Metro Transit (Halifax)

Metro Transit (Halifax)
logo
image
Founded 1979
Headquarters 200 Ilsley Avenue, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Service area Halifax Regional Municipality
Service type bus service, paratransit and ferry
Routes 59 total
Stops Over 2,211
Fleet 315 vehicles
Daily ridership Approx. 50,000 (2007/2008)[1]
Fuel type B20 biodiesel, some hybrid
Operator Halifax Regional Municipality
Web site Official website

Metro Transit is a Canadian public transport agency operating buses and ferries in Nova Scotia's Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

Owned by the HRM, Metro Transit's operations area is the urban core in the western part of the municipality, namely the Halifax and Dartmouth Metropolitan Areas, along with adjacent outlying neighbourhoods and communities. Metro Transit is the largest transit agency in Atlantic Canada, carrying 18.5 million passengers in fiscal year 2007/2008.[1]

Contents

History

The agency's roots trace back to its four predecessors: Nova Scotia Light & Power Company (March 1928-December 1969) and Halifax Transit Corporation (January 1970-February 1979) in Halifax, and Dartmouth Transit Service Buses Ltd. (April 1957-February 1978) and Dartmouth Transit (February 1978-February 1979) in Dartmouth. In March 1981, both Halifax and Dartmouth transit agencies merged their services to become Metro Transit, taking its name from the Metropolitan Commission. Metro Transit Centre, the agency's headquarters and bus maintenance facility, is located on Ilsley Avenue in Burnside Park, with a satellite garage known as the Rapid Transit Garage also in Burnside Park on Thornhill Drive.

Bus service

Metro Transit articulated bus

Currently there are 278 buses in the fleet, 177 of them low-floor vehicles, operating on 56 routes, including three Community Transit routes, three express routes operating as "MetroLink" which began service in August 2005, and a rural express route operating as "MetroX" which started in August 2009.

Regular service

Metro Transit operates 52 conventional transit routes within the metropolitan region of Halifax Regional Municipality (Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and Sackville), including the areas of Eastern Passage, North Preston/Cherry Brook, Tantallon and Herring Cove. Routes are numbered according to the region or type of service provided:

Route number structure

Routes in the 00's, the 10's and the 20's are primarily Halifax-based routes. Routes in the 30's are rush-hour only routes serving Halifax. Routes in the 40's are university routes serving the Dalhousie University Studley campus which, until summer 2010 operated only during the academic calendar (September to April). Routes in the 50's, the 60's and 70's are Dartmouth-based routes. Routes in the 80's are Sackville and Bedford routes. Routes in the 100's are the MetroLink routes, and routes in the 300's are the MetroExpress routes.

Fare structure

Category Cash Fare MetroPass 10 tickets
Adult $2.25 $70.00 $18.00
Senior/Child $1.50 $52.00 $13.00
Student $2.25 $64.00 $18.00

In addition, a University student bus pass (U-pass)[2] is available for Saint Mary's, Mount Saint Vincent, King's College, Dalhousie, Nova Scotia Community College (Halifax Campuses only) and Nova Scotia College of Art and Design students, and the cost is included in tuition fees. The Metro Transit fare structure can be found on the Metro Transit website.[3]

Transfers are issued upon request on all Metro Transit buses and ferries. A transfer allows the user to transfer between multiple conventional route buses and ferries traveling in any direction without having to pay an additional fare. A transfer also allows users to transfer to MetroLink and Community Transit buses at a reduced fare. Transfers are valid for 90 minutes after they have been issued. Holders of a valid MetroPass or MetroLink Pass do not require transfers.[4]

