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News Archives 2009 (pdf. format) 
 Fairview Overpass - Posted October 1, '09
H1N1 Flu Virus (Swine Influenza) - Posted March, '09
Service Disruption & Detours Archives 2009
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Posted Thursday, December 17, 2009
Free New Year's Eve Transit Service
Metro Transit is once again offering free, extended transit service on December 31st, New Year's Eve, on its conventional bus, Access-A-Bus, Community Transit & Alderney ferry services.
To ensure the citizens of HRM enjoy a safe way to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, Metro Transit has teamed up with sponsors - the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 508, Oland Brewery, Q104 Radio, the Chronicle Herald, and Safety Services Nova Scotia.
Free transit service begins at 8:30pm until end of service. The last Alderney ferry leaves Halifax at 1:45am.
For information on specific routes and schedules, please refer to the special service flyer , contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000 or look for the flyer on transit buses & ferries or transit retail outlets.
Happy Holidays!
Posted December 17, 2009
2009 Holiday & New Year’s Eve Service Schedule
Metro Transit would like to advise its passengers of the 2009 Holiday & New Year’s Eve service schedule.
On New Year’s Eve, conventional bus, Access A Bus (AAB), Community Transit, & the Alderney Ferry will offer free transportation, beginning at 8:30pm until end of service.
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Conventional Bus, Access A Bus, Community Transit, MetroLink & MetroX Services
- Thursday, December 24th, Christmas Eve - Regular weekday schedule
- Friday, December 25th, Christmas Day - Holiday schedule; no service on Community Transit, MetroLink or MetroX
- Saturday, December 26th, Boxing Day - Holiday schedule
- Sunday, December 27th - Regular Sunday schedule
- Monday, December 28th - Regular weekday schedule, including Community Transit, MetroLink & MetroX
- Friday, January 1st - Holiday schedule; no service on MetroLink or MetroX
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Ferry Services
Thursday, December 24th, Christmas Eve -
- Alderney - Regular weekday schedule
- Woodside - Regular weekday service, with additional ferry service beginning at 11:22am from Woodside, on a 30 minute frequency. Last ferry to Woodside departs Halifax Terminal at 6:07pm
Friday, December 25th, Christmas Day -
Saturday, December 26th, Boxing Day –
- Alderney - Holiday service
- Woodside - No service
Sunday, December 27th –
- Alderney - Holiday service
- Woodside - No service
Monday, December 28th –
- Alderney & Woodside - Regular weekday service
Thursday, December 31st, New Year's Eve –
- Alderney - Extended service, free service after 8:30pm; last ferry departs Halifax at 1:45am
- Woodside - Regular weekday service
Friday, January 1st, New Year's Day -
For specific route & service information, please contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted November 13, 2009
Service and Schedule Adjustments beginning Sunday, November 22
Route #59 Colby
- Schedule Adjustments
- Departing Bridge Terminal at 7:00am (from 7:04am) to improve connection time with Route #165 MetroLink (7:45am leaving Portland Hills)
Route #165 Woodside – MetroLink
-Schedule Adjustments
- Departing Portland Hills Terminal every ½ hour on the quarter hour, beginning with at 7:15am (from 7:19am), 7:45am (from 7:49am), 8:15am (from 8:19am), 8:45am (from 8:49am), 9:15am (from 9:19am) & 9:45am (from 9:49am)
Route #330 Tantallon – MetroX
- Service Increase
- Schedule Adjustment
-- Morning service from Tantallon to Halifax
- From 5:58am to 5:55am
- From 6:28am to 6:25am
- From 7:03am to 6:55am
-- Afternoon service from Tantallon to Halifax
- From 12:30pm to 1:00pm
- From 2:00pm to 2:30pm
-- Afternoon service from Halifax to Tantallon:
- From 1:15pm to 1:45pm
- From 3:40am to 3:45am
-
From 4:15pm to 4:10pm
-
From 6:50pm to 7:40pm
For information, please visit www.halifax.ca/metrotransit or contact
the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted November 6, 2009
Metro Transit’s 19th Annual Stuff-A-Bus Food Drive for Feed Nova Scotia
On Friday, December 4, 2009, Metro Transit, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 508 and C100 will hold its 19th Annual Stuff-A-Bus food drive campaign for Feed Nova Scotia.
The event kicks off during the morning rush hour when the Metro Transit Stuff-A-Bus will park at the C100 studio on Agricola Street to collect food and monetary donations.
The C100 Breakfast Club will air live from the street as people drop off their donations to help stuff a bus for Feed Nova Scotia. Throughout the day, Metro Transit and ATU Local 508 volunteers will travel throughout Metro picking up donations from schools and businesses that registered for the event.
Drop on by C100 in the morning or register your school or business to help Feed Nova Scotia stock their shelves this holiday season.
To register, please visit www.C100.ca
We would like to thank everyone that has given generously to this event in the past, and invite you to participate once again.
Posted November 4, 2009
Metro Transit to add 45 Nova LFS Artic to its fleet
Nova Bus Announcement
Posted September 11, 2009
Additional Trips for MetroX Service
Beginning Wednesday, September 16, 2009, two additional MetroX trips will be put into service to better accommodate our new MetroX passengers.
- A new 7:10 am trip will leave Tantallon and arrive at Albemarle Street at 7:51 am
- A new 3:40 pm trip will leave Albemarle Street and arrive in Tantallon at 4:15 pm
The current MetroX schedule remains unchanged, but may be subject to slight adjustments later in the fall.
