Transit Customer Service & FAQs

Fixed routes: Buses are on defined routes, serving only transit stops on the defined route, following a set schedule. Buses will only stop at transit stops along the defined route if a rider is present at the stop at the scheduled time of arrival, or if a rider on the bus has indicated their desire to exit the bus at the next stop by pressing the indicator button.

On-request services: Buses will arrive at a selected stop and a selected time, in response to a trip pre-scheduled by a rider in advance using the RideCo app. On request means buses do not follow a fixed route — they go where rides are requested. During the trip, the bus will try to group together passengers, which means riders will sometimes travel in opposing directions before being dropped off. 

Yes, COLT buses are fully wheelchair accessible. There is one wheelchair spot on each bus, and  if you have an attendant, they ride free. 

You can also bring your child in a stroller onto a COLT bus. If the wheelchair space is available, a child can remain in their stroller. If the wheelchair space is occupied, the child must be removed from their stroller. Please ensure strollers do not obstruct the passage of other riders. 

You know your kids best — they can ride alone at your discretion. 

No, COLT does not have enough vehicles to replace school buses. COLT serves the entire community and is a great way to get to before- and after-school activities, your job or occasional appointment. 

Yes, each COLT bus has space for two bikes (including fat tire bikes). When booking a ride, you must reserve a space for your bike. Children’s bikes, scooters and skateboards can be taken on the bus but must be held for the duration of the ride. 

Ride COLT: How to Put Your Bike on the Bus (video) 

Service animals are allowed on COLT buses but pets are not.  

The on-request service operates on a first-come, first-served basis . A failed search means there isn’t a bus to accommodate your request. We track all failed searches and make service adjustments to better meet demand. 

To have the highest chance of booking a trip at your desired time, we recommend the following: 

• Book at least half a day in advance (remember to book your return trip too). 
• Research pickup or drop-off locations at nearby stops or arterial roads. 
• Broaden your requested ride time by 30 minutes.   

On-request customers who have canceled late (within five hours of their booked ride) and/or did not show up for 40 per cent of their total rides within the last 30 days are flagged. The policy applies to customers who have five or more total rides on their account. 

Flagged passengers may book a maximum of two upcoming rides for a seven-day period. If no additional late cancellations or no-shows are incurred within this period, the flag is lifted. 

We understand your plans may change and we appreciate when you cancel your trip in advance rather than no-show. This policy is meant to address account holders who show a pattern of late cancellations or no-shows — this behaviour unfairly reduces the level of service we can provide to our COLT riders. If the problem of no-shows and/or late cancellations persists, the account may be suspended for up to 30 days in accordance with Transit Bylaw 22/2019 (PDF). 

Cochrane has a contract with Southland Transportation to operate the COLT transit system. HotSpot provides the payment software for the fixed-route service and RideCo provides the booking and payment software for the on-request service.

COLT provides service only within Cochrane’s town boundaries. Three intercity services are available: 

On-It by Southland provides regional service between The Station in Cochrane, the Brentwood LRT station and downtown Calgary. 

SWIFT Mini Thni Transit provides service between four bus stops: Mini Thni (Morley), Chiniki Gas Bar, Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino and The Station in Cochrane. 

Rocky View Handi Bus is a rural charity that provides special transportation from Cochrane to locations anywhere throughout the Calgary area.