Having local transit available in Cochrane is crucial for its residents and key in planning for the town’s future. I have worked in several programs in Cochrane since 2001 and have watched the population of this wonderful town more than double in those 17 years. However, I have seen families move from the area because their children could not access recreation and other necessary programs due to lack of transportation. Older youth have left the community to find work that they can access. Seniors, single parents and others with limited or no access to transportation experience isolation, reluctant to become a burden by depending on rides from others. Having local transit would decrease isolation and enhance independence for residents of all ages, in addition to reducing traffic in this growing community. The great news is that there are Provincial funds already designated for the infrastructure. Grant funds have been in place for several years and will be lost if not spent soon. On-going costs would amount to the price of a cup of coffee per house each month. The recent report from the town appointed transit committee shows that the timing is right for local buses in Cochrane. United Way has sponsored some transportation for the last several years for those with the highest needs, through a subsidized taxi service in Cochrane. Given that Provincial funds have been designated for buses, why should the United Way have to raise dollars to provide this support? The tri-site committee is looking at new services in the downtown core. Let’s have transit so it does not all have to be paved parking lots! To learn more about the transit report visit the Town of Cochrane web-site to review the report. Cochrane residents please come on September 10th at 6 pm to the Council meeting to show Town Council your support for transit. Let them know that Cochrane needs this now! Lorraine Spector