For information, please visit www.halifax.ca/metrotransit or contact
the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Canada—Nova Scotia Governments Support Improved Transit Service In Halifax
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and the Member of Parliament for Central Nova, the Honourable Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, along with his worship, Peter Kelly, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), gathered today to celebrate the official ground breaking ceremony for the new Ragged Lake Transit Centre in Ragged Lake Industrial Park. Minister MacKay was also pleased to announce the Government of Canada’s contribution of $16.6 million to the project.
“The Government of Canada, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, understands that public transit plays an important role in strengthening the economy and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable environment,” said Minister MacKay. “For Halifax, this means increased transit services that will create jobs and improve the daily commute for residents and their families.”
“This facility will allow for future growth to meet the ongoing transit needs of HRM. It will also translate into more jobs and lifestyle choices for citizens, and represents another step in building a greener future for all," said Minister Jennex.
“We are pleased to finally break ground and begin construction on a new $28 million transit operations and maintenance facility,” said Mayor Kelly. “The building of this new transit centre will provide the key ingredient necessary in allowing HRM to move forward to expand our regional Metro Transit bus service. Infrastructure development is a priority for the Municipality as it has far reaching benefits for residents in our community.”
The new Ragged Lake Transit Centre is scheduled for completion by May 2010 and will complement the existing Metro Transit facility and a smaller garage, both located in Burnside Industrial Park, Dartmouth, which have currently reached capacity with over 280 buses.
Upon completion, the new Centre will allow for the operation of an additional 150 buses, with space ultimately for another 50 transit vehicles. The new Transit Centre will also help to cut down on operational costs, which presently must be incurred by running out-of-service buses back and forth across the harbour bridges. This will cut down on commuter traffic and result in less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
When completed, this 176,000 square-foot complex on a16-acre site will feature two buildings: a 119,990 square-foot Operations Centre; and a 55,920 square foot Service Centre for bus maintenance.
Supporting public transit is a priority for the Government of Canada. Investments like this will stimulate the economy, create jobs and provide long-term community benefits. Above and beyond today’s announcement, Canada’s 2009 Economic Action Plan is accelerating and expanding the existing federal investment of $33 billion in infrastructure across Canada with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over the next two years.
Contacts:
Jay Paxton
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Peter MacKay
Phone: 613-996-3100
Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister
Phone: 613-991-0700
Mayor Peter Kelly
Halifax Regional Municipality
Phone: 902-490-4010
Lori Patterson
Metro Transit, Transportation & Public Works
Halifax Regional Municipality
Phone: 902-490-6609
Cell: 902-476-5975
Ferry Boat Tales: Travel through time and across the harbour
This summer, Metro Transit Ferry passengers will have the chance to be dazzled by tales of Halifax's seafaring history.
From July 1 through August 31, Halifax Regional Municipality is presenting a new theatrical production called Ferry Boat Tales aboard the Halifax-Dartmouth ferry. From the founding of the city and shipwrecks in the harbour, to daring nighttime escapes during war and the Halifax Explosion, residents and visitors will experience Halifax's history in a unique and exciting way, while traveling aboard the oldest salt water ferry service in North America..
There will be six performances daily, Tuesday - Saturday. The show is free with transit fare.
The summer schedule will be as follows:
July 1 through August 31 - Tuesday to Saturday
To Dartmouth
(Halifax waterfront at the foot of George Street)
12:15 p.m.. 2:15 p.m. 7:15 p.m.
To Halifax
(Dartmouth waterfront at Alderney Landing)
12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Ferry Boat Tales is being presented in association with Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, produced by Heritage Explorers and performed by local theatre group DaPoPo. It is an initiative of HRM Community Relations and Cultural Affairs. Visit www.halifax.ca/ferryboattales.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Fare Increase effective July 1, 2009
Passengers are advised that beginning July 1, 2009, Metro Transit’s conventional route, Access-A-Bus, ferry and MetroLink fares will increase.
This increase will include cash fares, Metro passes, MetroLink passes and tickets for adults, seniors, children and students.
New Fare Structure
It’s the first fare increase to be introduced since January 2005. The latest increase is required to offset rising operating costs and future growth.
Over the past four years, Metro Transit’s service has grown by more than 60 percent. An additional new transit centre, several terminal expansions and other projects are currently underway to help improve and expand our services. Despite this new price increase, Metro Transit still offers one of the lowest transit fare structures for cities of comparable size across Canada.
Additional information is available through our Metro Transit Retail Outlets; the HRM Call Centre at 490–4000; and on our transit homepage at www.halifax.ca/metrotransit
Revised Monday, July 27, 2009
Woodside Ferry Terminal Elevator Currently Out of Service
Metro Transit advises its passengers that the Woodside Ferry Terminal elevator is currently out of service. It is anticipated that the elevator will be back in service by end of week.
Metro Transit apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Metro Transit introduces use of Google Search for convenient trip planning
Planning a trip on public transit in Halifax Regional Municipality has just gotten a whole lot easier. The information is now merely a Google search away! Halifax Regional Municipality and Metro Transit are pleased to announce the introduction of transit in Google Maps. In partnership with HRM's E-Commerce & Web Services division and the worldwide search engine, Google, our region can now provide both existing and potential new passengers a helpful tool with convenient trip planning capabilities to help them navigate through Metro Transit's service area with ease.
On the launch, Mayor Peter Kelly said, "An important consideration in any region is how to get around efficiently, whether for a resident or a visitor who is not as familiar with the area. The introduction of access to Google Maps for Metro Transit users is one major step forward in making improvements to our public transit system. We have committed to the improvement of our transportation network as one of Council's main Areas of Focus, as citizens have told us they want a better transit system. The ease of transportation is the mark of a good community."
