A faster, better-connected, more frequent and easier-to-use transit service.
The Rapid Transit Strategy includes a network of four Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines and three new ferry routes, which will promote the creation of more compact and walkable communities and increase mobility options alternative to private vehicles.
Proposed BRT lines and ferry routes (click to enlarge)
Four Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines
The BRT lines will operate every ten minutes and will be within walking distance of approximately 120,000 residents, helping in the creation of complete communities by orienting land use towards transit and reducing the need to invest in road expansions. In turn, complete communities contribute to improved public health from higher rates of walking, rolling, and cycling in conjunction with transit use.
| Investment | Amount | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | Amount | Timeline |
| Procurement of buses (33) | $36M to $64M | 2-6 Years |
| Design and construction of BRT stations (130) | $62M | 2-6 Years |
| Transit priority lanes and intersection improvements | $86M | 2-8 Years |
| Additional studies, functional plans and project overhead | $5M | 1-8 Years |
| Total | $189M to $217M | 7-8 Years |
Three new ferry routes
The three new proposed ferry routes will provide direct connections between downtown Halifax and new terminals at Mill Cove, Larry Uteck and Shannon Park. These routes would provide reliable service with travel times to downtown Halifax likely faster than travel by private vehicle or bus. The routes are anticipated to use multi-hull catamaran vessels with a 150-passenger capacity and a single deck, capable of operating at higher speeds while minimizing wake effects.
| Investment | Amount | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | Amount | Timeline |
| Procurement of vessels (10) | $71M | 1-4 Years |
| Halifax Ferry Terminal upgrade | $17M | 1-3 Years |
| Mill Cove Terminl | $6M to $18M | 1-3 Years |
| Larry Uteck Terminal | $6M to $7M | 1-4 Years |
| Shannon Park Terminal | $4M to $8M | Aligned with development |
| Additional studies, functional plans and project overhead | $4M | 1 Year onward |
| Total | $108M to $125M | 4+ Years |
What Happens Next?
Phase One - Mill Cove Ferry Service
The province and federal government are partnering with the municipality to undertake the first phase of the Mill Cove Ferry Service. This route is one of the key components of the Rapid Transit Strategy, unanimously approved by Regional Council in May, 2020. Staff are endeavoring to secure funding for the proposed Bus Rapid Transit system.
Phase One includes a vessel technology study, concept design work at Halifax Ferry Terminal, site access, site design and terminal concept design at Mill Cove, service calibration studies, and climate assessments.