Transport Action Atlantic Society

Transport Action Atlantic Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion, advancement, and development of safe, sustainable, convenient, and affordable public transportation in Atlantic Canada. Registered under the business number 131583999RR0001, the society operates as an all-volunteer and non-partisan advocacy group focused on improving transportation infrastructure and services across the Atlantic provinces.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of Transport Action Atlantic is to enhance public transportation that is accessible and environmentally sound. The organization emphasizes the importance of reducing reliance on fossil fuels by encouraging energy-efficient transit options. It also addresses issues such as congestion, air and noise pollution, traffic safety, and the social need for accessible transportation, especially for seniors, youth, persons with disabilities, low-income individuals, and others who do not own private vehicles.

Activities and Advocacy

Transport Action Atlantic actively engages in advocacy to influence government policy and public awareness on transportation issues affecting Atlantic Canada. The organization has been involved in campaigns such as petitioning the federal government to fund critical track improvements on the Newcastle Subdivision, a vital part of VIA Rail’s Ocean route that connects Halifax and Montreal. This rail line has suffered from decades of deferred maintenance, leading to reduced speeds and longer travel times, negatively impacting communities in northern New Brunswick and surrounding areas.

The society also highlights infrastructure vulnerabilities, for example, the CN rail line across the Chignecto Isthmus between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, which is exposed to storm surges from the Bay of Fundy. Transport Action Atlantic advocates for protective measures and investments to preserve this crucial transportation corridor.

Governance and Structure

As an all-volunteer organization, Transport Action Atlantic operates without political affiliation, focusing on citizen-based transportation advocacy. The society collaborates with other chapters of Transport Action across Canada, sharing common goals of sustainable and economically viable transportation solutions.

Environmental and Social Impact

Transport Action Atlantic addresses the environmental footprint of transportation, promoting public transit as a means to reduce urban and rural land waste, decrease pollution, and enhance community safety. Its efforts aim to make public transportation a practical choice for all residents of Atlantic Canada, thereby supporting social equity and environmental sustainability.

This nonprofit organization stands as a key advocate in Atlantic Canada, championing improvements in public transportation infrastructure and policies that benefit both the environment and society.