The ability for any person to access transit on Google Maps via computer or handheld device will help supplement the more traditional formats used to communicate transit information, such as printed route maps and schedules or by calling the HRM Call Centre. The new results received will include both a Google map and text, along with the provision of connection times for Metro Transit's conventional bus route, MetroLink or ferry services. HRM becomes the ninth city in Canada to offer trip planning for transit on Google Maps. To find out how to plan a trip visit www.halifax.ca/googletransit
July 20, 2009
Reminder: Public Open House Sessions
Metro Transit and IBI Group Consultants will be holding Public Open House Sessions as part of the research and implementation phase of the five-year Transit Operating Plan, which will determine how best to meet demand and deliver future transit services to HRM as it continues to grow.
As part of this process, over 9,000 people responded to the “HRMListens” online survey, which asked for travel pattern information from existing and potential customers. Metro Transit & IBI Group will be presenting a draft plan during the sessions and will be asking for further input from the public.
We invite you to attend one of the following Public Open House Sessions to provide input into The Priority Plan for Metro Transit.
- Dartmouth – Monday, July 20, 2009, 7-9 PM
Helen Creighton Room, Alderney Library, Alderney Gate
60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth
- Lower Sackville – Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 7-9 PM
Fenerty Room, Acadia School Library
636 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville
- Halifax – Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 7-9 PMHalifax Hall, City Hall
1841 Argyle Street, Halifax
For more information, please contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Friday, May 1, 2009
HRMListens.com Contest - Update
Thank you to everyone who participated in Metro Transit's HRMListens.com survey.
We received an overwhelming 8,000 + responses and are currently sorting all the information for future transit projects.
Contest winners have been contacted and redeeming their prizes.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Transit Fare Increase becomes effective Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Metro Transit’s fare increase will take effect on Wednesday, July1st, as approved during 2009 HRM Regional Council Budget deliberations last Spring. The fare increase will apply to conventional fixed route, harbour ferry, Metro Link and Access-A-Bus services. The increase includes the price of cash fares, MetroPasses, MetroLink Passes and tickets for adults, seniors, children and students.
Adult cash fares will increase from $2.00 to $2.25 while the Senior & Child cash fares will be increased from $1.40 to $1.50. MetroPasses for Adults will increase from $60 to $70; Senior & Child passes from $42 to $52; and Student Metro Passes from $54 to $64 per month. Adult bus tickets will now be sold in packages of ten at $18 ; and $13 for Seniors & Children. The premium MetroLink cash fare will increase from $2.50 to $2.75 for Adults; and from $1.90 to $2.00 for Seniors & Children. Monthly MetroLink passes will sell for $85.
Federal tax credits are provided to transit users with the proof of purchase of monthly transit passes.
This is the first fare increase to be introduced for Metro Transit since January 2005. The latest increase is required to offset rising operating costs and future growth.Over the past four years, Metro Transit’s service has grown by more than 60 percent. An additional new Transit Centre, several terminal expansions and other projects are currently underway to help improve and expand services.
For further details, please check the fare structure information on the Metro Transit Rider’s Guide and “GoTimes” rider newsletters in distribution through Metro Transit’s 54 Ticket Retail Outlets and throughout the transit system; online at www.halifax.ca/metrotransit or through the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Recent Events
Recently, Metro Transit has received a great deal of media and public attention. On behalf of the almost 600 employees of Metro Transit, I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution our employees, and in particular our bus operators, provide this community each and every day.
Our operators are professional drivers, who face significant challenges each day in providing mobility to more than the 85,000 customers who rely on us to get to work, school, and recreational activities. Our operators carry out their duties in a professional and safe manner every day. This winter alone, our bus operators provided service through a record 16 snow and ice storms, many of which have occurred during busy morning and afternoon rush hours.
Metro Transit takes the feedback it receives very seriously. All reported incidents are investigated fully based on the information provided and where warranted, appropriate action is taken. It is our duty as employers to keep the nature of such action confidential so the public may sometimes be left with the impression nothing has happened. I assure you this is not the case.
With 500 Operators steering large and small buses through our narrow, congested streets, under all types of weather conditions, they provide 708,000 hours of service a year, travelling 20 million kilometers. We are proud of the fact that Metro Transit drivers have one of the best safety records for a system of its size in Canada.
In closing, I would also add that along with providing transit service, our bus operators and ferry crews also manage to save lives, find missing persons, help spot criminal activity, assist persons with disabilities and conduct major fund raising efforts. Our employees value the diversity of its workforce and the community it serves every day.
Sincerely,
Patricia Soanes
General Manager
Monday, February 2, 2009
On-Line Trip Diary Survey launched to help shape future Transit Service
Metro Transit is in the process of developing a new five year strategic operations plan for transit services in the region. As a component of this ongoing process, an on-line trip diary survey and campaign entitled "Which Way HRM?" has just been launched and will run until Friday, March 6th, 2009.
Transit passengers and HRM citizens alike are being asked to provide feedback on what their daily trip patterns are in and around HRM, to help shape the future of public transit.
Everyone who completes Metro Transit's on-line trip diary survey can enter a contest to win one of 5 iPod nanos, gift certificates or Metro Transit passes! Contest details are available on-line.
To fill out the survey, just go to www.hrmlistens.com and follow the on-screen instructions; or check for the on-line survey banner on the bottom of the Metro Transit home page at www.halifax.ca/metrotransit.
