UPDATE: The free rides end on Sept. 1. Regular rates resume on Sept. 2.
Cochrane is rolling out a new fixed-route public transit system on August 18—and residents are being invited to try it out for free until Sept. 1.
The new hybrid transit model, which blends fixed-route service with the existing on-demand system, follows months of public engagement, technical analysis, and best practice research. It was endorsed by town council earlier this year in response to feedback calling for a more reliable, predictable transit experience.
Three new routes have been strategically designed to serve high-demand corridors, connecting neighbourhoods like Sunset Ridge, Fireside, and Heritage Hills with key destinations including downtown Cochrane and the SLS Centre. Each route will operate on a regular schedule with clearly marked stops, aimed at making commuting, errands, and local travel more convenient.
The routes launching August 18 are:
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Route 1: Sunset Ridge → Downtown → SLS Centre
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Route 2: Heritage Hills → Heartland → Downtown → Cochrane Heights → Downtown
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Route 3: Fireside → SLS Centre → Downtown
The free rides on the routes are being offered until Sept. 1 to encourage riders to explore the new system.
After that, the regular fare will be $2.50 for a single ticket, but drops to $20 for a 10-pack. Further discounts are available for monthly adult, senior (60+), and youth (6 to 17). Children 5 and under ride free.
The existing on-demand transit service will remain in place to support areas not yet served by the fixed-route network. Town officials say the network will continue to evolve, with future route expansions planned for developing neighbourhoods including Sunset Ridge North, Heritage Hills East, Glenbow, Greystone, and Fireside West.
Improvements are also underway to enhance accessibility at transit stops, with upgrades to platforms, signage, and shelters being prioritized based on community need.
Ongoing feedback, ridership data, and system performance will help guide further improvements as Cochrane’s public transit system continues to grow and adapt.
Matt Knox, town social development director, won't be available for comment until next week.
Cochrane On-Line Local Transit (COLT) was introduced as a pilot in October 2019 and initially received applause for its innovative approach of being a completely on-demand service. It proved to be a cost-saving approach during COVID when municipalities with fixed routes faced financial challenges.
But it wasn't long before it came under fire from residents for being unreliable and difficult to book rides at the time you desire. That was especially true for trying to arrange a round trip.
Whether there should be a transit service, and if so, how extensive, was a debate that spanned a decade and several town councils before COLT was launched. It morphed into debates and studies on how the system could be improved while attempting to keep costs in check.