Passenger numbers weren't high enough this month to relaunch an interim commuter bus from Cochrane to Calgary, and will be attempted again in the future.

In the meantime, planning continues for a future permanent regional commuter system by the Town of Cochrane in conjunction with Southland Transportation.

The town is currently seeking input from residents on its Let's Talk Cochrane platform. 

Information gathered will help form a May report that will be used as a resource to help them formulate recommendations on the regional transit service, routes, and fares.

The initial plan includes four fixed Cochrane On-Demand Local Transit (COLT) routes during peak periods (roughly 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) that will connect to Cochrane’s new Transit and Innovation Hub on Railway St., expected to be open in the summer of 2022. From there, riders will be able to connect across Cochrane and to/from Calgary to the Brentwood LRT station, SAIT, downtown, and the Foothills Hospital. There is also the potential for a summer route to Banff.

To provide feedback to the town go here.

During the Mar. 8 town council meeting, Transit coordinator Devin LaFleche provided a brief progress report. Adjustments are being made to some bus stop locations and plans are in the works for establishing a few bus benches and shelters.