Fredericton, December 6, 2024
Fresh off its monumental success in making New Brunswick the first province to secure a future of free radon test kits for residents, NB Lung is turning its attention to another bold vision: free public transportation across the province.
Public transit is not just a convenience—it’s a cornerstone of healthier, more sustainable communities. By investing in fare-free transit, New Brunswick has the chance to lead the nation once again, this time by improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring safer, more accessible commutes for everyone.
Why Free Transit Matters for Lung Health
Transportation is one of New Brunswick’s largest contributors to air pollution. Fossil fuel-powered vehicles emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other harmful pollutants that disproportionately affect children, seniors, and those living with asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions.
Introducing fare-free public transit would not only reduce vehicle emissions by encouraging fewer cars on the road but also promote healthier habits and lifestyles. Cleaner air leads to fewer respiratory illnesses, reduced hospital visits, and a better quality of life for all.
For several years, NB Lung has spearheaded efforts to make Clean Air Day, celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of June during Environment Week, a day when cities across Canada have committed to offering free public transit. (Read more: Clean Air Day).
Collaborating with organizations, including the Ecology Action Centre and the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, NB Lung has been laying the foundation for meaningful change. Recent research conducted with Drive Electric Atlantic examines public school buses & their impacts on air quality and children’s lung health. (Read more: Drive Electric Atlantic)
Keeping the Momentum: Politicians, Petitions, and Progress
At the national level, petitions like e-5107 through the House of Commons call for Canada-wide public transportation that is safe, efficient, sustainable, affordable, and accessible. (Read more: e-5107)
Data from fare-free transit programs in Orangeville, Ontario, and Canmore, Alberta show increases in ridership, reduced congestion, and significant social benefits for low-income residents.
Given Fredericton’s recent improvements to transit scheduling by expanding service on Sundays, the city is perfectly positioned to pilot a similar initiative, proving that fare-free transit is scalable and effective. A province-wide rollout would ensure equitable access to transportation, enabling students to get to & from school, seniors to attend medical appointments, and workers to commute affordably and sustainably.
Beyond transit systems, Fredericton’s newly announced Downtown Cycle Track project underscores the city’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting healthier lifestyles, and improving mobility for all. (Read more: Engage Fredericton)
Green Party MLA David Coon has long advocated for a stronger focus on public transit, highlighting the need for a Minister of Public Transportation. Coon argues that the province’s fragmented and underfunded system leaves many areas inaccessible or requires excessive travel time, such as a five-hour delay on routes between Fredericton and Miramichi. Addressing these issues, he says, requires both investment in infrastructure—such as repairing Northern NB’s eroding rail lines—and centralized leadership.
“Free transit is the next step in building a healthier New Brunswick,” said Melanie Langille, President and CEO of NB Lung. “This is about more than transit. It’s about protecting our air, lungs, and future and providing equitable access to services for all residents.
As advocates for Healthy Transportation, NB Lung and Drive Electric Atlantic are championing fare-free public transit and electrified transit systems as critical components of a cleaner, healthier province.
Join Us in Driving Change
Just as we collaborated with communities to address radon, we’re inviting municipalities, provincial leaders, and everyday New Brunswickers to join the movement for fare-free transit. Together, we can transform how we move, live, and breathe.
Let’s make Healthy Transportation the next big win for New Brunswick. The road—bike lane, or bus lane—to change starts here.
For more information or to get involved, visit NB Lung or Drive Electric Atlantic.
Media Inquiries:
Melanie Langille
President & CEO, NB Lung
Phone: 506-304-5115
Email: melanie.langille@nblung.ca
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