Look for the "Which Way, HRM?" advertising bus boards, transit shelter posters and flyers in your household mail over the next few weeks or call the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000 for more details.
Posted Friday, January 30, 2009
New Transit Ticket & Pass Outlets Opened
Beginning today, the following retail locations will be selling Metro Transit tickets and passes.
Lawton’s Drug:
- Halifax Shopping Centre (MetroLink passes not available at this location)
- Scotia Square
Nic Nax:
- 1800 Granville St. (TD Tower)
- 1701 Hollis St. (Founders Square)
- 1949 Upper Water St. (Tower 1, 2nd floor)
For a complete listing of Metro Transit retail outlets, please visit http://www.halifax.ca/metrotransit/retail_outlets or contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Four Transit Retail Outlets Closed
Effective immediately, Metro Transit passengers will no longer be able to purchase transit tickets or passes at the following locations:
- Scotia Square Info Booth
- Halifax Shopping Centre Info Booth
- Dartmouth Shopping Centre Info Booth
- Bayers Lake - Zellers Lotto Booth
However, transit tickets and passes are available for purchase at the Shoppers Drug Mart and Zellers' locations at Mic Mac Mall, and at the HRM Storefront location in Scotia Square.
For a complete listing of Metro Transit retail outlets, please visit http://www.halifax.ca/metrotransit/retail_outlets or contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
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Detours, Service Disruptions & Schedule Adjustments
Dec 2, 2009
Road Closures:
- South St will be closed from Queen to South Park St
- South Park St will be closed from South St to Morris St/University Ave
Detours:
- Route #7 Robie to Gottingen will travel via Robie St, left on South St, right on South Park St, left onto Inglis to Barrington, to resume regular routing
- Route #7 Gottingen to Robie & Route #41 Dalhousie will travel via Barrington St to Inglis St, right on South Park St, left onto South St to resume regular routing
- Routes #17 & #18 Universities will travel via Robie St, left on Inglis St, left on South Park St, left onto South St then right onto Robie St
- Routes #10 Westphal & #14 Downtown will travel via Inglis St, left on South Park St, left on South St, right on Robie St, then right onto Spring Garden Rd
Current detours for routes #10 Dalhousie and #14 Mumford/Leiblin Park will remain in place.
- Route #10 to Dalhousie will travel via Spring Garden, left on South Park, right on University, left on Robie, right on Inglis to resume regular routing.
- Route #14 to Mumford/Lieblin Park will travel via Spring Garden, left to South Park, right on University, left on Robie, right on South to resume regular routing.
Detours are scheduled to be in effect until December 22, 2009
Posted November 17, 2009
Transit Schedule for the 15th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights
This year’s parade kick’s off the holiday season on Saturday, November 21, beginning at 6pm.
Metro Transit will be on regular Saturday service schedule, with supplemental service available as required.
Detours will be in effect on routes #1, #2, #4, #6, #7, #9, #10, #18, #61/14, and #80.
Parade of Lights Bus Detours
Ferry Service:
The Alderney ferry will be on 15 minute schedule beginning at 4pm from the Alderney Ferry Terminal until 7:45pm, or until the crowds have abated.
For further details on specific Metro Transit routes and schedules, please contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted Friday, November 6, 2009
Remembrance Day Transit Schedule
On Remembrance Day, Wednesday, November 11th, Metro Transit conventional bus service & Access-A-buses will operate on holiday schedules.
The Alderney Ferry Service will also operate on holiday schedule, providing half hour service, with the first boat leaving Dartmouth at 7:30 am, an hour later than usual. The last vessel departs Halifax at 11:45 pm.
There will be no Woodside Ferry Service, MetroLink, MetroX or Community Transit service in operation on Remembrance Day.
Metro Transit buses will pause on Wednesday, Remembrance Day at 11 am to observe a moment of silence in honour of Canada's War veterans.
Metro Transit bus operators will pull any in-service buses to the side of the road where possible and along with their passengers and many others, pay tribute "Lest we forget" to our war veterans.
All services will resume regular operation on Thursday, November 12th.
For further details on specific Metro Transit routes and schedules, please contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Revised Posting - November 3, 2009
Spring Garden Road Closure Rescheduled for Sunday, November 8
Weather permitting, the Spring Garden Road closure is rescheduled for Sunday, November 8, from 7 am to 4:30 pm, due to construction.
If inclement weather, such as high winds or rain prevents the scheduled street closure, buses will remain on regular routing.
All buses traveling on Spring Garden Road will detour as follows:
Westbound:
- Via Barrington St, right on South St, right on South Park St, to Spring Garden Rd
Eastbound:
- Via South Park St, left on Morris St, left on Barrington St.
Eastbound Routes #10 & 14:
- Via Inglis St, onto Barrington St.
Posted October 29, 2009
Alderney Ferry Resumes Regular Service Schedule Monday, Nov. 2, 2009
Beginning Monday, November 2, 2009, the Alderney Ferry Service will resume its regular service schedule.
The Alderney ferry will leave the Dartmouth Terminal at its regular scheduled time of 6:30am, with 15 minute service until 9am.
Metro Transit would like to thank its passengers for their patience during this scheduled maintenance.
Posted October 26, 2009
Cogswell St. Ramp Detour Beginning Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Construction is scheduled to begin Tuesday, October 27 at 7 am, on the ramp leading from Cogswell St. to the northbound lanes on Barrington St.
The following routes will be required to detour:
Route #330 will depart Albemarle, turn right on Cogswell, right on Barrington, right on Duke, onto Rainnie Dr., then to Gottingen, continuing down Gottingen, resuming regular routing at North St.
