No money needed, JUST SIGNATURES!

This petition warmly welcomes signatures from ALL individuals regardless of nationality or residence. Travelers, tourists, visitors, students, and commuters are urged to add their signatures.

As an advocate and a long-time Maritimer, I'm leading this petition for change on behalf of my family, friends, neighbors, and the citizens of Nova Scotian communities who rely on public transportation. Maritime Bus Coach Atlantic (formerly known as Acadian Bus Lines), discontinued service to Monastery (Exit #37 located off of TransCanada Highway 104) in 1999. This discontinuation of service posed a transportation hardship for the public. The current situation forces citizens to bear the added cost of independently finding alternative transportation to get to the make-shift bus stops located in Antigonish at St. FXU, or in Auld's Cove at the Subway. This is inconvenient and financially burdensome for those who cannot afford these additional expenses, especially in the current recession climate. Families are already stretching their dollars for housing and food. Worrying about the cost of transportation for a student, a sick family member, work, or medical appointments, should not be another weight on families or visitors. A designated bus stop in the community would significantly alleviate these issues. Not to mention the convenience and reduction of stress it would create for all travelers.

Maritime Bus Service is known for its commitment towards providing accessible and convenient transportation services across Nova Scotia. However, their current route by-passes Monastery, leaving many residents within the Antigonish-Guysborough-Tracadie-Canso corridors without an affordable and convenient means of transport. With the exception of emergency situations, the bus is not permitted to stop or detour at non-designated locations. 

Adding a stop in Monastery would greatly benefit the community by reducing travel costs and making public transportation more accessible for everyone. It's not just about convenience; it's about equity and inclusivity in access to public services. Maritime Bus is a Canadian coach operator based in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The company began operations on December 1, 2012, after Acadian Lines discontinued service on November 30, 2012. I spoke with management at Maritime Bus on numerous occasions between 2018 and 2023 to request the addition of a bus stop in Monastery. In order for Maritime Bus to give further consideration to my request, the Maritime Bus Representative suggested that I provide a signed "Petition of Support" to demonstrate a "public interest and need" for the requested stop at the Monastery PetroCan located on Route 4 off of the TransCanada Exit 37.

Your signature on this petition is critical to the decision making process at Maritime Bus Management on whether or not they will add Monastery to their list of stops. A service that is very much needed for the citizens and visitors of the Antigonish-Guysborough County corridor.

We urge Maritime Bus to consider this request seriously as it affects many people within the Province who rely on their bus services for commuting purposes as well as tourism. Please sign this petition if you believe that every Maritimer and visitor should have equal access to public transportation regardless of where they live in the Maritimes.

I believe WE can make a difference TOGETHER! The more signatures we acquire on this petition, the better our chances will be to have our voices heard by the decision makers at Maritime Bus.

Thank you for your support!

Many Blessings!