Saint John

Saint John, New Brunswick, offers a public transportation system centered around its bus network, operated by Saint John Transit. The system comprises 14 local routes and one regional route, serving areas such as Rothesay, Quispamsis, and Hampton. Key transit hubs include King’s Square North, Lancaster Mall, Place 400, Metcalf Street, and McAllister Place.​

In addition to fixed routes, Saint John Transit provides a FLEX on-demand service, allowing riders to schedule pickups via a smartphone app or by calling a dispatcher. This service operates within designated zones and connects to main routes at common stops. The city has also introduced electric minibuses, known as Karsan eJEST, for these on-demand services, marking a step towards sustainable transit solutions.​

For individuals with mobility challenges, Saint John Accessible Transit offers specialized services, ensuring inclusive transportation options.​

Regarding rail services, Saint John does not currently have passenger train service. The city is connected to the national rail network through freight services operated by companies like CN and the New Brunswick Southern Railway, which link the Port of Saint John to broader North American destinations.​

For more information on routes, schedules, and services, you can visit the Saint John Transit website.

Saint John, New Brunswick, features a comprehensive roadway network that supports both local and regional transportation needs. The city’s road system encompasses approximately 1,160 lane kilometers of streets and 373 kilometers of sidewalks, all maintained by the municipal government.

A pivotal component of Saint John’s transportation infrastructure is the Saint John Throughway (Route 1), a four-lane controlled-access freeway that traverses the city. This highway connects Saint John to the U.S. border at St. Stephen and extends northeast towards the Trans-Canada Highway, facilitating efficient movement of people and goods across the region.

Complementing Route 1, Route 100 serves as a significant arterial road, linking Saint John to neighboring communities such as Rothesay, Quispamsis, and Hampton. This route follows the city’s older thoroughfares, including Ocean West Way, Fairville Boulevard, and Rothesay Avenue, providing vital connections within the urban area.

To ensure the roadway network meets the diverse needs of motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users, the City of Saint John has implemented a road classification system. This system guides the planning and development of transportation infrastructure, aiming to create a balanced and connected network that accommodates various modes of travel.

The city’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its roadways is further demonstrated through strategic planning initiatives like the MoveSJ Transportation Plan. This long-term plan outlines recommendations and actions to improve mobility and transportation choices for residents and businesses, ensuring the road network supports sustainable growth and development.

Saint John, New Brunswick, is served by the Saint John Airport (IATA: YSJ), a regional airport located approximately 15 kilometers east of the city’s downtown core. Established in 1952, the airport is owned by Transport Canada and operated by the non-profit Saint John Airport Inc. It features two asphalt runways and is part of Canada’s National Airports System.

The airport offers regular passenger services through airlines such as Air Canada, Flair Airlines, Pascan Aviation, and Porter Airlines, connecting Saint John to major Canadian cities including Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax . In 2023, Saint John Airport handled approximately 175,000 passengers and recorded over 11,000 aircraft movements, underscoring its role in regional connectivity.

Ground transportation options to and from the airport include taxis, ride-sharing services like Uride, and car rentals. Additionally, Saint John Transit provides public bus services that connect the airport to various parts of the city, facilitating convenient access for travelers.

Saint John, New Brunswick, offers a comprehensive healthcare system anchored by the Saint John Regional Hospital, the province’s largest tertiary care facility. Operated by Horizon Health Network, this hospital serves as a referral center for major trauma and cardiac care, housing specialized programs like the New Brunswick Heart Centre and the New Brunswick Trauma Program. It also supports medical education through affiliations with Dalhousie University and Memorial University.

The city’s healthcare services extend beyond the hospital, encompassing various clinics and community health centers that provide services such as dialysis, dermatology, diabetes management, and mental health support. Additionally, Saint John is developing the Health and Technology District, aiming to position the city as a hub for digital health innovation in Atlantic Canada.

While the healthcare infrastructure is robust, residents have reported challenges, including extended wait times for family physicians and emergency services, reflecting broader provincial healthcare system strains.

Saint John, New Brunswick, offers a comprehensive education system encompassing public, private, and post-secondary institutions.​

Primary and Secondary Education

The city’s public schools are managed by two districts: the Anglophone South School District, which oversees 24 English-language schools, and the Francophone Sud School District, responsible for École Samuel-de-Champlain, the sole French-language school in Saint John. Notably, Saint John High School holds the distinction of being Canada’s oldest publicly funded high school.

In addition to public schools, Saint John hosts several private institutions, including Divine Mercy Catholic School and Lycée International Français (LIFPA), offering diverse educational options.

Post-Secondary Education

Saint John is home to the University of New Brunswick’s Saint John campus (UNBSJ), established in 1964. This campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs in over 60 disciplines, such as engineering, marine biology, health, and computer science. UNBSJ also hosts Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, an affiliate of Dalhousie University, providing medical education in the region.

The New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) operates a campus in Saint John, offering more than 30 full-time programs, continuing education courses, and apprenticeship training across various fields. Additionally, Eastern College provides career-focused programs, including a fully functional barbershop and massage therapy clinic for practical training. ​

Overall, Saint John’s educational landscape provides diverse opportunities for learners at all levels, supported by a robust infrastructure and a commitment to bilingual education.