Routes #2, #4, and #185 will travel via Duke St., to Rainnie Dr., to Gottingen, right on Cornwallis, left on Barrington, to resume regular routing.
A temporary stop will be placed for routes #2 and #4
Posted September 8, 2009
Alderney Ferry Reduced to 1/2 hour Frequency Beginning September 14
Beginning Monday, September 14, 2009, the Alderney ferry service will be temporarily reduced to one vessel and will operate on 1/2 hour frequency.
The Alderney ferry will leave the Dartmouth Terminal at its regular scheduled time of 6:30 am, with crossings every ½ hour. The Halifax ferry will leave the Halifax Terminal at its regular scheduled time of 6:45 am, with ½ hour crossings on the quarter hour.
It is anticipated that the vessel will remain out of service for several weeks,due to scheduled maintenance as required by Transport Canada.
The Woodside Ferry will continue operation of its regular schedule.
For additional information, contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
August 10, 2009
Metro Transit Routes # 6 Quinpool and # 32 Cowie Hill return to regular routing
Beginning at the start of the service day, Tuesday, August 11th, Metro Transit routes # 6 Quinpool and # 32 Cowie Hill will resume their regular routing along Quinpool Road.
They were required to detour for the past few weeks as the result of the ongoinginspection of the CN Rail Bridge near the base of Quinpool Road.
For more specific details on Metro Transit routes or schedules, please check continue to visit this website, or call the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Metro Transit Weekend Detours due to Macdonald Bridge Closure
Due to the upcoming weekend closures on the Macdonald Bridge, Metro Transit will be required to detour routes which regularly travel across it. The Bridge repair project is anticipated to be completed around the Labour Day weekend.
The following Metro Transit re-routings will be in place for the full weekend bridge closures, beginning on July 3rd, 2009 and every Friday evening from 7:00 pm, reopening Monday mornings at 5:30am. The only exceptions to the weekend Macdonald Bridge closures will be on the weekend of July 18th &19th for Tall Ships and the KISS concert; and August 1st & 2nd for Natal Day.
- During the weekend closures, Routes # 1 Spring Garden, # 10 Dalhousie/Westphal , # 61 Auburn/North Preston (and #159 Portland Hills Link- Friday night only) will detour from Halifax via Gottingen Street, turning left on Young Street, right onto Robie Street; to the MacKay Bridge and then traveling along Victoria Road to Boland Road and into the Bridge Terminal.
- Routes # 1 Spring Garden, # 10 Dalhousie, # 61 Auburn ( and # 159 Portland Hills Link - Friday nights only) will detour from Dartmouth along Wyse Road to Boland Road to Victoria Road to Hwy. #111, onto the MacKay Bridge, and then traveling along Barrington Street and returning to regular routing.
- Route #52 Crosstown will detour from Halifax, traveling along North Street, turning left onto Gottingen Street, left on Young Street, right on Robie Street, along to the MacKay Bridge, then along Victoria Rd, to Boland Road and turning into the Bridge Terminal. Route #52 Crosstown will detour fromDartmouth along Wyse Road, Boland Road & Victoria Road to Hwy. #111; onto the MacKay Bridge, then along Barrington Street turning right on North St, and back to regular routing.
Metro Transit advises passengers to allow an extra 20 to 25 minutes for their trips on weekend evenings due to the Bridge Closure and resulting detours.
For further updates, please check back or contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted August 19, 2009
Transit Shuttle Service for the Weir Rockin Concert on Saturday, August 22
Beginning at 4:30 pm, free concert shuttles will provide 15 minute round-trip service (or on a load & go service, if required) from the Sackville Terminal to Weir Field in Upper Sackville.
Shuttles will service all regular bus stops on route #83, including 5 additional local stops at:
- Wilson Lake Drive
- Fenerty Road
- Cook's Rite Stop & Convenience
- Lakeview Avenue
- Patton Road (First Entrance)
Service will be on a load & go basis until the venue is cleared following the concert, which is scheduled to end at 11:30 pm.
For information on the Weir Concert, please visit www.weirrockin.com
Updated 4:00 PM, August 7, 2009
Stanley Cup Celebrations causing delays
Metro Transit service operating in the Cole Harbour area and to and from Portland Hills Terminal is running approximately 20 minutes behind schedule due to the Stanley Cup Parade.
Service is expected to return to normal around 4:30 PM.
Free Special Shuttles will begin operating back from Cole Harbour Place to Mic Mac and Penhorn at 6:30 PM.
All equipment is on the road.
August 4, 2009
Free Special Shuttle Service for Sidney Crosby Homecoming/Stanley Cup Parade
Metro Transit will provide Special Shuttle Service on Friday, August 7th, for the Sidney Crosby /Stanley Cup Parade & Homecoming Event. The free Special Shuttles will operate from Mic Mac Terminal and Penhorn Terminal on a 10 minute frequency, travelling to Cole Harbour Place; beginning at 1 PM and running outbound until 3 PM.
A return Shuttle Service will begin in the opposite direction, running inbound from Cole Harbour Place to Penhorn and Mic Mac Terminals; beginning at 6:30 PM and running on a Load & Go Basis until after the Family Event ends at Cole Harbour Place at approximately 8 PM. In addition to the free Special Shuttles, passengers will also have the option to travel on the conventional transit routes # 59 Colby, # 61 Auburn/North Preston and # 68 Cherrybrook to reach Cole Harbour Place. Regular fares will apply on the conventional route service.
