Edmundston, Haut-Madawaska, and Madawaska Maliseet First Nation launch “FlexGo” transit system

Photo credit: Flexgo Team

Funding provided through the Canada Public Transit Fund

Before public transit became available, many residents in Edmundston, Haut-Madawaska, and the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation relied on private vehicles, car sharing, or informal transport arrangements, to move around in their community. This often left gaps in accessibility and reliability. Those without consistent access to a car faced challenges reaching workplaces, schools, medical appointments and community services.

Recognizing these challenges, local leaders worked with provincial and federal partners to develop a transportation system that could meet the realities of rural life. The goal was to create a dependable, inclusive, and affordable way for residents to move within and between their communities. In February 2025, the region introduced its first rural public transit system, known as Flexgo.

Collaboration that made a difference

Flexgo was created with the help of joint funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of New Brunswick, and local governments. This investment enabled the communities to purchase a 40-passenger bus, four minivans, and equipment to improve accessibility. In addition, the project will also include transit related infrastructure, such as bus shelters, signs and stop posts, and bike racks. The project received federal funding through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), the first federal program dedicated to improving public transit in rural and remote communities across Canada, helping people reach work, school, and essential services more easily. The result was a system built around local needs, designed to improve access and strengthen connections across the region.

To meet the different needs of riders, the system operates through three complementary services: a fixed bus route, a reservation-based TaxiBus, and door-to-door paratransit for residents who need additional support. The main route connects Edmundston with Haut-Madawaska, with minivans and paratransit vehicles extending service beyond this main corridor. The service is created to provide flexible connections for residents in smaller or more remote areas. Together, these options give people more control over how they travel and ensure that transportation remains accessible to those who need it most.

Connecting people and possibilities

Since its launch, Flexgo has received strong support from residents, community leaders, and local officials. It has helped residents reach workplaces, schools, and essential services more easily, while also strengthening ties between neighbouring communities.

Early and ongoing feedback has highlighted the system’s reliability and the difference it has made in people’s daily routines, helping improve the service. As routes and schedules were adjusted to reflect how people actually travelled, the system became more practical and easier to use. Each change strengthened its connection to the community and helped ensure it continued to meet local needs.

For the communities of Edmundston, Haut-Madawaska, and the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, Flexgo has made travel simpler and participation in daily life easier. It reflects a shared commitment to connection and shows how practical solutions can strengthen local ties. As the service continues to grow, it carries the same spirit of progress that brought the region together from the start.

The future of the FlexGo service looks bright as the community is looking to expand in 2026.

Quick facts

• Flexgo’s fixed-route bus includes seven daily routes with 130 pick-up and drop-off locations, serving communities throughout northwestern New Brunswick.
• The project was made possible with a $1,427,232 federal investment from the Rural Transit Solutions Fund $179,384 from the Province of New Brunswick, $100,000 from the Northwest Regional Service Commission, $57,931 from Edmundston, and $19,493 from Haut- Madawaska.
• Launched in 2021, the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) supports initiatives that enhance access to public transit, helping residents of rural, remote, Indigenous and Northern communities conduct their day-to-day activities. By improving the availability and reliability of public transit options, the RTSF helps build stronger, more connected communities across the country.
• The RTSF supports a range of public transit models, including fixed-routes transit, flex-route transit, demand-response transit, community shuttles and mobility-as-a-service. In addition to supporting rolling stocks, the RTSF funds fixed infrastructure related to transit, including transit hubs, pathways, bus stops, and more.

For more information

• News release: Federal and provincial governments invest in public transit in northwestern New Brunswick
• Rural Transit Solutions Fund
• FlexGo – Accessible public transit