Community Outreach Transit Team: Expanded

I’m proud that Council has continued our commitment to transit safety with the ongoing and expanded funding to the Community Outreach Transit Team (COTT). COTT is a partnership between the City of Edmonton and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.

Their goal is to build relationships and connect individuals within the transit system to community support and resources to increase safety and reduce harm.

This program is a clear example of how we can address the underlying social issues with compassion while focused on improving transit safety. 

Recently a report highlighted that the COTT had: 

• 2700 general interactions 

• 510 engagements were referrals were made - to over 30 different agencies and services 

• 250 unique individuals were provided ongoing support

And this was all with just two teams in their first year!

The project now runs with 5 teams with 7 days/week coverage for 20 hours/day.

With the 3 year-funding and the expansion, this means that 7 teams will be supporting transit safety and connecting those most vulnerable with the supports they need through outreach, relationship building, boundary setting, and warm hand-offs.

For more information check out my recent blog on transit safety.