For an introduction to the Halifax Transit service changes starting November 22, 2021 click here. Explore your new route options with a route comparison table here, and see detailed route descriptions here.
- Why are these changes happening? Weren’t there a bunch of changes made in November 2019?
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Halifax Transit is implementing the Moving Forward Together Plan because as our city evolves, so do our public transit needs. Service changes described in the plan are being implemented over several years and this set of changes represents another phase in the implementation of the plan. The plan is available here.
- How can I find out more information about the changes?
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More information, including a November 22 Service Changes booklet with route maps and schedules, as well as a new Riders’ Guide and Network Map will be available in the fall. Passengers can download these resources on our website, or obtain a paper copy at transit terminals, at Municipal Customer Contact Centres, from transit ticket or pass retailers, and from Halifax Public Libraries.
If you travel regularly, you are likely to see staff at terminals or onboard buses, as well as signage and other promotional materials leading up to November 22.
Visit Halifax.ca/transit and go to the Service Adjustments page for maps and more detail on specific routes.
If you have any additional questions, or would like a paper copy of the service changes booklet to be mailed to you, call 311.
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Why are route numbers changing? What is the significance of the new route numbers?
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One of the Moving Forward principles derived from public consultation was to build a simplified transfer-based system. To make the network easier to understand, we’ve assigned route numbers to each type of service:
• Corridor Routes (Routes 1 - 19)
• Local Routes (Routes 20 – 99)
• Express Routes (Routes 100 - 199)
• Regional Express Routes (Routes 300 - 399)
• Rural Routes (Routes 400 - 499)
Find detailed service type descriptions here - Why are some old route numbers being reused for different routes?
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During the development of the Moving Forward Together Plan, route numbers were chosen to reflect their service area and service levels.
For example, route numbers 1-20 were designated as corridor routes – those routes with a higher span and frequency of service. We try to keep these numbers as consecutive as we can.
Local routes numbers (20-99) are generally divided to reflect the local area they service:
• 20s – 30s – Halifax
• 40s – 70s – Dartmouth
• 80s – Sackville
• 90s – BedfordIn some cases, route numbers are reused to reflect their new service level and/or local service area.
- My route is discontinued, how can I make my trip now?
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While your trip won’t look exactly the same, most trips are possible using the new routes. It’s possible that your trip may now require a transfer. Please visit the Service Adjustments page to review your options.
- Will the new express routes cost more than regular fare?
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No, new express routes will charge standard fare. However, Regional Express routes 320, 330, and 370, still cost more than standard bus fare. Click here for more information about fares.
- Why does my route have an A, B or C in its name?
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Routes that have a letter attached indicate that they have branched or directional routing differences, depending on the letter.
Branched routes operate along a main “trunk” providing high frequency service, and then splitting into “branches” to service different local areas at a lower frequency of service. E.g. The new Route 6 A/B/C provides high frequency service as far as Woodside (A), and lower frequency to Eastern Passage (B), or Heritage Hills (C).
Directional routes provide service in a particular direction of travel, and the letter indicates which direction is chosen. E.g. The new Route 7 Peninsula, 7A will travel clockwise to IWK via Gottingen St., 7B will travel counterclockwise to IWK via Robie St.
- Why does my route now have a local and an express variation?
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The new express routes (158, 159, 161, 165 & 168 A/B) will provide direct service from their local areas to downtown Halifax during the morning peak hours, and from downtown Halifax to their local areas in the afternoon peak hours. There is no extra fare for these new express routes.
The new express routes will not provide service in the off-peak direction (e.g. from downtown Halifax to Colby Village in the morning; from Colby Village to downtown Halifax in the afternoon) or during off-peak travel times (ex. midday; late evening).
Local routes 58, 59, 61, 65 & 68 can be used for travel between local areas and downtown Halifax during off-peak times, with a transfer at a terminal to new corridor Route 5.
- Why does my route now go to the West Bedford Park & Ride?
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The new West Bedford Park & Ride is scheduled to be open and operational in time for the November 22 service changes, so four routes which service the local area will undergo minor modifications to have them service the Park & Ride.
Routes 90, 91 and 194 will no longer provide service along Gary Martin Dr. north of Innovation Drive, Hammonds Plains Rd. and Innovation Dr. east of the Park & Ride.
Route 433 will add service along Hammonds Plains Rd., Gary Martin Dr., and Innovation Dr to the Park & Ride, and then travel along Hammonds Plains Rd. to Tantallon.
- I can no longer take a direct route where I want to go. Why do I need to transfer?
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These service changes see some routes get shorter, and you may need to make a transfer to get to where you’re going. Halifax Transit is creating a simplified transfer-based system. Transfers make transit routes shorter, which means they’re less likely to get delayed by traffic, and more efficient. This also reduces redundancy in the network, freeing up resources that can be used elsewhere and benefit more passengers.
- Why is service on my street discontinued?
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Some principles of the Moving Forward Together Plan are to build a simplified, transfer-based network, and to increase the proportion of resources allocated towards high ridership services.
Some areas are experiencing low ridership and therefore will no longer be serviced.
Some residents may still be within walking distance to bus stops. Please visit the Service Adjustments page to review your options.
- A new bus stop is being installed in front of my property. Why is this happening?
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The location of bus stops is determined and approved in a joint planning process between multiple business units of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) including Halifax Transit and Transportation and Public Works. The process for selecting bus stops is lengthy. Some of the key considerations include stop location and the spacing between stops, passenger safety, public accessibility, minimizing impacts to traffic flow, and directing stops away from residential properties as best as possible while maximizing passenger access and convenience.
Where possible, bus stops are installed on municipal or commercial properties. In situations requiring bus stop installation on residential properties, we look for options to install on side yards. Sometimes, none of these options are possible, and the last resort is to install bus signs on the public right of way in front of resident properties.
- There’s a new sign on my bus stop saying that my route is ending as of November 22. What does this mean?
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To support the transition of the bus network redesign, you will notice that many bus stops have a new service notice sign attached. These new signs have been installed leading up to the launch of the Moving Forward Together Plan bus changes on November 22, 2021 to help you learn about the new and discontinued routes at each bus stop.
For more information about the changes at your bus stop as of November 22, 2021, please visit the Service Adjustments page to review your route options.
- Will trip planning apps (ex. Google Maps, Transit App) have the new network information by November 22nd?
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Yes, trip planning apps will have updated route information as of November 22. Residents will be able to input future travel dates into their preferred digital trip planning app to plan a trip in the new network.
While Halifax Transit provides transit data for public use, we do not have a trip planning app of our own. Some third-party apps will allow residents to input future travel dates to plan a trip in the new network prior to November 22.
There will be staff available at terminals and major transfer points on November 22 if you have any questions, and all information about the changes will be available on Halifax.ca/transit.
- I’m not affected by these changes, but I’ve heard that there will be other changes in our district. When will these occur?
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The Moving Forward Together Plan is being implemented in phases over several years. Plans for service changes are approved each year by Regional Council through the Annual Service Plan and budget approval. Other changes will be made in subsequent years subject to budget availability.
- Are these changes part of the Rapid Transit Strategy?
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No. These changes were approved in 2016 by Halifax Regional Council as part of the Moving Forward Together Plan (MFTP) – Halifax Transit’s strategic route network redesign.
Now in its fifth year of implementation, the MFTP will guide Halifax Transit service improvements for the next 20 years or more. Changes outlined in the approved MFTP build on the strengths of the existing transit network by increasing frequency of service, extending the service day, enhancing the reliability of service in high transit ridership corridors and improving local routes.