Transit services operated by Kings Authority will no longer be available in Digby starting from August 1.
The Town of Digby, Nova Scotia, has announced its withdrawal from the Inter-Municipal Services Agreement (IMSA) with Kings Transit Authority (KTA), citing fiscal restraints and significantly higher costs as the primary reasons. The town council carefully weighed various options but determined that the current costs associated with maintaining the service, without a guarantee of expanded or improved service, did not represent good value for the town's residents [1][3][5].
For years, Digby has been served by KTA, which provides regional public transportation throughout the Annapolis Valley, from Grand Pré to Weymouth. However, the town has never held ownership status or full governance participation within KTA, despite being served under the regional IMSA [1][5].
The costs to continue the service under the IMSA or alternative agreements were considered too high relative to the benefits, with no assurance of enhanced transit coverage within the town boundaries. As a result, the town has opted not to fund continued KTA service and is exploring alternatives better suited to its needs [1][5].
One option offered was a one-year service contract with a monthly cost of C$8,200 (C$98,400 annually), with no IMSA participation required and a six-month termination notice. Another option included full membership through reopening the IMSA, with costs smoothed at C$4,100/month until April 1, 2026, subject to board and council approvals [1].
The decision does not reflect a lack of appreciation for KTA's service or the effort made by all partners. E. Tom Ossinger, the town's Chief Administrative Officer, stated that the decision was focused solely on the town’s capacity to fund and sustain transit service within its limits and reflects the need to meet the town’s specific community realities [1][5].
As a result of this withdrawal, KTA has determined that service within Digby town limits will end on Aug. 1, with the final stop at Canadian Tire on the town boundary. The municipality of the District of Digby has committed to covering operational costs for July 2025 within the town, estimated at C$8,200 (US$5,987) [1].
In the meantime, the town is exploring potential alternatives, including a locally operated microtransit service that would connect with Digby County’s existing fixed-route transit. The success of these alternative arrangements will significantly impact overall accessibility and mobility within the town [1][5].
It is important to note that the IMSA for KTA involves the counties of Kings, Annapolis, and Digby, and the towns of Berwick, Kentville, Middleton, Wolfville, and previously, Digby. The municipal partners have been working on modernizing the IMSA framework since 2022, including new agreements for KTA, Valley Waste, and Valley Regional Services [1].
This development marks a shift in the town's approach to transit solutions, moving away from the regional KTA model to seek more financially sustainable and locally tailored options. The implications for accessibility and mobility within the town will depend on the success of these alternative arrangements.
[1] Digby Courier, "Digby withdraws from KTA agreement," June 4, 2025. [3] CBC News, "Digby town council votes to withdraw from KTA agreement," June 4, 2025. [5] The Chronicle Herald, "Digby town opts out of KTA agreement," June 4, 2025.
- The town of Digby, in search of financially sustainable and locally-tailored transportation solutions, is considering a microtransit service as an alternative to the regional KTA model.
- In the transportation industry, Digby is exploring a locally operated microtransit service that could potentially connect with Digby County’s existing fixed-route transit, aiming to enhance overall accessibility and mobility within the town.
- As the rail of KTA's service reaches its final stop at Canadian Tire in Digby, the town is keen on managing its transportation needs through alternative agreements that would align better with its fiscal capacity and specific community requirements.
