UPDATE: Feedback from the community has lead to Fenton Bus Lines adding more stops for their free shuttle service to the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds this weekend.

These stops have been added for all three days of the rodeo and the evening dance:

Bow Meadows Soccer Field - 11:40 a.m.

Mitford School - 11:50 a.m.

Holy Spirit School - 11:40 a.m.

Gleneagles Ball Diamond - 11:50 a.m.

Cochrane High School - 12 noon

See below for the other seven stops previously announced.

 

To reduce traffic and parking pressure in the downtown core, a free shuttle service will be available to the rodeo grounds Saturday, Sunday and Monday, thanks to Fenton Bus Lines.

Fenton Bus Lines is fully sponsoring the free service, with stops at seven locations in town for the rodeo plus a night run for the Saturday night dance. Two buses are being utilized to split up the town and keep travel time to a minimum.

Kathy Fenton, owner/operator of Fenton Bus Lines, has generously donated the service because she believes it's not only important to support the rich heritage of the Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo but it will reduce traffic and parking congestion and keep people safe during the town's largest event of the year. Over three thousands people attend the rodeo each day and a large crowd is also anticipated for the Saturday evening dance.

Fenton was born and raised in Cochrane and believes in giving back to the community.

"Money is always tight and I think local businesses need to step up and help where they can," says Fenton. "This is something I can help with. It's my pleasure to see people enjoy the rodeo that's a landmark and heritage of Cochrane, so it's a no-brainer if I can help. It may cost me a thousand dollars or so in fuel and drivers, but it's well worth it."

She also wanted the shuttle service to be practical and has two buses travelling two different routes with stops in locations that have adequate parking for cars and bikes.

"If we did one bus it would take so long that it may not be viable. So we want to make sure this is the best way to get to and from the rodeo and to offer enough stops so there's no reason to drive."

"If we can make that transportation safe and smooth, that's what we're here for. That's exactly what we do and it's our pleasure to give back to the town and be a part of the community. We've been in business for 23 years now and Cochrane is where my heart is."

Tana Kierzkowski, who coordinates sponsorships for the rodeo, is thrilled.

"We definitely appreciate that they saw a need for the shuttle and want to be involved with us. They're doing everything. They're doing the signs, they did the schedule, they thought of doing the dance as well as the rodeo. They've been super helpful. It's way more than I ever expected."

Pickup Locations and Times:

Here's the pickup schedule. Buses will be ready to depart at the end of each rodeo session.

Bus #1

Fireside School - 11 a.m.

Bow Valley High - 11:10 a.m.

Killarney's - 11:17 a.m.

Bus #2

St. Timothy School - 11 a.m.

RancheView School - 11:05 a.m.

Freshii in Heritage Hills- 11:15 a.m.

West Townes Show Homes - 11:20 a.m.

Buses will be ready to depart at the end of each rodeo session from the rodeo grounds and follow the same route but in reverse.

Saturday Night Dance Pickup Times:

Bus #1

Fireside School - 6:15 p.m.

Bow Valley High - 6:25 p.m.

Killarney's - 6:42 p.m.

Bus #2

St. Timothy School - 6:30 p.m.

RancheView School - 6:35 p.m.

Freshii in Heritage Hills - 6:45 p.m.

West Townes Show Homes - 6:50 p.m.

Returns will be available at 11 p.m., 12 midnight, and 1 a.m. and will follow the same route but in reverse.