Feds, partners invest in PEI’s public transportation

eAwazLocal News

Prince Edward Island— New and refurbished vehicles equipped with accessible features will improve operations and transportation services after a combined investment of more than $1.2 million from the federal and provincial governments along with the City of Charlottetown, the Town of Stratford, the Town of Cornwall, and Pat and the Elephant.

With this funding, Charlottetown, Stratford and Cornwall have repaired and updated their existing transit fleet, which will allow them to maintain their existing service coverage as they transition to electric vehicles. These improvements will help enhance transit operations in the three communities.

In addition, Pat and the Elephant received funds to help replace five gas operated vans. The new vehicles support the organization’s mission of providing accessible transportation to Islanders who need it. Three of the new vans will be hybrid models with charging equipment. All of the new vans are equipped with medical stretchers for non-emergency transport. This means more people will be able to get to appointments, transition between care facilities, home, and doctors’ appointments in PEI and off the Island.

“The demand for transportation infrastructure is growing and funding partnerships are critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and environment. By providing reliable and accessible public transit, Island residents can connect with the services they need to support their quality of life and support sustainable, healthy and vibrant communities in PEI.” – Ernie Hudson, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Prince Edward Island