Morrow County BOC approves new fixed-route transit network, reprioritizes van service

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners approved a revised public-transit plan that replaces the existing two-commuter model with three fixed routes originating in Boardman and a reconfigured van-service policy that will prioritize medical trips.

Transportation staff presented the plan, saying the new system creates a Boardman circular route (serving marina, city hall and Harvest Foods), a clockwise county loop through Irrigon, Umatilla and Heppner, and a counterclockwise loop that together increase frequency and connections to Hermiston and commercial services such as Walmart and Good Shepherd. Staff said each fixed route will allow ADA deviations up to three-quarters of a mile, and the county will use smaller van “first/last mile” services to connect riders to employer or port locations not directly on the fixed routes.

Staff said the van program will shift from first-come/first-served bookings to a medical-priority scheduling system: medical appointments would be scheduled first, then other requests filled if capacity remains. Staff also said they are moving forward with a contract for a rider app and hardware; the county expects to start software operations around March with hardware and full roll-out following.

Commissioners moved and seconded the transit changes. The motion passed unanimously.

County staff and transit planners said they will hold public outreach (open forums, school district and chamber briefings) as the new routes launch to explain schedules and ADA deviation procedures.