Transportation Support (Northern Zone)

On November 12, 2026 the Provincial Government announced that the Northern Zone Transportation Pilot will continue until April 1, 2027 with some changes to how it operates.

The changes will include the development of criteria to ensure the transportation program is dedicated to supporting those who need it to get to medical health appointments. We are still working through the details of the next phase of this pilot and will provide additional information as soon as it is available.

The program will continue as is until criteria and systems have been established, with the exception that we will require at least two weeks’ notice to book transportation.

We are pleased to be able to continue to support community members in the Northern Zone to access healthcare. 

Frequently asked questions

*All answers are subject to change as new criteria and systems are put in place to ensure the program is dedicated to supporting those who need it to get to medical health appointments. Updates will be made as more information is available.

How do I book transportation until more details are announced about criteria?

At least two weeks before your appointment, call Public Health at 902-893-5820* and select 'Option #1' and leave a message or email PublicHealthTransportation@nshealth.ca. One of our team members will follow up with you.

Requests must be made during working hours, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Calls or emails will not be responded to on weekends or holidays – please allow for this when planning.

• We encourage you to book your transportation for a time that allows you to be to your location at a time comfortable for you. We encourage people to consider arriving 30-60 minutes in advance of your appointment to ensure you arrive on time, allowing for variations in traffic.  
• We suggest contacting us sooner if your appointment is near a holiday as additional time may be needed if the offices are closed due to holidays. A member from Public Health will take your information and arrange transportation with a local transportation company and provide you confirmation of the booking.
• You can book multiple appointment transportation needs at the same time. This is actually preferred. Similarly, if appointments are on a reoccurring schedule (e.g., dialysis), please let Public Health know and we can try to create a reoccurring booking to accommodate the appointments, so you do not have to call each time.
• If you require support with transportation to healthcare appointments outside of the Northern Zone, we can help arrange this. It takes extra time to arrange this, so please book this in advance.
• *If you don’t have phone minutes to make a long-distance call, you can contact your local Public Health office and they will put you in touch with someone to contact, if needed.  

We are committed to providing a safe, professional, and respectful environment. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding disrespectful, abusive, or inappropriate behaviour toward our staff and transportation providers. Violation of our policy may result in limiting communication or access to the Transportation Pilot. Thank you for your cooperation. 

What will happen on the day of my appointment?

Transportation will arrive to pick you up at the time scheduled. We will provide you with the number for the transportation company booked for your appointment in the event anything arises the day of or if there are any delays. 

If your appointment finishes earlier or runs later than expected, call the transportation company to let them know of the changes in pickup time. They may be able to accommodate an early pickup, but if not, you will have to wait for the scheduled time.

What if my appointment is cancelled?

Please call and let us know if your appointment has been cancelled or there are any changes after booking transportation. We will contact the company to let them know of the changes or cancellation. In the event the appointment is cancelled or there are changes within a couple of hours of the appointment please also call the transportation company you’ve been provided as well. 

Can I have someone else accompany me to my appointment using the transportation support? 

Yes. If having a support person with you helps to access your healthcare appointments, we would support having them accompany you. Sometimes there are restrictions on the attendance of support persons by the healthcare provider. Please confirm this with the healthcare provider prior to booking transportation.  

Can someone from Public Health attend the appointment with me?

Public Health only offers transportation support for an appointment. We do not accompany individuals to appointments. 

I use home oxygen, is this an issue?  

Please let us know when you call that you use home oxygen. This may take a bit more time to ensure we get the right transportation provider for you.  

Are the transportation vehicles accessible?

Many of the local transportation providers have accessible vehicles. Please let us know when you call if you need accommodations to ensure the vehicle is accessible for you. 

Is this service for urgent care appointments?  

No. This service is for non-urgent appointments.  

What ages can use this service? e.g., can I send my child to their appointment on their own using this service?

Generally, children are encouraged to have the support of an adult with them for their healthcare appointments. We understand that there are exceptions to this situation. Anyone 16 years and older can use this service. If younger than 16, please make note if you are traveling without adult accompaniment.  

Please note: This transportation is not a substitute for school transportation system or an alternative to this service.