Nova Scotia has introduced legislation that would give the transportation minister the authority to regulate intercity bus service in the province.

The change would see the responsibility of setting fares, routes and bus schedules shift from the Utility and Review Board to the minister.

Transportation Minister Maurice Smith says the change would give bus companies more flexibility to respond to market changes and demand, as well as avoid the cost of hiring lawyers to attend hearings before the province’s regulator.

The review board would retain responsibility for charter, commercial vehicles and school buses.

Maritime Bus Service, which will take over intercity bus service in the Maritimes from Acadian Bus Lines on Dec. 1, lobbied for the change.

Maritime Bus Service owner Mike Cassidy says the legislation would allow his company to make quick decisions to meet market demand.