During the parade, Routes # 59 Colby, # 61 Auburn/North Preston & # 68 Cherrybrook, which serve Metro Transit’s Portland Hills Terminal, will be detoured off Portland Street onto Caldwell Road/Hampton Green to Ashgrove. It is anticipated that delays in that area should be approximately 15-20 minutes in duration. The Link Bus # 159 scheduled for departure from Portland Hills at 2:30 PM, will still depart at that time.
A portion of the Portland Hills Park & Ride Lot , approximately 25 spaces, will also be closed to the public, from the beginning of the service day until after the parade is over. However, the remainder of the lot will be open for transit riders as usual.
For further details on route and schedule information for the Free Special Shuttles or other transit routes, please contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000 or refer to this site.
Posted Tuesday, July 28
Construction Detour for Route #61, Lake Major Road
Effective Wednesday, July 29, construction on the Lake Major Road Bridge is scheduled to begin.
The construction will require complete closure of Lake Major Road d for approximately one week.
Buses travelling to North Preston will travel via Hillsboro, right on Main St/Hwy 7, left on Hwy 7 (Lake Echo/East Preston exit), left on Upper Governor Rd, left on Lake Major Road, right on Cain St, left on William St, left on Johnson Rd, left on Lake Major Rd to the Community Centre.
Buses leaving North Preston will travel via Simmonds Rd, right on Lake Major Rd, left on Upper Governor Rd, right on Hwy 7, (c) Hwy 7/Main St, left ontoHillsboro to resume regular routing.
For detour updates, please continue to visit this site or contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted July 17, 2009
Metro Transit Detours as result of CN Bridge Closure on Quinpool
As a result of the announcement of the weight restrictions to be imposed on the CN Rail Bridge near the base of Quinpool Road, effective on Friday, July 17th, some Metro Transit bus routes will be required to detour.
Beginning of the service day, routes #6 Quinpool and #32 Cowie Hill will detour off Quinpool Road travelling via Connaught Ave and Chebucto Road to the Rotary and onward.
Detour Route #6:
Leave via Water St Term via (left)Duke St, (right)Rainnie Dr, (right)Gottingen St, (left)Cogswell St, (straight)Quinpool Rd, (right)Connaught Ave. (left)Chebucto Rd, (right)Mumford Rd, (left)Mumford Term, (left)Mumford Rd, (left)Joseph Howe Dr, Rotary, (right)Saint Margaret's Bay Rd, (left)Fenwood Rd, (right)Stonehaven Rd, (right)Glenmore Av, (left)Edgehill Rd, (right)Quarry Rd, (right)St Margaret's Bay Rd, Rotary, (left)Joseh Howe Dr, (right)Mumford Rd, THEN Mumford Term, Lv Mumford Rd, (left)Chebucto Rd, (right) Connaught Ave., (left) Quinpool Rd, (straight)Cogswell St, (right)Barrington St, (left)George St, (left)Water St Term.
Detour Route #32:
(AM) Leave Via Herring Cove Rd, (right)Old Sambro Rd, (right)Dentith Rd, (left)Herring Cove Rd, (left)Highfield St, (right)Ridgevalley Rd, (right)Cowie Hill Rd, (left)Herring Cove Rd, Rotary, (right) Chebucto Rd, (right) Connaught Ave. (left)Quinpool Rd, (c)Bell Rd, (right)Summer St, (left)Spring Garden Rd, (left)Barrington St.
(PM) Leave Via Barrington St, (right)Spring Garden Rd, (right)Summer St, (left )Bell Rd, (continue)Quinpool Rd, (right) Connaught Ave., (left) Chebucto Rd. Rotary, Herring Cove Rd, (right)Cowie Hill Rd, (left)Ridgevalley Rd, (left)Highfield St, (right)Herring Cove Rd, (right)Old Sambro Rd, (left)Dentith Rd, (left)Herring CoveRd.
Metro Transit Service Over Natal Day Weekend
Metro Transit will provide additional service over the Natal Day weekend to accommodate many of the special events. Bus service will operate on its regular Saturday and Sunday service; with holiday service provided on Monday, August 3rd, 2009. Buses will be supplemented on routes where required. A number of detours will be implemented as a result of the Macdonald Bridge closures on Sunday and Monday. The routes which traditionally operate over the Macdonald Bridge will detour over the MacKay Bridge.
The Alderney Ferry service will also be extended over the weekend to accommodate festivities around the waterfront and for the Concert on Citadel Hill.
The following is the Natal Day Weekend Alderney Ferry Schedule:
Saturday, August 1st, 2009
- Ferry will operate regular half hour service. First boat leaves from Alderney departing at 6:30 AM through until the last boat departing Halifax at 11:45 PM.
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
- Ferry service will be extended and operate half hour service with first boat departing Alderney at 10:30 AM through until the last boat departing Halifax at 11:45 PM.
Monday, August 3rd, 2009
- Ferry will operate on half hour frequency with first boat departing Alderney at 7:30 AM through until 12 noon; where it will begin running on 15 minute frequency with the last boat leaving Alderney at 6 PM; resuming half hour service from Halifax at 6:15 PM and running until 12 midnight; last boat departing Halifax at 11:45 PM.
Please note there will be no Woodside Ferry, MetroLink or Community Transit service in operation on the holiday Monday, August 3rd. All transit service will resume regular schedules on Tuesday, August 4th, 2009.
