COLT is looking to expand the integration of fixed local COLT routes and enhance regional service. The new full local regional service integration will allow for multiple trips into Calgary which will provide riders with more options for changing schedules.

Devin LaFleche, Cochrane Transit coordinator says the pandemic did have a distinct effect on the COLT and regional plan. Back in February 2021, Cochrane Transit coordinator Devin LaFleche said, "Eventually, we'll have that larger service with fixed COLT routes that feed to the On-It buses going to Calgary," fast forward to September of 2021 and that time is about to arrive.

“We are seeing ridership return. […] A key thing it did set back was our plans we partnered with Southland Transportation and their On-It service to do an integrated local regional service.  That was planned for mid-2020 obviously we pushed back that date due to covid we are now aiming for the late fall and early winter.”

Currently, Cochrane Transit has an interim regional service for which tickets are now available.  It’s like a park and ride service which takes people from the Transit Hub leaving at 635 a.m. going to the Brentwood LRT station and then to downtown Calgary. Then there is pickup at approximately 4 p.m. in downtown Calgary to Brentwood and back into Cochrane.

With the newly expanded service coming soon, Cochranite’s will see COLT commuter service, integration of fixed local COLT routes, and enhanced regional service.  

There are going to be four dynamic fixed COLT route buses during peak hours approximately 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Connections will be at Cochrane’s new Transit and Innovation Hub (360 Railway St. W). Riders will be able to connect across Cochrane and to/from Calgary.

Routes will include:

  • Transit Hub to Brentwood LRT Station/UofC…with six trips per weekday with the possibility of a midday trip
  • Transit Hub to SAIT and downtown with four trips per weekday
  • For next year, there could be a summer route to Banff and Canmore.

LaFleche says, “We will keep looking at what the demand is within the region and look at providing service that meets that demand. So, with that, we are just finalizing routes and schedules with Southland Transportation and again we will have much more to share on our Ridecolt.ca page as it becomes available.”

You can also view an informative video by clicking https://youtu.be/AP6oa8plFE8.