Public commenter describes summer youth bus-riding program that pairs transit rides with prizes

Sarah Crook, a travel trainer for Hood River and Wasco counties who said she works for McKeld, presented a summer “bus-riding” program designed to familiarize middle- and high-school students with Gorge Transit and reward participation with donated prizes.

Crook described a simple sign-up at libraries or the transit center where students give their name and city of residence, choose a prize, and get a “gorge transit” stamp from the bus driver. Prizes listed in the presentation included Shannon’s Ice Cream, Angel’s Bakery, Brick City mini figs and donated cheesy bread from Mod Pizza. The program budget for purchased prizes was $5 per child; Mod Pizza provided a donated item to supplement prizes.

Crook said the library partnered to offer an additional prize: a pool pass for students who submit a photo of themselves reading on the bus or at a bus stop. The program is active now with a goal to have broader participation by Sept. 1 when the school year begins; Crook asked the board to post program information on the district’s events page and to help spread the word.

Board members asked a few clarifying questions about timing and tracking; Crook said she is tracking participation and will continue outreach through August.