Transit routes

Metro Transit bus

Active

No. Name Features Inner Terminal Outer Terminal Notes/History
1 Spring Garden Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Bridge Terminal Mumford Terminal
2 Wedgewood Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Water Street Terminal Kearney Lake & Wedgewood Used to provide service to Exhibition Park.
3 Mumford Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Mumford Terminal Inglis & South Park Weekday service only. This route used to service Gottingen.
4 Rosedale Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Water Street Terminal Ross & Dunbrack
5 Chebucto Clock simple.svg Water Street Terminal Downs & Milsom Weekday service only.
6 Quinpool Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Water Street Terminal Stonehaven & Glenmore
7 Robie Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Merv Sullivan Park Northridge Loop
8 Waterfront Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Pier 21 Barrington & Duke Used to be the route that serviced Windsor St.
9 Barrington Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Point Pleasant Park Mumford Terminal
10 Dalhousie Dalhousie University Terminal Invenary & Strath
11 Dockyard Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Clock simple.svg Bridge Terminal Halifax Dockyard
14 Leiblin Park Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Barrington & Duke Leiblin & Juniper
15 Purcell's Cove Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Bayers Road Terminal York Loop
16 Parkland Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Bridge Terminal Lacewood Terminal No Sunday service.
17 Saint Mary's Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Saint Mary's University Lacewood Terminal Weekday service only. No evening service.
18 Universities Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Saint Mary's University Lacewood Terminal
19 Greystone Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Mumford Terminal Greystone Loop Weekday service only.
20 Herring Cove St Paul's & School Barrington & Duke
21 Lakeside / Timberlea Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Charles & Richard Summer & Trollope
22 Armdale Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Mumford Terminal Exhibition Park
23 Timberlea / Mumford Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Clock simple.svg Upper Water & Cornwallis Glengarry Gardens Weekday service only.
31 Main Express Clock simple.svg Summer & Trollope Lacewood Terminal Weekday service only.
32 Cowie Hill Express Clock simple.svg Barrington & Duke South Centre Mall Weekday service only.
33 Tantallon Express Clock simple.svg Summer & Trollope Hubley Centre Mall Weekday service only.
34 Glenbourne Express Clock simple.svg Summer & Trollope Kearney Lake & Parkland Weekday service only. Used to be the Rockingham Express.
35 Parkland Express Clock simple.svg VIA Rail Station Lacewood Terminal Weekday service only. Used to service Rosedale.
41 Dartmouth – Dalhousie Mortarboard.svg Dalhousie University Terminal Bridge Terminal Weekday service only.
42 Lacewood – Dalhousie Mortarboard.svg Dalhousie University Terminal Lacewood Terminal Weekday service only.
51 Windmill Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Bridge Terminal Princess Margaret & Killkee Weekday rush service extends from Bridge Terminal to Princess Margaret & Killkee to Joseph Zatzman Dr.
52 Crosstown Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Colfold & Akerley Chain Lake & Lakelands
53 Notting Park Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Highfield Terminal Bridge Terminal Weekday rush service extends from Bridge Terminal to Summer & Trollope.
54 Montebello Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Caledonia & Du Portage
55 Port Wallace Dartmouth Sportsplex Portobello Loop
56 Dartmouth Crossing Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Portland Hills Terminal Wright & Countryview Used to service Westphal
57 Russell Lake Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Woodside Ferry Terminal Portland Hills Terminal Used to service Mic Mac
58 Woodlawn Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Bridge Terminal Dorthea & Lucien Weekday rush service extends from Bridge Terminal to Mumford Terminal.
59 Colby Bridge Terminal Ashgrove & Cole Harbour Weekday rush service extends from Bridge Terminal to Summer & Trollope.
60 Eastern Passage / Heritage Hills Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Bridge Terminal Caldwell & Shore
61 Auburn / North Preston Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Barrington & Duke North Preston Recreation Centre Used to service Bisett.
62 Wildwood Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Bridge Terminal Cole Harbour Place Used to be the 62 Cherrybrook.
63 Woodside Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Bridge Terminal Irving & Franklyn Weekday service only.
64 Akerley Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Clock simple.svg Bridge Terminal Akerley & McClusky Weekday rush hour service only.
65 Caldwell Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Portland Hills Terminal Caldwell & Cole Harbour
66 Penhorn Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Cobequid Terminal Gaston Loop Used to provide service to the Woodside Ferry, and Forest Hills.
68 Cherrybrook Bridge Terminal Cherrybrook & Hwy 7 Weekday peak service extends from Bridge Terminal to Summer & Trollope. Used to provide service to Ross Road and Auburn.
72 Portland Hills Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Portland Hills Terminal Finlay & Shuble
80 Sackville Upper Water & Cornwallis Downsview Mall
81 Hemlock Ravine Upper Water & Cornwallis Bedford & Uteck Weekday service only. Used to service Bedford
82 Millwood Cobequid Terminal Sackville Terminal Weekday peak service extends from Cobequid Terminal to Barrington & George
83 Springfield Sackville Terminal Springfield Estates
84 Glendale Express Clock simple.svg Summer & Trollope Sackville Terminal Weekday service only.
85 Downsview Express Clock simple.svg Summer & Trollope Sackville Terminal Weekday service only. Used to be the Bedford Express.
86 Basinview Express Clock simple.svg Summer & Trollope Hwy 1 & Rockmanor Weekday service only. Used to connect Bedford and Dartmouth.
87 Glendale Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Bridge Terminal Sackville Terminal Used to service Halifax and Connolly.
88 Bedford Commons Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Cobequid Terminal Sackville Terminal Used to service Atlantic Acres.
89 Bedford Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Lacewood Terminal Cobequid Terminal Weekday service only.
90 Larry Uteck Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Lower Water Street Terminal Larry Uteck Roundabout
159 Portland Hills Link MetroLink-Halifax.svg Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Barrington & Duke Portland Hills Terminal Weekday service only.
165 Woodside Link MetroLink-Halifax.svg Handicapped/disabled access Clock simple.svg Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Woodside Ferry Terminal Portland Hills Terminal Weekday service only.
185 Sackville Link MetroLink-Halifax.svg Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Barrington & Duke Downsview Mall Weekday service only.
330 Tantallon MetroExpress-Halifax.svg Handicapped/disabled access Clock simple.svg Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Albemarle & Duke Tantallon Rink Park & Ride Weekday service only.

