[hfx_chris]

I know there are plans in the works for a full-time downtown "shuttle" (not free like FRED) that'll run from the ferry terminal, up Spring Garden to the hospitals and universities. Not sure when that's going to become a reality though.

I can't see Metro Transit providing a dedicated shuttle service within Dartmouth Crossing. However, they do need an additional route (I've suggested before a route connecting the Bridge Terminal, a major transfer point, with DC via Highfield Park and Commodore Drive), and this route should be setup to provide service in the opposite direction within Dartmouth Crossing that the existing route 56 does. If you notice, the route 56 enters DC via the Wright Avenue/Hwy 118 interchange, so it hits the theatres and restaurants up that end, then goes south to where Wal-Mart/Home Depot are. From there it gets back onto highway 118 via a second ramp at that end. That's great if you're watching a movie at the theatre then want to pop in Wal-Mart, but not the other way around if you're in Wal-Mart and have to catch a movie. No buses head north in there. A second bus route coming from the Bridge needs to enter via Commodore, turn right in front of Canadian Tire, do the little loop in front of Wal-Mart/Home Depot/Best Buy, then head north towards the theatre and restaurants. Now you've got northbound and southbound service, provided by two routes. It's like a dedicated shuttle service running every 30 minutes.