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  • Gorge Translink Logo

    The Gorge Regional Transit Strategy

    Online Open House - November 2022

  • Project Overview

    We’re planning how to coordinate and integrate public transit in a rural region of five counties spanning two states, in the Columbia River Gorge.

  • Please note that this online open house closed on November 27th and is no longer accepting feedback.

  • Our Vision: Public transit supports thriving Columbia River Gorge communities by helping people reach services, education, jobs, and recreation while protecting the natural wonders of the Gorge.

  • What we have done so far

    We finished Phase 1 in winter 2021. We strengthened partnerships, analyzed local transportation plans, and developed a collective regional vision.

    The main takeaway was to combine the goals, policies, and priorities that we had all been working on separately.

    What we're working on now

    In Phase 2, we’re working together to analyze data, find funding, and determine how our combined team will work and what we will do.

    At the end of Phase 2, we’ll deliver a document for each of the five counties to adopt. It will have our strategies and recommendations, including a map of what we believe will be a successful regional transit system.

    When we'll have the final strategy

    The final strategy will be ready in Summer 2023.

  • Which transit agencies are involved

    • Mt Adams Transportation Service (Klickitat County) 
    • Skamania County Transit 
    • Columbia Area Transit (Hood River County) 
    • The Link (Wasco County) 
    • Sherman County Community Transit 

    Map showing the project area

    Project area map (Click map to enlarge)

  • Transit in the Gorge

    We’ve studied transit service in the Gorge and drafted a Regional Transit Vision Map.

  • Existing Transit Services

    This map shows current transit service in the Gorge, including when buses are providing service.

    Map of existing transit services

    (Click map to enlarge)

  • Draft Regional Transit Vision Map

    This map shows our vision for transit in the Gorge, including when and how often buses will run between major stops.

    Draft map of potential transit services

    (Click map to enlarge)

  • Questions

    Please note that this online open house is no longer accepting feedback. All questions have been disabled.

  • Draft Regional Transit Vision Map

    Draft map of potential transit services

    (Click map to enlarge)

  • What Should We Do First?

    Along with adding stops and service, we’re considering how to make it easier for people to use public transit. 

  • Here’s what we think could make it easier for people to use public transit in the Gorge.

  • First-Mile/Last-Mile Access

    Issue: People don’t have many ways to get to or from where they’ll catch the bus, especially in rural areas. 

  • Potential solutions:  

    • Dial-a-ride (call to schedule a pick-up) 
    • Park-and-rides (drive to and park in a designated area near a transit stop) 
    • Electric bikes 
    • Electric carshares 
    • Transportation network companies (e.g., Uber, Lyft, etc.) 
    • Vanpools and carpools 
    • Walking and biking facilities (e.g., bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks)

  • icon of mountains

    Geographical Constraints

    Issue: Even though many denser cities and recreation destinations are on SR-14 and I-84, some have topographical, ownership, safety or other constraints that make it hard to get people there using public transit.

  • Potential solutions:  

    • Selectively increase stops along inter-city transit routes where pull-out space is available or the land owner is supportive. 

    • Increase service at the beginning and end of transit routes, including stops in downtown areas. 

    • Add a connection between White Salmon and Dallesport serving Lyle and other destinations. 

  • icon of handshake

    Private and Public Partnerships

    Issue: Tourism in the Gorge can cause traffic congestion and make it hard for transit to get places.

  • Potential solutions:  

    • Build on partnerships with private shuttles to continue or expand service to popular destinations.
    • Partner with public agencies, such as the United States Forest Service, Oregon State Parks, and Washington State Parks and Recreation, to help manage visitation and congestion at popular destinations.

  • icon of person talking into megaphone

    Awareness of Transit Services

    Issue: Not everyone knows about transit services in the Gorge.

  • Potential solutions:  

    • Encourage information sharing with community partners and employers. 

    • Build on recent marketing from the Gorge TransLink Alliance. 

    • Expand the existing travel training program. 

  • icon of clock

      Service Hours

    Issue: Evening and weekend service is limited.

  • Potential solutions:

    • Add weekend fixed-route service across the network.
    • Expand evening service.

  • icon of a watch

     Transfers to/from Columbia Gorge Express

    Issue: People need more coordinated and reliable transfers to and from the Columbia Gorge Express.

  • Potential solutions:

    • Coordinate transit schedules between carriers.

  • Questions

    Please note that this online open house is no longer accepting feedback. All questions have been disabled.

  • What's Next

    Thank you for participating!

  • Your feedback will help shape the final Regional Transit Vision Map and transit strategy. We’ll share the final draft of the map, key initiatives, and priorities in our next online open house, scheduled for early 2023. 

  • Final Questions

    Please note that this online open house is no longer accepting feedback. All questions have been disabled.

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  • Demographic Questions

    We are requesting the following demographic information to help evaluate the effectiveness of our public outreach activities. Providing this information is voluntary.

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