Handicapped/disabled access Wheelchair – Uses Accessible Low Floor (ALF) buses only.
Clock simple.svg Rush Hour Service Only.
Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Designated Bike Route.
MetroLink-Halifax.svg MetroLink Service (see MetroLink section below)
MetroExpress-Halifax.svg MetroX Service (see MetroX section below)
Mortarboard.svg University routes that, until the summer of 2010 only operated during the university academic calendar year (September – April).

Defunct

  • 3 Gottingen (1927–1989)
  • 8 Windsor (1963–1999)
  • 11 Macdonald Bridge (1955–1988)
  • 12 Flamingo (1970–2003)
  • 16 Stanley Park (1995–1998)
  • 19 Fotherby (1990–2000)
  • 22 Exhibition Park (1993–2004)
  • 26 Shuttle (1993–2008)
  • 30 Glenforest (1975–1999)
  • 34 Rockingham Express (1982–1990)
  • 35 Rosedale (1995–2000)
  • 40 Mumford – Dalhousie (2006–2006) Mortarboard.svg
  • 48 Highfield (1990–1999)
  • 50 Portland Estates (1980–1996)
  • 50 BIO (2001–2004)
  • 56 Westphal (1980–1989)
  • 57 Mic Mac (1980–1989)
  • 61 Bisett (1980–1996)
  • 66 Forest Hills – Woodside Ferry (1987–1989)
  • 68 Auburn (1980–1995)
  • 68 Ross Road (1995–2000)
  • 71 Forest Hills Express (1982–1989)
  • 81 Bedford (1980–1985)
  • 85 Bedford Express (1980–1991)
  • 86 Bedford – Dartmouth (1987–1988)
  • 87 Connolly (1990–1997)
  • 88 Atlantic Acres (1993–1994)

Mortarboard.svg University routes that only operated during the university academic calendar year (September – April).

Express service Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg

MetroLink-Halifax.svg

MetroLink is Metro Transit's BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) express bus service that operates Monday to Friday. The system consists of three limited-stop fully accessible express routes, connecting downtown Halifax's Scotia Square bus terminal, with the Portland Hills terminal in Cole Harbour on the Dartmouth side, and the Sackville Terminal in Lower Sackville. The third route links the Portland Hills Terminal to the Woodside ferry terminal in Dartmouth during morning and afternoon peak service times.

Rural express Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg

MetroExpress-Halifax.svg

MetroExpress, or MetroX for short is Metro Transit's rural express bus service. There is one MetroX route, running between Tantallon to Halifax. There are two other planned routes that will service the rural commutershed of HRM. All routes are to terminate at Scotia Square in downtown Halifax.[5]

Community transit

Metro Transit supervisor car on the waterfront in Dartmouth, with the Dartmouth ferry in the background

Metro Transit runs a Community Transit service, allowing residents in some suburban and rural communities access to the regular and express bus system operated by Metro Transit.

