The crossroads is in sight for the future of Cochrane transit.
As early as Oct. 15, town council could indicate which road will lead transit into the future. They will be asked to choose from three high-level service and budget options or direct administration to return on Oct. 28 with a recommendation on transit service levels for 2025.
The scenarios will include maintaining the contracted 64 weekday service hours from 2024, reducing to 53 weekday service hours, or returning to the 42 weekday service hours from 2022.
Councillor Alex Reed isn't sold on being pressed into making a decision next week.
"I'm concerned that it sounds like it's going to be a pre-budget request," said Reed during the Oct. 7 committee-of-the-whole meeting. "For me, if that is the case, then it's difficult for me to appreciate that in relation to the entire budget."
In contrast, Councillor Susan Flowers showed enthusiasm for what will be presented.
"I'm really looking forward to hearing the options that you're coming forward with to see what the choices are going to be," said Flowers. "I know that the people riding the bus will appreciate us making a decision because they have to plan for their next year as well."
No matter what is decided, the next step of the evolution of the Cochrane On-Demand Local Transit (COLT) appears to be a hybrid model of fixed routes and on-demand service.
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At the same meeting, Michelle Delorme, town parks and active living director, presented an overview of the second and final round of public consultation involving 200 people through surveys and focus groups. This round centred on prioritizing transit objectives, funding models, and service improvements.
Enhanced reliability, safety, and accessibility were among the key findings, with frequency of service being the top priority. The focus group
Reliability and usefulness were the top priority for 70 per cent of the participants, while financial sustainability was at the top of the list for 15 per cent.
Additionally, 71 per cent of respondents supported modest tax and fare increases for enhancements like more buses, longer hours and Sunday service.
Over 1,200 residents were involved in the two rounds of consultation.