For detailed information on any specific route please contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000 or check back.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
More Weekend Ferry Service during Multicultural Festival
Metro Transit will provide extended Alderney Ferry service over the
upcoming weekend to accommodate people attending the Multicultural Festival and its concerts on the Dartmouth Waterfront.
Friday, June 26th & Saturday, June 27th, 2009
The Alderney Ferry will operate for an hour longer than its regular schedule on both Friday and Saturday evenings. The last ferry from Dartmouth will depart at 12:30 AM. The last boat departs from Halifax at 12:45 AM.
Extended Ferry Service for Buskers on August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 8 - regular schedule
Sunday, August 9 - Service extended to run on half hour frequency until 12 midnight. Last boat departs Alderney at 11:30 PM; last boat from Halifax to Alderney departs at 11:45 PM.
August 14, 2009
Extended Alderney Ferry Service Planned for Sunday, August 16, 2009
Metro Transit will operate extended Alderney Ferry service by a half hour on Sunday, August 16, to accommodate special events being held around the waterfront.
The ferry service will run on half-hour frequency all day with the last vessel departing the Alderney Ferry Terminal in Dartmouth at 6:30 PM; and the last ferry departing from Halifax at 6:45 PM. Regular transit fares apply.
For further information on Metro Transit’s service, please call the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000 or visit this website.
August 12, 2009
Canoe '09 Shuttle Service from Mic Mac Mall
A shuttle will operate daily from Mic Mac Mall, down Crichton Avenue to Hawthorne Street:
Wednesday, August 12th - 6:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 13th - 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, August 14th - 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 15th - 8:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 16th - 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
More information can be found on the Canoe '09 site: http://www.canoe09.ca/schedules/
July 24, 2009
Extended Ferry Service for Summer Rush Concert
Metro Transit will provide extended ferry service and supplemented bus service on Saturday, July 25th for the Summer Rush Concert at Alderney Landing. The Alderney Ferry will run on 15 minute frequency after 8 pm until 1 am. Last ferry departs Dartmouth at 12:30 am; last ferry departs Halifax at 12:45 am. Regular fares apply.
Posted July 23, 2009
Detours for Pride Parade, Saturday July 25, 2009
Beginning at 1:30, the Pride Parade will begin at Provo Wallis straight over Cogswell ramp to Barrington Street south bound, right on Spring Garden Road; right on South Park Street; straight on Bell Road to Ahern Street.
Routes affected are as follows: #1; #2; #4; #6;#7;#9;#10; #14/61; #80; and FRED
South-bound routes from Barrington:
- #6 left on Gottingen, right on North to Barrington straight on Hollis
- #2, #4 & #6 left on George to Lower Water Terminal
- #1, #7, #9, #10, #14 & #80 continue to right on Morris Street (#7 & #9 left on Barrington)
- #10 & #14 left at South Park - #1 & #80 right on South Park Street, left on Spring Garden Road to regular routing
North-bound routes from Spring Garden Road:
- Right on South Park, left (#10 & #14 right from South Park) on Morris, (#7 & #9 turn onto Morris from Barrington) to left on Lower Water, straight on UpperWater, continue on Barrington to regular routing
For specific detour information, please contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted July 17, 2009
Error to printed Special Editions Tall Ships & Halifax Rocks 2009 GoTimes
Please note that the special shuttle service for the Tall Ships festivities and KISS concert on Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19, will service the Upper Water Street temporary transit stop, across from the Purdy’s Wharf Towers.
The Special GoTimes incorrectly states that each shuttle will serve different destination areas in its headlines. The maps and service descriptions are, however, accurate.
In addition, the Alderney ferry service begins at 6:30, as opposed to 6 am, and the Woodside ferry service begins at 6:37, not 6 am, from Wednesday to Friday and then again on Monday.
For up-to-date information, please visit http://halifax.ca/metrotransit/news/index
Posted July 16, 2009
Tall Ships & Halifax Rocks 2009
Climb aboard Metro Transit’s Special Shuttle Service for Tall Ships & Halifax Rocks 2009
To facilitate access to the downtown core during the Tall Ship festivities and Halifax Rocks concert, Metro Transit will provide special shuttle service on Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19 from the outskirts of HRM to Upper Water Street, across from the Purdy's Wharf Towers. Shuttles will provide accessible low floor service and security will be on-site at all 4 staging areas, as well as its terminals and ferries.
Special Shuttle Services
On Saturday, July 18, special service shuttles will be leaving from South CentreMall, Portland Hills Terminal (servicing Penhorn, Mic Mac & Highfield Terminals), Lacewood Terminal (servicing Mumford Terminal), and Sackville Terminal (servicing Cobequid Terminal), beginning its round-trip service at 9 am, providing 10 minute service until 12 midnight.
On Sunday, July 19, the special shuttle service will provide the same round-trip service, beginning at 9 am until 10 pm.
Shuttle fares will be $2.25 CASH ONLY each way. No regular Metro Transit passes or transfers will be accepted or issued.
Ferry Services
Alderney Ferry Service
- Regular fares apply - passes and transfers will be accepted
Wednesday, July 15 to Sunday, July 19
- Beginning at 6:30 am, the Dartmouth & Halifax ferry service will provide 15 minute service until 12 midnight. The Halifax ferry will continue on a half hour service until 2 am
Monday, July 20
- Beginning at 6:30 am, Dartmouth & Halifax ferry service will provide 15 minute service until 6 pm, then return to regular routing
Woodside Ferry Service
Wednesday, July 15 to Friday, July 17
- Ferry service will begin at 6:37 am until 10 pm, providing 30 minute service
Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19
- Ferry service will begin at 7 am until 10 pm, providing 30 minute service
Monday, July 20
- Ferry service will begin at 6:37 am until 6 pm, providing 30 minute service
For more information on Metro Transit services during Tall Ship festivities and the
KISS concert, visit:
www.halifax.ca/ConcertOnTheCommon/ConcertsontheCommon-transit
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Concerts on the Common
Paul McCartney will perform on Saturday, July 11th and the Halifax Rocks 2009 show featuring KISS will hit the stage the following Saturday, July 18th. In addition to regular Metro Transit services, special Shuttle Services will be offered the days of the concerts.
