A Fixed-Route Transit Service is coming to Okotoks.
The new service was approved during the May 12 Okotoks Town Council Regular Meeting.
The system will run alongside the On-Demand Transit Service and focus on areas with high ridership demand during peak hours.
The routes will have predictable schedules and improve access to businesses, civic amenities, and community services.
“Shifting to a hybrid transit system is about more than routes and schedules – it’s about creating a system that is adaptable to the growing needs of our residents and enhances the quality of life in Okotoks for all,” said Mayor Tanya Thorn. “This service is a direct response to what we’ve been hearing from residents to make transit more accessible and reliable.”
The new system is designed to enhance accessibility and meet the demands of the growing community by reducing wait times.
"Consistent growth in our on-demand transit ridership has demonstrated a clear need for public transit in Okotoks," said Chris MacIsaac, the town’s community identity manager. “The fixed-route service is designed to work in tandem with our on-demand service, improving availability and reliability for the community. This hybrid approach allows us to better meet the evolving transit needs of our residents.”
In 2023, a feasibility study was completed, analyzing ridership data and assessing service objectives and opportunities for efficiency.
The study determined that a fixed-route system would mitigate high ridership volumes.
The proposed route has been designed in a figure-eight shape with buses running in opposite directions, and stopping frequently near high-traffic destinations, intersections, and neighbourhoods.
Two vehicles will serve the fixed route, which is planned to operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
The on-demand system will continue to serve neighbourhoods outside the fixed route and support riders with mobility challenges.
The new service will launch by the fall, using existing transit resources.
The initiative supports strategic priorities outlined in the Town’s Municipal Development Plan and Social Needs Assessment and Strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, social inclusion, and diverse transportation options.