Ambassatours will not apply to replace Acadian Lines

Ambassatours Gray Line will not apply to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board to step into the bus service void that will be left once Acadian Lines shuts down intercity bus service this fall.

The company was expected to make an official application today to the UARB to replace Acadian Lines.But Dennis Campbell, the president of Ambassatours Gray Line, said P.E.I.-based Trius Tours is better suited to provide a Maritime bus service.

Via Rail is consideringintegrating its rail service with intercity buses, President Marc Lalibertsaid at the Halifax chamber of commerce Wednesday.

He said Via is talking to bus operators, but he could not say when the service would be implemented.

Lalibert's comment comes as other companies show interest in taking over the routes of departing Acadian Lines.

That company is shutting down in November and the UARB will soon hear from various other companies looking to fill the hole.

Provincial regulators set Friday as the deadline to apply.

Trius Tours of P.E.I. has already filed its application.