For more information on Metro Transit services on concert days, please see:
http://www.halifax.ca/ConcertOnTheCommon/ConcertsontheCommon-transit.html
Friday, July 10, 2009
Metro Transit to provide Special Shuttles & Extended Ferry Service for McCartney Concert
To ensure efficient and easy access traveling to and from the Concert on the Commons site for Paul McCartney, on Saturday, July 11th, Metro Transit will operate four special shuttle routes to within easy walking distance of the concert, in addition to extended Alderney ferry service.
The colour coded shuttles will run from South Centre Mall, Lacewood Terminal, Portland Hills and Sackville Terminals on a 10 minute frequency, beginning at 12:30 pm and running until 8 pm inbound. Return shuttle trips will start outbound from 10 pm until 12 midnight; or whenever the concert grounds are cleared. The special shuttle fares will be $2.25 each way, cash only, with no tickets, passes or transfers accepted on the shuttle routes.
Extra Alderney Ferry Service will run on Saturday from 6:30 am and provide 15 minute service, beginning at 10 am, with the last ferry departing Halifax at 12:45 am.; or until the crowds have dispersed. Regular ferry fares apply, with passes and tickets and transfers accepted.
Shuttle and ferry service details are available online at www.halifax.ca/metrotransit, as well as in the special edition "GoTimes" newsletters being circulated throughout the transit system and its ticket retail outlets; or by calling the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted May 13, 2009
Bluenose Marathon – May 16 & 17
Scheduled Detours & Delays
In order to accommodate the Bluenose Marathon, Metro Transit would like to advise its passengers to expect service delays and detours on both Saturday and Sunday.
On Sunday, the Alderney ferry will begin its service at 8:30 AM from the Alderney Landing Terminal.
For route-specific detours and service disruptions, please refer to the attached pdf. Bluenose Marathon 2009 or contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted May 14, 2009
Monday, May 18 - Victoria Day Transit Service
On Monday, May 18th, there will be no MetroLink, Community Transit or Woodside Ferry Service.
The conventional transit service, Access-A-Bus & Alderney Ferry will operate on Holiday Schedules.
The first ferry departs Dartmouth at 7:30 AM, running on the half hour until 12 noon, with 15 minute frequency from noon until 6 pm; reverting back to 30 minute frequency for the remainder of the service day, with the last boat leaving Halifax at 11:45 PM.
For additional information, please refer to the Metro Transit Riders’ Guide or call the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Alderney Ferry Reduced to ½ hour Frequency beginning Tuesday, April 14
Effective Tuesday, April 14, 2009, passengers are advised that the Alderney ferry service will be temporarily reduced to one vessel and will operate on one half hour frequency.
The Alderney ferry will leave the Dartmouth Terminal at its regular scheduled time of 6:30 am.
It is anticipated that the vessel will remain out of service for approximately 3 weeks, due to scheduled maintenance.
The Woodside Ferry will continue operation of its regular schedule.
For additional information, contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.
Posted Monday, February 9, 2009
Minor Route & Schedule Adjustments, effective Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
Route #10 Dalhousie
Service increase
• Additional am peak trips from Mic Mac Mall to South & LeMarchant at 8:01am & 8:16am
• Additional pm peak trips from South & LeMarchant at 4:03pm & 4:17pm
Route #16 Parkland
Routing adjustment
• Will travel between Bridge Terminal & Highfield Terminal via Primrose St. and Robert Burns Dr.
Route #34 Glenbourne
Service increase
• Additional am peak trip added at 7:45am from Heathside Crescent
Route #14 Leiblin Park / Route #61 Auburn
Service increase
• Additional pm peak trip from SMU to Barrington & Duke Northbound at 4:28pm - thru routed to Route #61 Auburn at 4:42pm to Barrington & Duke
Route #52 Crosstown (Ilsley)
Service adjustment for weekdays & Saturday
• Trips departing Colford will leave 3 minutes earlier
HRM's New Transit Implementation Strategy Unveiled
Metro Transit moves forward with a 5 Year Approach
Planning for New and Expanded Services
Halifax Regional Municipality and Metro Transit are moving forward on the implementation of a comprehensive & strategic 5 year transit enhancement plan, which will provide HRM citizens with new, sustainable transit service options to accommodate the growth of our region. The 5 Year Approach was approved in principle at Regional Council this past week.
Pending budget approvals for each project, the transit plan includes a new satellite garage, conventional route service expansion, new Rural Express Service for Hwy. 103, 107 and 118/02 corridors, expanded MetroLink service for Clayton Park & Spryfield, transit corridors to improve trip times, new downtown shuttle service, rural local bus service, upgraded farebox technology, transit security, terminal upgrades for Lacewood, Bridge and Burnside, and introduction of HarbourLink service from Bedford and surrounding communities.
The development and implementation of all these services will be advanced strategically as certain projects are contingent on the completion of others. Priority one is the siting and building of satellite transit garage, to house the expanding transit fleet and enable further transit service expansion.
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