There are three Community Transit routes:[6]

  • Porters Lake, offering Monday-Saturday service between Portland Hills Terminal in Dartmouth and the communities of East Preston, Lake Echo, Porters Lake and Grand Desert via Portland St, Cole Harbour Rd, Forest Hills Pkwy and Highway #7.
  • Beaver Bank, offering weekday service between the new Sackville Terminal and Beaver Bank Villa in Beaver Bank via the Beaver Bank Road.
  • Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg Sambro, offering weekday service between South Centre Mall in Spryfield and the Ketch Harbour fire hall Ketch Harbour via the old Sambro road and hwy 349. This route uses the same buses as the Metro X service does.

Cash fare on all three routes is $2.25 (Adult/Student) $1.50 (Children/Senior 5–15). Tickets and transfers from other routes are accepted, Monthly bus passes and U-Passes are accepted. Transfers are issued on request on these routes that allow passengers to continue their travels on other Metro Transit routes.

Access-A-Bus Handicapped/disabled access

Metro Transit also provides Access-A-Bus service which is a dial-a-ride service for elderly and handicapped residents in the region. This service was created in 1981, the same year Metro Transit was formed.[7] There are approximately 20 Access-A-Bus vehicles[citation needed].

GoTime

Bus stop sign on Alderney Drive.

GoTime is the name of Metro Transit's automated vehicle locater (AVL) system. The generation system (unveiled over the winter of 2007/2008) uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to track buses throughout the system, providing information on location and schedule adherence to the transit control centre. This information is also used to update Metro Transit's real time bus departure system available to the general public.

Concept

Each bus stop sign has a blue 4-digit GoTime number on it. A passenger can dial 480- plus the 4-digit number to hear an automated message telling them exactly when the next bus on each route servicing that stop will depart, based on the information calculated above. Also, GoTime monitors are placed at every transit terminal, and a few major stops, listing each of the routes that service that stop and when the next two buses on those routes will arrive at that stop. This information is continually updated as the central GoTime system recalculates bus departure times, using the data collected from the buses. In addition to this, each bus is equipped with an on board computer which continually updates the driver on exactly how many minutes ahead of or behind schedule they are, to ensure schedule adherence. A web-based component was developed to provide departure times information via the internet in both standard internet and mobile internet formats.

Technical difficulties and limitations

As of 2010 the system’s functionality was limited to just scheduled transit data (as opposed to live transit data) with information displays at terminals malfunctioning on a regular basis.[8] Metro Transit publicly announced the web-based GoTime system in the Winter of 2007–2008 utilizing a pamphlet distributed in busses that had an incorrect URL (http://halifax.ca/metrotransit/gotime) to the service. This component, which can be found at http://halifax.ca/gotime was never correctly or officially released to the public.

History

The new GPS-based system replaces an older system originally designed by the former City of Halifax between 1984 and 1987, one the earliest real-time passenger information and transit management systems in North America.[9] The previous generation system used wheel rotation sensors to calculate the distance traveled from the start of the route, which was then transmitted back to the transit control centre. This data allowed the system to calculate the buses position along its route, as well as exact departure times for each bus stop ahead of it. In addition to wheel sensors, door sensors were used to determine when the bus was at a stop, and a series of electronic transmitters mounted to power poles along each route allowed the system to further calculate the buses position along its route. As with the current-generation system, the previous system also had a call-in system where a user could call the 4-digit GoTime number on each bus stop and hear an automated message telling them when the next two buses on each route servicing that stop would depart, monitors at all terminals displaying real-time departure information, and on board computers displaying information to drivers on how far ahead or behind schedule they are.

The hardware to support the previous-generation GoTime system had been steadily deteriorating over time, as the last major overhaul to the system was completed in 1996. There is reference to funds being allocated in 1998 for a GoTime upgrade,[10] however, it is believed that the companies that were contracted to perform the upgrade, failed to do so when they each went bankrupt. Due to the instability of the system, it is believed that sometime between 2004 and 2005, the "real-time" functionality of the GoTime system was disabled, as phoning the system seemed only to tell the scheduled departure times, not actual departure times; the phone-in component used the words "scheduled to depart in" when real-time data was unavailable, and "will depart in" when the data was available.

