ST. STEPHEN, N.B. — This border community is proposing a launch of a new low-power radio station to keep drivers informed about how long they can expect to wait in line at the border.

Allan Gillmor, part of a committee looking into St. Stephen traffic issues, says the radio station idea comes from a similar service on the Confederation Bridge between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

“I always tune in,” he says. “It gives bridge conditions, traffic flow and a lot of tourist information.”

He thinks a similar service would be useful in St. Stephen. Border waits have long been an issue but the situation intensified after border security tightened after Sept. 11, 2001.

Gillmor says getting the station on the air would cost about $20,000 over three years plus monthly subscription fees for the broadcast service.

He is hopeful the costs can be shared by the municipalities of St. Stephen and Calais, U.S. and Canada Customs and business sponsors.

The broadcast information could be updated quickly, almost instantly. Information is entered into a computer, which is translated to voice for the radio. Computer terminals could be installed in various locations, including town halls and customs offices.