Transit is a great option for getting around in Halifax, especially if you’re travelling longer distances. If you don’t have access to or choose not to travel using a vehicle, transit can help you get to where you need to go.
Catching the Bus
Halifax Transit operates 66 bus routes and two ferry routes between three ferry terminals in Halifax, Alderney, and Woodside. To find out which bus or ferry will take you where you need to go, there are lots of resources to help you plan your next transit trip.
Schedules and maps for all bus and ferry routes can be found online and in print at ferry and transit terminals. The print versions are particularly handy to have if you don’t have access to the Internet or cellular data on the go.
Websites and apps like Google Maps and the Transit app are very helpful for planning your transit trip. All you have to do is enter where you’re starting from and where you want to go into the app. It will then find the closest bus stop or ferry terminal for you, tell you which bus or ferry you need to take and when it leaves. The Transit app in particular uses real-time data to show you where the bus is along its route - very helpful for waiting inside on rainy or cold days.
If you don’t have access to the Internet or cellular data, you can always call the Departures Line at 902-480-8000 to find out when the next bus is leaving from a particular stop. Simply enter the route number when prompted and then the bus stop number (both can be found on the bus stop sign) to find out when you can expect the next bus. Add the Departures Line as a contact in your phone so you always have it on hand if you need it.
Paying Your Way
There are lots of ways to pay your fare on Halifax Transit.
- Cash
-
Cash fare on Halifax Transit is $2.75 for adults (ages 18-64) and $2.00 for youth (ages 13-17) and seniors (ages 65+). The cash fare can be paid with any combination of coins or bills (if paying for multiple riders). Transit operators are not able to provide change.
- Transfers
-
If you are using Transit and need to transfer between buses, or between the bus and ferry, transfers allow you to do so without paying again for your fare. Transfers are available from Transit operators on buses and at the ferry fare box and are good for 90 minutes in any direction. This allows you to catch the next transfer bus if you need to run quick errands, visit nearby shops, or make a quick stopover on your way.
- Tickets
-
If you take transit occasionally, purchasing tickets can save you money and make paying your fare more convenient. Halifax Transit tickets are available at several locations. Tickets come in packs of ten and are priced to provide a small discount. Tickets for adults (18-64) are $24.75 per 10-pack and $18.00 for youth (13-17) and seniors (65+).
- Affordable Access Transit Pass Program
-
The Affordable Access Transit Pass Program provides monthly transit passes at a 50% discount for qualifying residents purchasing Regular and Regional Express bus passes through the Affordable Access program.
- Transit Passes
-
If you take transit regularly, a monthly transit pass may be an economical and convenient option for you. Transit passes are $82.50 per month for adults (18-64) and $60.00 for youth (13-17) and seniors (65+). Passes are also available for Regional Express Routes. Learn more about transit pass pricing and where to purchase transit passes.
- E-Pass
-
Employers across the municipality are part of our SmartTrip program, which provides various benefits and incentives to employees to use sustainable forms of commuting like active transportation, transit, carpooling, and more.
One of the benefits of the SmartTrip program is the E-Pass program, which uses payroll deductions to provide you with a yearly discounted transit pass. This is a great option for people using transit to commute to and from work.
- U-Pass
-
Post-secondary students in Halifax are provided with a U-Pass through their school during the academic year. The schools that provide a U-Pass to students include:
Dalhousie University Mount Saint Vincent UniversityStudents with a UPass from participating schools only have to show their student ID cards with a valid sticker to board the bus.
- Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD)
- Nova Scotia Community College
- Saint Mary’s University
Accessibility on Halifax Transit
All Halifax Transit buses are accessible low floor models to allow for ramps to be deployed for passengers to board the bus on foot or with any kind of mobility device. Halifax Transit offers wheelchair and mobility scooter orientation sessions to familiarize passengers with how to board and use these apparatuses on buses. Contact the Citizen Contact Centre toll-free at 311 to request an orientation. For more information about accessibility on Halifax Transit, check out the Accessible Transit Service Handbook.
For residents that are not able to use Halifax Transit’s conventional service, Access-A-Bus is a shared ride, door-to-door, transit service for getting to medical appointments, to run errands, and for recreational activities. Learn more about Access-A-Bus and see if it’s a good fit for you.
Bikes + Transit = Freedom
All Halifax Transit buses are equipped with front bicycle racks and all ferries have multiple bicycle racks so that it’s easy to combine your bicycle trip with a trip on Halifax Transit to go ever further.
For some people, it can be a bit intimidating to put their bicycle on the bus bike rack for the first time. Click through below for tips on how to load and unload your bike on the bus.
Wave or signal to the transit operator so that they know you'd like to load your bicycle onto the bus.
Pull and lift the handle on the front bike rack until it clicks.
Pull the bike rack toward you and lower it until it clicks into place.
Lift your bicycle and place it into one of the two slots on the rack. Your front wheel should be on the same side as the padded hook that is used to hold your bike in place.
Pull the padded hook towards you and over your front wheel.
Secure your bike by releasing and placing the padded hook as close to the bicycle frame as possible.
When you're ready to get off the bus at your stop, let the driver know you need to unload your bike.
Pull up on the padded hook and pull it over your front wheel.
Lift your bicycle out of the rack.
Pull the handle on the bike rack towards you and lift the bike rack back into place.
Signal to the transit operator to let them know that you are finished unloading your bicycle.
