Strait transit’s expansion bid rejected

The most recent expansion proposal by Strait Area Transit has been rejected by the provincial regulator.

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board rejected the Port Hawkesbury-based transit service’s bid to extend its charter authority to trips originating within Antigonish County.

There were three objections received to the application, from Mac Tours Inc. (Mac Tours), Transoverland Ltd. and Markie Bus Tours.

A hearing into the application was held Feb. 28 and the board issued its ruling April 24.

Witnesses for Strait Area Transit testified at the hearing that its principal operational activities are to provide a diala-ride door-to-door service and a variety of regular line runs across Inverness and Victoria counties (south of Margaree Forks), Guysborough County and Richmond County.

It is also entitled under its licence to provide charter services for any trips originating in the counties of Richmond, Inverness and Guysborough.

In its decision, the board noted it is mindful of the applicant’s testimony that the proposal was merely intended to allow Strait Area Transit to supplement its revenues with charter business in Antigonish County.

It also accepted the evidence of the three private operators who objected to the application, to the effect that they currently serve the Antigonish County market and they generally have not refused work in that area.

It indicated Strait Area Transit provided no evidence of demand for charter services in Antigonish County that could not be met by existing carriers. It also noted that, if approved, the application would allow a not-for-profit organization, which is partially subsidized from public sources, to compete in the same market as private operators.