As I talk with so many of you, I hear a common message: we need a more efficient and accessible public transportation system. Our beautiful city deserves a transit system that not only meets our current needs but also paves the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. Here is my vision for transforming public transportation in Halifax, making it the backbone of our community’s growth and connection.
Investing in Our Future
Our journey begins with increased investment in public transportation. As your mayor, I will advocate tirelessly for additional funding from provincial and federal governments. I believe in prioritizing public transportation in our municipal budget because every dollar invested in transit is a dollar invested in our future. With these resources, we can expand and improve our services, ensuring that every resident has access to reliable and efficient transportation.
A Comprehensive Transit Plan OR "Restructuring Our Transit System"
It’s time for Halifax to get with the times and have a comprehensive transit plan that looks ahead and prepares us for the future. Working with transportation experts and community leaders, we will develop a strategic plan that addresses our current challenges and anticipates our future needs. This plan will set clear goals and timelines, holding us accountable and ensuring we make steady progress towards a world-class transit system.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
Our success depends on collaboration. By fostering strong relationships between our transportation, urban planning, and public works departments, we can create cohesive and effective solutions. I will also work closely with neighbouring municipalities to ensure a seamless regional transportation network -- Inspired by successful models in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, I propose a regional transit system that works hand in hand with Maritime Bus, expanding our network without disrupting existing services.
This collaborative effort will be cost-shared by Halifax, neighbouring municipalities, and the province, ensuring financial sustainability and regional equity. Imagine a future where you can easily travel between Halifax and surrounding areas with coordinated schedules and integrated ticketing, all while respecting our local providers.
The most important voice in this process is yours. I promise to engage with you through public consultations, surveys, and forums, gathering your input and ensuring that our transit improvements reflect the needs and desires of our community. Transparency will be at the heart of our efforts, with regular updates on our progress and plans.
Modernizing Our Infrastructure
Our transit infrastructure is the foundation of our system. I will ensure that we allocate resources to upgrade and maintain our bus stops, shelters, and transit hubs. Modernizing dedicated bus lanes and traffic signal priority systems will reduce delays and improve service efficiency.
Safety, Accessibility, and Sustainability
Your safety is my priority. I will implement improved lighting, surveillance, and security measures at transit stops and on vehicles. Accessibility will be at the forefront, with every transit service and facility designed to accommodate people with disabilities. Sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a commitment. By investing in eco-friendly transit options and incorporating sustainable design elements into our projects, we will reduce our carbon footprint and protect our beautiful environment for future generations.
Building a Culture of Public Transit Use
Promoting public transportation is about building a culture of use. Through public awareness campaigns, we will highlight the benefits of public transit and encourage more residents to take advantage of our improved services. Before we get there, we need to make sure transit is efficient and can handle the needs of our population.
Accountability and Continuous Improvement
Our work doesn’t stop once improvements are made. Regular performance audits and data-driven decision-making will ensure that our transit system continues to evolve and meet the needs of our growing community. I will be responsive to your feedback and committed to continuous improvement.
Together, we can create a public transportation system that connects us, supports our growth, and reflects our values. Let’s embark on this journey to a more efficient Halifax.