On-It transit gives regional commuters cushy ride to Calgary

A fleet ofcomfy public buseshit the road Tuesday morning, taking sleepy commuters fromOkotoks, High River, Black Diamond and Turner Valley toCalgary.

"We're focusing on providing a safe, comfortable and stress-free commute," said Colleen Shepherd, executive directorof theCalgary Regional Partnership (CRP), about the newOn-It transit service.

"You do a little extra work if you want, take a nap if you want," she said.

Thecushy, 55-seat coacheshave onboard washrooms,heat and airconditioning but are not meant to replace the private expressbuses currently operating between High River, Okotoks and downtown Calgary.

Instead, thebusesconnect regional commuters to Calgary Transitby dropping themoff at the Somerset-Bridlewood LRT. Residents can also use the service aspublic transit between Okotoks, High River, Black Diamond and Turner Valley.

The new regional bus servicewill make two runs at peak commuter hours, five days a week.

"By getting 50 people on a bus as opposed to fifty individual vehicles, the bus creates a far smaller carbon footprint. It's safer. There's less wear and tear on the highways. It's a win-win situation for all taxpayers," said Okotoks mayor, Bill Robertson.

Aftertwo years, officials will asses the pilot program and decide if it should be made permanent, with the possibility to expand to Strathmoreand Chestermere.

"[It] gives us an opportunity to understand ridership patterns, get a sense who's going to ride and when our service should be deployed so that as we expand our service, we really have a thoughtful approach,"Shepherd said.

A one-way ticket ranges from $2 to $8 and must be purchased in advanceeither online or at one of the regional ticket outlets. Riders cannot buy a ticket on the bus and prices do not includeCalgary Transit fares.

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With files from the Calgary Eyeopener