First impressions go a long way.
The town transit thinkers knew this when pouring their time into the brand/logo of Cochrane's long-awaited transit – from the size/shape/colour of the bus to its name and logo.
COLT – Cochrane On-Demand Local Transit – was revealed in a media preview during trade show setup on Friday afternoon at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) following a brief speech by Mayor Jeff Genung.
The thousands anticipated to attend the popular annual trade fair at the centre are encouraged to stop by the Town of Cochrane's booth in the curling rink side to take a look and ask some questions.
"As the only community in Canada to offer a fully on-demand, stop-to-stop transit system, this is something we are proud of and are excited to highlight," said Genung in a press release this evening. "I'm pleased that we selected a name and design that showcases this unique service."
With the town's western heritage top of mind, administration settled on an acronym that would highlight the modern capabilities of an on-demand, on the go system while keeping the western-themed brand of the horse top of mind – including the town's signature orange colour backed with swirls of dark, navy blues.
COLT details:
-On the road by this fall. Firm launch to be confirmed.
-All buses will be fully accessible for persons with disabilities/mobility issues; of the eight buses, low-floor 21-seat buses to hit the pavement, there will be one wheelchair location on each bus. Attendants ride free.
-Initial service hours: Monday to Friday: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. No service on Sundays.
-Book your bus by app, website or phone and up to one week in advance.
-Strollers, bikes and scooters can be transported on COLT.
-Fare is $2.50/ride. Prices to be finalized for monthly pricing.
-Children five years of age and under ride free.
-No minimum age require for children to ride COLT unattended; this is at discretion of parents'.
-Exact timing on when COLT will hit the roads later this year to be negotiated with contract service provider Southland Transportation.
-Cost: Provincial GREENTrip funding provided $6M for buses, transit hub and bus stops. Annual net operating cost $551,812 (or $3.82/month/household).
Visit ridecolt.ca for more details.
Stay tuned for our full edition of the story in the May 9, 2019 edition of the Cochrane Eagle.
