For an introduction to the changes effective November 25th, 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 last summer?
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?
More information, including a booklet with route maps and schedules, as well as a new Riders’ Guide and Network Map will be available in the fall. 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 25th.
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, call 311.
Why are route numbers changing? What is the significance of the new route numbers?
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)
- Ferry Routes (Routes 500 - 599)
- School Routes (Routes 700 - 799)
- Access-A-Bus
Find detailed service type descriptions here.
My route is discontinued, how can I make my trip now?
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?
No, new express routes will charge standard fare. However, Regional Express routes will still cost more than conventional fare.
The Sackville Link (Route 185) is being discontinued. What express route can I take to downtown Halifax now?
The combination of three new express routes (183, 185 and 186) will provide the same level of service between Sackville Terminal and downtown Halifax as the existing route 185 Sackville Link but only in the peak direction. There will be no premium fare for these new express routes.
The new express routes will not provide service in the off-peak direction (ex. from downtown Halifax to Sackville in the morning; from Sackville to downtown Halifax in the afternoon) or during off-peak travel times (ex. midday; late evening). Corridor Route 8 Sackville, Local Route 84 Glendale, or Local Route 87 Sackville-Dartmouth with a transfer at the Bridge Terminal can be used for travel between Sackville and downtown Halifax during off-peak times.
The Park & Ride at Sackville Terminal will remain open, however it may no longer be necessary for some who will be able to access new express routes directly from home.
Please visit the Service Adjustments page for more detail on these new express routes.
Why do the new local routes 82, 83, 85 and 86 also have an express route number? What does that mean? How do they work?
These new local routes (82, 83, 85 and 86) provide service in the Sackville area all day, seven days a week. But on weekdays during rush hour in the peak direction (ex. from Sackville to downtown Halifax in the morning), the local routes will turn into express routes (182, 183, 185, 186). All stops in the local Sackville area will be serviced by the express routes and then they will continue downtown, providing limited stop service along the way. This means you can make local trips or stay on board and head directly downtown. These express routes will travel between Sackville and downtown Halifax in the morning and from downtown Halifax to Sackville in the afternoon.
I can no longer take a direct route where I want to go. Why do I need to transfer?
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 Fielding Avenue and parts of Beaver Bank Road, Millwood Drive and Sackville Drive discontinued?
A key principle of the Moving Forward Together Plan is to increase the proportion of resources to high ridership services. These areas experience 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.
Why are the new bus routes going to Marketplace Drive?
Stops along Marketplace have transfer opportunities similar to a terminal. A new bus terminal is planned near this location but at this time transfers must be made on street.
Will trip planning apps (ex. Google Maps, Transit App) have the new network information by November 25th?
Yes, trip planning apps will have updated route information. Residents will be able to input future travel dates into their preferred digital trip planning app to plan a trip in the new network.
I’m not affected by these changes, but I’ve heard that there will be other changes in our district. When will these occur?
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.