Nova Scotia officials have started reviewing a new commuter rail study for Sydney to assess potential daily service to Glace Bay, the airport, or Cape Breton University. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Nova Scotia officials have started reviewing a new commuter rail study for Sydney to assess potential daily service to Glace Bay, the airport, or Cape Breton University
A draft fesibility study on the creation of commuter rail in the Sydney area has been delivered to the Nova Scotia government. (Tom Ayers/CBC)

The provincial government received the draft report earlier this week and tasked senior transportation officials with analyzing its findings. Their assessment will guide the next steps in developing public transit for Cape Breton.

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Nova Scotia Officials Examine Feasibility of New Transit Options

Deputy Minister of Public Works Paul LaFleche addressed the legislature’s public accounts committee, highlighting that the study focuses on rush-hour commuter rail around Sydney. He noted possible routes include Glace Bay and the airport.

LaFleche explained that Sydney has distinct characteristics that support commuter rail success, though he did not elaborate. Local advocates are actively promoting the case for investment in regional rail service.

Cape Breton-based engineer Dan MacDonald led the study, which included engineering analysis of current rail infrastructure. The provincial government previously granted $610,000 to Cape Breton University to conduct this feasibility work.

Link Nova Scotia to Lead Assessment of Study Findings

Link Nova Scotia, the province’s new transit agency, will now review the study and deliver feedback. The agency oversees transit planning and plays a key role in shaping regional mobility strategies.

According to LaFleche, commuter rail projects in Canada often rely on joint funding from municipal, provincial, and federal governments. Nova Scotia would likely pursue a similar model for the Sydney project.

With Cape Breton’s transportation demands growing, Nova Scotia’s final decision could set a benchmark for expanding public transit in smaller urban areas. The study’s results may influence future rail development across Atlantic Canada.

Source: www.cbc.ca

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