Cochrane’s town council was presented with an update and recommendation regarding the Cochrane On-demand Local Transit (COLT) system Dec. 11.
“We need to improve it, so this is a good step in the right direction,” Coun. Susan Flowers said.
Presented by manager of Community Services Michelle Delorme, the Town council was asked to approve the hiring of a transit consultant and third-party contractor that would evaluate the current data of COLT. They would also design a “new scalable COLT system.”
Delorme requested the approval of using $100,000 from the Town’s general operating reserves.
The Dec. 11 Town of Cochrane Council Report notes the COLT transit system has seen a 50 per cent annual increase in ridership. Additionally, the report discusses challenges regarding an oversubscribed service model in conjunction with the Southland agreement coming to an end.
Coun. Alex Reed said he is happy to see the update fall within a budget the Town could afford.
“I think it needs to be scalable for sure, but it needs to be within the budget that we can actually afford,” Reed said. “I’m glad to see that would be included.”
Coun. Tara McFadden said she has heard throughout the community a desire for a more reliable system.
McFadden said she is looking at this from an investment standpoint in recognizing what steps come next in the process.
“I think this is a much-needed investment in mapping out what the next steps are,” McFadden said. “Certainly, the experience I am hearing from around the community and even my own kids is that it needs to be more dependable.”
The 2023 Spring Budget Engagement notes that 16 per cent of Cochrane residents wish to see an increase in the transit budget. However, 49 per cent of Cochrane residents would like to see the transit budget remain the same.
The budget engagement also notes that 35 per cent of residents want to see the transit budget reduced.
Coun. Morgan Nagel spoke out against using $100,000, saying other priorities in the town should be looked at first, highlighting Horse Creek Sport Park and additional ice services.
Nagel also said information regarding the cost of an enhanced transit system should be publicly known so the government and residents of Cochrane are aware of the associated expenses.
“I don’t see any possible way that a better transit system doesn’t cost a lot of money,” Nagel said. “I think $100,000 is quite a bit to spend when I pretty much already know that I’m most likely not going to prioritize investing in that information in light of all the other priorities we have in this town.”
According to the presentation given, evaluating COLT holistically opens the doors for provincial and federal grant opportunities the Town could apply for in the future.
Additional findings regarding the COLT transit system are to be brought in front of council during the third quarter of 2024.
Those wishing to learn more about COLT and the requests to approve hiring a transit consultant and third-party contractor can visit www.cochrane.ca.
