to work with Maritime Bus to further improve bus service or engage with Via Rail on improving rail services.
“The Premier’s attitude on public transportation has always been to dismiss the need for it in New Brunswick,” added Coon. “But I hear from people from all over the province who tell me that if we have convenient and affordable inter-city bus and regional rail, they would use it. We just need the political will to make it happen.”
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