Amherst's Road to Growth: Federal Funds Fuel Transit Feasibility Study

AMHERST, NS – November 25, 2025

A modest federal investment of $50,000 is setting the stage for a potentially transformative shift in Amherst, Nova Scotia. The funding, delivered through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), will finance a comprehensive feasibility study for a public transit system, a strategic move that could redefine mobility, economic opportunity, and community well-being in this key Maritime town.

For a community grappling with the challenges of car-dependency and accessibility, this study represents more than just a planning exercise. It’s the first concrete step toward addressing a critical infrastructure gap, one that local leaders believe could unlock significant social and economic benefits. As the largest service center in Cumberland County, Amherst's strategic decisions on infrastructure have ripple effects across the entire region.

A Community at a Crossroads of Mobility

Currently, transportation in Amherst is a tale of limited options. While inter-city connections exist through Maritime Bus and a thrice-weekly VIA Rail service, daily local travel is overwhelmingly reliant on personal vehicles. The Cumberland County Transportation Services (CCTS) offers a valuable pre-booked, door-to-door service, but it prioritizes medical appointments and cannot fully substitute for the spontaneous, widespread access a public transit system provides. This reality creates significant hurdles for a substantial portion of the population.

With over a quarter of its residents aged 65 or older and a significant youth demographic, Amherst has a clear and growing need for alternative transportation. For seniors seeking to maintain independence, students commuting to schools or part-time jobs, and low-income families burdened by the high costs of vehicle ownership, the absence of a public bus service is a tangible barrier. The town's 11.9% unemployment rate is intrinsically linked to this mobility gap, as lack of reliable transport can limit access to job opportunities.

This challenge has not gone unnoticed by local leadership. The transit study aligns perfectly with Amherst Town Council's strategic initiatives, which include developing a broader "Mobility Strategy." Mayor Rob Small highlighted the project's importance, stating, "A local transit system would provide safe, reliable, and inclusive transportation options, helping reduce barriers and improve equity -- two key priorities for Council." The study will delve into the specifics, examining potential route designs, stop locations, fare structures, and implementation strategies tailored to the town's unique geography and demographic needs. It is a foundational step to ensure any future system is built for success.

The Federal Blueprint for Rural Revitalization

The investment in Amherst is not an isolated grant; it is a key example of a broader federal strategy aimed at strengthening the fabric of rural Canada. The Rural Transit Solutions Fund is a targeted program designed to address the unique mobility challenges faced by communities outside major urban centers. Recognizing that one-size-fits-all solutions fail in diverse rural landscapes, the RTSF supports a range of models, from traditional fixed-route buses to more agile options like on-demand shuttles and flex-routes.

This initiative is deeply embedded in Canada's national policy objectives. It directly supports the country's strengthened climate plan, 'A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy,' by promoting cleaner transportation alternatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As Member of Parliament Alana Hirtle noted, "Communities like Amherst thrive when everyone has access to affordable public transportation." Her comment underscores the dual benefit: fostering healthier, more connected communities while advancing environmental goals.

Furthermore, the funding reinforces the federal government's commitment to economic development through initiatives like the Atlantic Growth Strategy. With rural communities accounting for nearly 30% of the nation's GDP, investments in their core infrastructure are not just about local quality of life—they are critical for national economic resilience. By enabling better access to jobs, education, and local businesses, such projects lay the groundwork for sustainable growth.

The $50,000 Question: Charting an Economic Path Forward

Beyond the social and environmental benefits, the central question for a column focused on business growth is whether an investment in public transit can deliver a tangible economic return for a town like Amherst. The feasibility study is, in essence, the first phase of due diligence on a major infrastructure investment that could spark significant economic revitalization.

An effective transit system can act as a powerful economic catalyst. By providing reliable transportation, it expands the labor pool for local businesses, connecting employers with a wider range of potential employees who were previously constrained by a lack of transport. It also enhances access to the town's commercial core, making it easier for residents—especially those without cars—to shop, dine, and access services locally, thereby keeping more dollars circulating within the community.

Moreover, the financial relief for households can be substantial. Reducing reliance on personal vehicles cuts down on expenses for fuel, insurance, and maintenance, freeing up disposable income that can be spent elsewhere in the local economy. For Amherst, which serves a regional population, an accessible transit network could also make the town a more attractive place to live, potentially drawing new residents and stemming rural out-migration. As Mayor Small described the potential system as a "transformative project," the economic dimension is clearly a major component of that vision. This study will provide the hard data needed to build a business case and guide a multi-million-dollar decision.

Lessons from the Road Ahead

While the promise is significant, the path to implementing a successful rural transit system is fraught with challenges. Low population density, vast geographic areas, and fluctuating demand have doomed many well-intentioned projects in other small towns. This is precisely why the $50,000 for a feasibility study is such a critical and strategic investment. It allows Amherst to learn from the successes and failures of others before committing significant capital.

The study will explore which transit model is the right fit. Is a fixed-route system viable, or would a more flexible, demand-responsive service that residents can book via an app be more efficient and cost-effective? Where should stops be located to maximize ridership and serve key destinations like the hospital, schools, and major retail areas? How should fares be structured to ensure affordability while maintaining a degree of financial sustainability? Answering these questions with data-driven analysis is the surest way to de-risk the project.

This methodical approach positions Amherst not as a mere recipient of funds, but as a proactive community planning for a resilient and connected future. The outcome of this study will be watched closely, not just by the residents of Cumberland County, but by other rural municipalities across Canada looking for a viable blueprint to solve their own mobility puzzles. The journey is just beginning, but for Amherst, the destination is a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous community.