Nova Scotia’s transportation minister says he plans to cut some red tape for the new operator of a Maritime bus service.

Maurice Smith says Tri-Maritime Bus Network will be able to ask him to approve relatively minor matters, like seat sales or seniors discounts, rather than applying to the Utility and Review Board.

Smith says going to the provincial regulator can be expensive and cumbersome for such changes.

Tri-Maritime Bus Network got official approval from the board to launch regional bus service on December 1st.