By Kirk Starratt
Kings Transit wants input from area residents as they work on a strategic plan to make the transit authority viable and sustainable into the future.
General manager Ron Mullins said three public engagement meetings were held, in New Minas Sept. 11; Windsor Sept. 12; and Digby Sept. 13. He said the meeting at the New Minas civic centre wasn’t very well attended, but the Sept. 12 meeting in Windsor was. He has looking forward to the Digby meeting, scheduled to happen later that evening.
“As part of the process, we want public feedback about how to improve,” Mullins said.
Feedback will help the transit authority when they approach politicians about the organization’s future needs. Input will be built into the strategic plan. This could, perhaps, help illustrate the rationale for future service expansion.
Mullins said their intent is to gather facts, figures and experiences from Valley residents. As part of the process, a survey has been created asking people about their transit use, what additional services are needed, strengths, weaknesses and more.
If you were unable to attend a public engagement meeting but would like to give input, join Kings Transit’s Facebook group at www.facebook.com/kingstransit. Mullins said questions and comments are posted regularly.
For example, there was a question posted Sept. 13 from the meeting in Windsor the evening before asking if Kings Transit would service Halifax from the Valley in light of Acadian Lines pulling out. Mullins response was that they’d love to, but operational funding is needed, perhaps from the province, where municipal units couldn’t afford it.
Mullins said he was pleased to see Kings South MLA Ramona Jennex at the New Minas session. Jennex kept the bus route in mind when she located her constituency office in the village.
