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Gorge Transit outlines regional coordination, $40 annual pass and April summit
Summary
Representatives from Gorge Transit updated the City Council on regional coordination, ridership recovery, programs for equity and accessibility, and promoted an April 10 Gorge Transit Summit. They highlighted a $40 annual pass, 200,000 rides reported last year, and partnerships to expand service and outreach.
Representatives from Gorge Transit presented the system’s 2025 regional update to The Dalles City Council on Feb. 10, detailing coordination across five counties, growing ridership and programs intended to increase access for commuters, veterans, students and people with disabilities.
Gorge Transit representative Kathy Kirkpatrick summarized the network’s development and services, including a region-wide website, travel trainers, an equity fund and an annual Gorge Transit Pass that “costs $40 for 12 months of unlimited rides on regional transit,” she said.
The presentation said the regional system has largely recovered from the pandemic and provided about 200,000 rides in the prior year. Kirkpatrick said many riders use the service for work, medical appointments and education. She told the council the pass program also supports outreach: “We have travel trainers … who are teaching people how to use the bus,” and the transit partners market passes to employers and large regional institutions.
The update listed the system’s top initiatives: continued coordination among five county transit providers; fixed-route service expansions that began with Skamania County in 2011 and Columbia Area Transit in 2017; a “pulse” scheduling system at the Columbia Area Transit Center that synchronizes bus arrivals to improve transfers; and outreach programs including an equity fund and employer buy-one-give-one pass arrangements for employees and people in need.
Kirkpatrick described the equity fund as a 501(c)(3) mechanism that channels part of pass revenue to subsidize fares for low-income riders. She also noted programs aimed at students and downtown workers and said the system’s accessibility work has won recognition; the presentation referenced an “accessible gorge” website that lists accessible destinations and travel information.
Council members asked operational questions. Mayor Mays asked about recruiting drivers; Jesus Mendoza, identified in the presentation as an operations manager for the Link (regional/District transit operator), said staffing has improved and some providers are fully staffed. A councilor asked whether rides to the Gloria Center emergency weather shelter are provided; Kirkpatrick said the Link provides those rides and the policy was announced the same day.
Kirkpatrick closed by promoting a public Gorge Transit Summit on April 10 and encouraged council and community participation. She said the summit will include keynote speakers, workshops and panels on transit’s role in addressing regional issues such as housing.
The presentation materials and a short video were shown to the council; staff and the transit representatives invited further questions and follow-up with city staff.
