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 on September 28, 2026. 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, reducing overlaps between programs and keeping local transit available to all residents while focusing 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.”
Available Supports:
A comprehensive transition plan has been implemented to support affected residents and ensure individuals understand the transportation options available to them.
These include:
- Free transit for current CAP users through December 31, 2026.
- Community information sessions focused on transportation options and program changes.
- The Transit Buddy Program, providing one-on-one support to help residents learn how to use transit services.
- Staff assistance to help residents understand available options.
Current CAP and Volunteer Driver Program participants are being contacted directly with information about the changes, transportation options and upcoming information sessions.
The Town's goal is to ensure residents remain connected to their community, services, and healthcare.
Residents can learn more at okotoks.ca/care and read our FAQ
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