Transit users in Okotoks will be able to travel on a scheduled bus route starting this fall.
The introduction of fixed-route public transit was approved by Okotoks council on May 12. The new bus route will operate in addition to the existing on-demand service.
“This service is a direct response to what we’ve been hearing from residents to make transit more accessible and reliable,” Mayor Tanya Thorn said.
The new route will initially operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and two on-demand buses will operate during the same times, the Town said.
Fixed-route hours could be extended, or weekend service added, if there is demand, the Town said.
Two buses, from the Town’s current fleet, will travel in opposite directions every 55 minutes along the route, the Town said.
The route is essentially a loop of Okotoks using Southridge/Northridge Drive in the west, 32 Street in the east, Cimarron Boulevard in the south and as far north as D'Arcy Ranch Drive and Crystal Shores Road.
The new service is being introduced as demand for transit grew faster than expected, the Town said.
Transit service was introduced in 2019 and reached 45,000 riders in 2021, five years earlier than expected, and in 2023 ridership surpassed 76,000 trips.
According to the Town, a dip in ridership last year suggests there are reliability issues with the current service and that it’s not always available when people need it.
The growth in ridership shows a clear need for expanded service, said community identity manager Chris MacIsaac.
Monthly transit passes will be available for $55 for an adult or $35 for youth and seniors, and a single trip will cost $3.50.
Funding for the new service will come from the existing transit budget.
More information is available at shapeourtown.okotoks.ca/Fixed-Route.
