Getting Around HRM…Metro Transit Services
The majority of Metro Transit’s conventional bus routes are accessible through the use of Accessible Low Floor (ALF) buses. ALF buses are clearly marked with the international accessibility symbol, and feature no step entry/exit and an accessibility ramp for mobility challenged customers.
Accessible Low Floor (ALF) buses will pick up or drop off customers in mobility devices regardless of the route, so long as the accessible ramp can be lowered to load or unload the customer. A list of the bus stops that are inaccessible, where the ramp cannot be deployed under any circumstance, can be found below.
For complete details on accessible bus service, see the
Accessible Service Handbook or click here.
Metro Transit’s ferry service is also accessible, providing service on two routes between downtown Halifax and Dartmouth, and downtown Halifax and Woodside. All three ferry terminals offer accessibility features including audio boarding announcements and safety videos in the passenger waiting areas.
Metro Transit's Access-A-Bus (AAB) service is a shared ride, door-to-door, transit service for persons who are unable to use the conventional transit system due to physical or cognitive disabilities and are declared eligible through a registration process. The Access-A-Bus service is meant to supplement the Metro Transit’s fixed-route system.
Mobility scooters are also permitted on Access-A-Bus.
Access-A-Bus's service provision area is within 1000m of a fixed-route bus stop - consistent with the buffer for local transit taxation.
Personal care attendants are not required to pay a fare to accompany an AAB customer. To become eligible for this exemption, AAB customers are required to provide a written recommendation from a physician, and receive approval for the personal attendant by Metro Transit. The attendant is required to travel with the AAB customer at all times. Those travelling with an AAB customer without a physician’s recommendation will be subject to the appropriate fare.
Access-A-Bus User Guide (PDF)
Metro Transit recently undertook a Universal Accessibility Study to generate public discussion and feedback on a number of accessibility-related issues with conventional bus and ferry services, including:
- existing infrastructure (vehicles, terminals, bus stops, shelters, etc.)
- on-board wheelchair and scooter restraint systems
- customer communication and information (ie: website, on-street kiosks and other information, schedules & maps), and transit guidelines and policies
The completed study will be presented for discussion to the Transportation Standing Committee in January 2012.
Operating 3 Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
Requests 24-hour booking notice
Call: 429-6666 or 425-6666
- Need-A-Lift Transportation Services
Operating 5 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Requests 24 hour booking notice
Call: 222-LIFT (5438)
Email: needalift@eastlink.ca
- Yellow Taxi
Operating 2 Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
Requests 24-hour booking notice
Call: 420-0000
Accessible parking permits and plates are administered through Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations of the Province of Nova Scotia. Those persons wishing to apply for a permit or plate for this purpose can visit their website. Agreements have been put in place with every province and state in North America to honor the official permits and plates of visitors from those provinces and states.
Halifax Regional Municipality has been very active in the placement of accessible on street parking locations. These locations are not metered spots at a convenience for the users. There are more than 210 parking spots in 137 locations. The following is the most recent updated list of on street accessible parking locations with any associated time limits for parking at the specific location.
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