Samantha NickersonCOLT buses will be free to ride for the duration of the Town of Cochrane’s Covid-19 response, to help Cochrane residents get to work and essential appointments.
Town Council approved the change, at their March 24 meeting via video conference.
“Council is considering a variety of ways to provide financial relief for Cochrane residents,” said Mayor Jeff Genung. “We’ve made decisions about utility payments and taxes, but we also consider COLT an essential service so Cochranites can continue to get to their jobs and important appointments without transportation being an undue burden.”
The free period will continue while the Town’s COVID-19 response is underway, or as deemed necessary by Town Council.
COLT has implemented enhanced safety and cleaning measures, and capacity is restricted to six riders per vehicle as part of the physical distancing practices in effect. COLT currently has only two buses on the road to match the lower levels of demand. This utilizes the on-demand nature of the service, saves on operational costs and aligns with the actions of other transit agencies.
COLT will be closely monitoring the situation and will remain in contact with regional health authorities and other transit agencies to determine best practices. These adjustments are only temporary and they will continue to assess the situation and adjust as needed.
COLT riders can continue to request rides using the COLT app or website or by calling 403-851-5995. Buses run Monday to Friday from 6am-8pm and Saturdays from 9am-3pm. There is no service on Sundays.
Find out more on ridecolt.ca.
Marni Fedeyko
