Community Access Program to conclude December 31; new medical transportation program to launch January 1. Public transit services are unchanged.
Okotoks, AB: Council approved changes to two Town transportation programs today. The Community Access Program (CAP) will conclude at the end of 2026. The Volunteer Driver Program will transition to Community Access Rides to Essential Healthcare (CARE), a program focused on helping eligible residents reach essential medical appointments outside Okotoks. Local transportation services will continue to be available through Okotoks Transit.
The changes follow a review of how local and out-of-town transportation services work together. These changes reduce overlaps between programs, keep local transit available to all residents and focus additional support on those facing financial or disability-related barriers to accessing healthcare.
“Transportation helps residents stay connected to their community and access the care they need,” said Deputy Mayor Gord Lang. “This approach keeps local transit open to everyone while directing additional support to those who face the greatest barriers to essential medical appointments.”
CAP’s last day of service will be December 31, 2026. Current CAP cardholders can use Okotoks Transit until the end of the year, free of charge. Its fixed-route and on-demand services are available to all residents and are not affected by this review.
On January 1, 2027, the Volunteer Driver Program will transition to Okotoks CARE. The program will support residents travelling to approved medical appointments outside Okotoks when those services are not reasonably available locally and will introduce new eligibility requirements.
“These changes give Okotoks a clearer, more sustainable approach to transportation,” said Sian Anderson, Community and Social Development Team Lead. “Okotoks Transit will serve as our in-town service, while Town-supported out-of-town rides will focus on residents who face barriers to reaching essential medical appointments.”
Current CAP and Volunteer Driver Program participants are being contacted directly with information about the changes, transportation options and upcoming information sessions.
Residents can learn more at okotoks.ca/care and read our FAQ
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