One of the buses in the Saint John Transit fleet. (Staff photo)
The Saint John Transit Commission did not get prior approval to end the Hampton Comex service, according to the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board (EUB).
Saint John Transit scrapped the weekday bus service to Hampton effective Jan. 1 after councillors in the town voted to stop funding it, citing “increased costs and low ridership.”
Marc Dionne, general manager of the commission, wrote to the EUB on Jan. 7 — several days after the service ended — and requested that its license be modified to reflect the change.
In her reply to the commission on Jan. 12, chief clerk Kathleen Mitchell said the service can only be discontinued once the board issues an order following a hearing.
“There has been no order of the Board granting the discontinuance of the Hampton Comex Service, effective January 1st, 2021,” wrote Mitchell. “Until such time as an order has been rendered, the Hampton Comex Service is not considered discontinued by the Board.”
According to Mitchell, discontinuing a licensed service without prior board approval is considered a violation of the Motor Carrier Act and could be considered a punishable offence.
“The Board will review your letter and determine the manner in which it will proceed with respect to the disposition of this matter,” she wrote.
Lisa Caissie, a spokesperson for the City of Saint John, issued a brief emailed statement in response to the EUB’s reply.
“The Saint John Transit Commission is working closely with officials at the Energy and Utilities Board to ensure that they are compliant with the Motor Carrier Act and all other provincial legislation,” said Caissie.
Anyone opposed to the transit commission’s application can file a written notice of objection with the board before noon Friday.
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