Acadian Lines proposes route cuts

Acadian Coach Lines has filed a proposal with a regulator to eliminate its daily service between Kentville and Digby in Nova Scotia.

Quebec-based Groupe Orlans Express Inc., which bought Acadian Lines five years ago, estimated the company has lost approximately 100,000 passengers and $1.6 million since then.

In addition to cutting its daily service route between Kentville and Digby, the company has applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board to cut one daily trip between Sydney and Halifax and add two express runs between Halifax and Moncton, N.B.

Digby Mayor Ben Clevelandsaid the news is difficult to take because the town is already fighting to keep its ferry service.

"We're a rural community and we're an older population that needs that type of service," he said. "Many don't drive so it's a real concern, besides the psychological blow of being isolated once again."

Cleveland said about 200 people have signed a petition to keep the bus service.

Digby is also serviced by another transit system, Kings Transit, which is subsidized by taxpayers from several municipalities in the Annapolis Valley.

Acadian Lines declined a request for an interview, but Cleveland said he received a letter from the company about why it wants to eliminate the service.

"They are telling us the Kentville-to-Digby route is not a profitable route because there is the other bus service that is subsidized," he said. "Kings is usually $3.50 to $4."

Acadian Lines charges $50 for the same trip.

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will hold a public hearing in the new year to decide if the company can increase service on one profitable route while cutting back on several others.