Fleet

Current

Manufacturer Model Model Years Fleet Numbers No. Purchased No. Remaining in Service Notes/History
GMDD TC40-102N Classic 1986 896 – 910 15 2 Renumbered from 996 – 1010 in 1987.
MCI TC40-102N Classic 1987
1988
1989
1990
921 – 928
929 – 940
941 – 947
948 – 952
8
12
7
5
1
7
3
5
Some of these retired due to lots of New Flyer D40LF's in service.
MCI / NovaBus TC60-102N Articulated Classic 1992
1993
701 – 707
708 – 714
7
7
5
5
In 1993, MCI was taken over by NovaBus in the middle of the 1993 order; as a result, 708 – 710 bear the MCI logo, while 711 – 714 bear the NovaBus logo. NovaBus discontinued the articulated Classic immediately following the fulfillment of this order.
NovaBus TC40-102N Classic 1994
1995
1996
953 – 966
967 – 974
975 – 985
14
8
11
13
8
11
975 & 976 were test buses running on propane. The fuel provided less power than expected, and the engines were converted to diesel.
NovaBus Nova LFS Handicapped/disabled access 1999
2000
986 – 996
997 – 1000
11
4
11
4
These were originally designated for use on low floor routes, but now are also commonly used on routes that are not designated as accessible, because the ramps do not function, and the buses do not kneel as they are supposed to.
New Flyer Industries D30LF Handicapped/disabled access 1999 505 – 507 3 3 These buses operate on the Beaver Bank and Porters Lake Community Transit service.
New Flyer Industries D40LF Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg 2002
2004
2005
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
1001 – 1032
1033 – 1060
1061 – 1082
600 – 619
1083 – 1107
1108 – 1130
1131 – 1153
1154 – 1159
32
28
22
20
25
23
23
6
32
28
22
20
25
23
23
6
600 – 619 are branded for use on the MetroLink service, but are occasionally pressed into service on conventional routes.
600 – 619, 1083 – 1159 have air conditioning.
New Flyer Industries DE60LFR Articulated Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg 2009 715 – 716 2 2 715 – 716 are both hybrids.
Glaval Bus Titan Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg 2009 516 – 525 10 10 516 – 525 are branded for, and usually operate on, the MetroX and Sambro Community Transit service, but also occasionally provide service on conventional routes.
NovaBus Nova LFS Articulated Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg 2010
2010
717 – 731
732 – 741
15
10
15
10
717 – 731 were put into service on August 30, 2010.
732 – 741 were delivered December 2010 and entered service in February 2011 during the Canada Winter Games.

Past

Manufacturer Model Model Years Fleet Numbers No. Purchased Notes/History
GMDD T6H-5305 New Look 1969
1971
801 – 819
820 – 823
19
4
Prior to 1981, these buses were owned by Halifax Transit Corporation
GMDD T6H-4521 New Look 1969
1971
401 – 455
133 – 135
55
3
Prior to 1981, 401 – 455 were owned by Halifax Transit Corp; 133 – 135 were owned by Dartmouth Transit Service
GMDD TDH-3301 New Look 1971 130 – 131 2 Prior to 1981, these buses were owned by Dartmouth Transit Service
GMDD TDH-3302N New Look 1973 137 1 Prior to 1981, this bus was owned by Dartmouth Transit Service
GMDD T6H-4523N New Look 1973
1975
1976
1977
138 – 139
143 – 144
145 – 147
148 – 150
2
2
3
3
Prior to 1981, these buses were owned by Dartmouth Transit Service
GMDD T6H-5307N New Look 1981/82
1975
1978
1982
510 – 515
824 – 835
836 – 856
857 – 869
6
12
21
13
Prior to 1981, 824 – 856 were owned by Halifax Transit Corp; 857 – 869 were bought after HTC and DTS merged into Metro Transit; 510 – 515 were purchased from BC Transit. 512 had an electronic sign.
GMDD TC40-102N Classic 1983
1985
1987
870 – 881
882 – 895
911 – 920
12
14
10
The 1983 buses originally had rollsigns, although some have since been converted to electronic destination signs.
Orion Bus Industries 01.501 (Orion I) 1981 501 – 504 4 Purchased from the Toronto Transit Commission in 1990.
501, 502 & 504 were sold to Kings Transit, Nova Scotia
Orion Bus Industries 01.506 (Orion I) 1985 308 1 Purchased from the Pictou County Regional Transit Authority in 1996.
Sold to Kings Transit, Nova Scotia
Saab-Scania CN112A 1984 201 – 212 12 Assembled from 'completely knocked-down' kits by Tri-Star Industries of Yarmouth, NS; purchase subsidised by NS government in an attempt to create a provincial bus-building industry

