The Town of Okotoks has announced the fare rates for their new on-demand transit service.

A single ride will cost $2.75 with rate beaks if residents buy more rides in bulk, and free rides for children under the age of five.

Transit Specialist David Gardner says the Town is excited for the new service.

"It is, as far as I can see, the first in Canada offering a curb-to-curb on-demand service," he said.

The new on-demand transit will be available to residents starting December 2.

He cited the differences between Cochrane's new transit service, which offers a virtual stop service. The Okotoks program will bring residents directly to their destination.

The idea of the service is to create accessible and sustainable transit.

"We are providing these for people to travel around town, to go to work, shops, or restaurants in the evening," Gardner said. "On a shared ride basis. Which will ultimately reduce our carbon footprint, and improve our environmental sustainability."

The Town reached the new fee rates after receiving public feedback. The hope is that users will continue to provide feedback and suggestions as the program begins this fall.

"We don't know all the answers just yet, and we look forward to public participation as we start to develop the service," said Gardner.

"This is a long-term plan. This is not a solution we expect to work perfectly for every user on day one, and this is the beginning of something great," Gardner said.

"We really need to get it running, assess it as it goes, and take seriously any feedback we receive, so the service we provide is the service that's demanded."

 

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