Ferries Handicapped/disabled access Sinnbild Radfahrer.svg

Halifax III
Close-up of HRM ferry
Dartmouth III
A map of Metro Transit ferry routes, both existing and possible new ones. (Note: Possible route to Eastern Passage is not included)

Current service

Metro Transit also provides two passenger ferry routes, one connecting downtown Halifax with Alderney Landing in Dartmouth (which operates daily using two vessels) and the other connecting downtown Halifax with Woodside (Monday through Friday only using one vessel). The ferry services are integrated with the bus services; the fares are identical, and transfers are accepted between the two systems. The harbour ferries are utilised by over 3,000 commuters daily[11] Each ferry carries up to 398 passengers. The characters of Phillip and Phillmore, the ferry twins from the children's TV show, Theodore Tugboat are modelled after these vessels.

Proposed high speed service

In recent years, following unfulfilled plans to implement commuter rail, the municipality has begun to plan several new high speed ferry routes on Halifax Harbour, including service to Purcell's Cove, Bedford, Eastern Passage and Shannon Park. These routes would be served by wave piercing catamarans capable of speeds of approximately 40 knots. Details have not been finalized, however it is likely that the downtown Halifax terminal would act as a hub, with all routes radiating outward. Studies and trials have been undertaken for a Bedford-Halifax route, which will likely be the first high speed service.

Fleet

Current

There are three ferries in operation:

  • Dartmouth III – Built in 1979 in Pictou, Nova Scotia.
  • Halifax III – Built in 1979 in Pictou.
  • Woodside I – Built in 1986 in Pictou.

All three ferries are double-ended side-loading, and use two 230 hp Caterpillar model 3306 engines, each driving a model 12E/75 Voith-Schneider propeller.

Past

The Dartmouth to Halifax ferry service dates from 1752.[12] Following is a list of earlier ferries as far as is known.

  • Dartmouth II – Built in 1956 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, retired in 1979.[13]
  • Halifax II – Built in 1956 in Lunenburg, retired in 1979.[13]
  • Scotian – Built in 1946 in Pictou, Nova Scotia, retired in 1955.[13]
  • Governor Cornwallis – Built in 1941 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, retired in 1944 (destroyed by fire).[13]
  • Dartmouth – Built in 1934 in Lauzon, Quebec, retired in 1957.[13]
  • Halifax – Built in 1911, retired in 1956.[13]
  • Chebucto – Built in 1906, retired in 1951.[13]
  • Annex 2 – Built in 1878 in New Baltimore, New York, retired in 1909 (destroyed by fire).[13]
  • Arcadia – Built in 1884 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, retired in 1891.[13]
  • Dartmouth – Built in 1888 in Yarmouth, retired in 1935.[13]
  • Chebucto – Built in 1878 in Dartmouth, retired in 1892.[13]
  • Mic Mac – Built in 1878 in Dartmouth, retired in 1901.[13]
  • Boxer – Built in 1838 in Dartmouth, retired in 1864.[13]
  • Sir C. Ogle – Built in 1830 in Dartmouth, retired in 1894.[13]
  • Sherbrooke – Built in 1816 in Dartmouth, retired in 1830.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Halifax Regional Municipality Transportation and Public Works – 2008/09 Business Plans and Budget
  2. ^ Metro Transit, U-Pass
  3. ^ Metro Transit, Tickets and Passes
  4. ^ Metro Transit, 2008 News Archive
  5. ^ Metro Transit, Metro Express page (with planning documents)
  6. ^ Metro Transit, Community Transit
  7. ^ Metro Transit, Access-a-bus
  8. ^ "How to Fix the City Scorecard"
  9. ^ Transport Canada,"GoTime: Real-time passenger information and transit management" Case study, July, 2007
  10. ^ HRM, Halifax Regional Council Minutes, June 30, 1998
  11. ^ Metro Transit, Dartmouth-Halifax Harbour Ferries
  12. ^ Metro Transit, Harbour Ferries
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Payzant, J. & Lewis, J (1979): Like A Weaver's Shuttle: A History of the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferries. Nimbus Publishing.

External links

Coordinates: 44°41′34″N 63°35′4.4″W / 44.69278°N 63.584556°W / 44.69278; -63.584556


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