Cascades East Transit presented proposed fares, a new phone‑based pass, a planned Bend–Redmond airport shuttle pilot and preliminary ridership data for Redmond on June 24, prompting council discussion about route cost and marketing.

Bob (CET representative) told the council the agency plans to implement a phone‑app transit pass to validate reduced fares and to reduce onboard cash handling; the system will allow riders to submit documentation for reduced fares and to block accounts for riders with unresolved violations. “The pass system will certainly ... if you were able to get a pass and you have a violation, your pass will be turned off,” he said. CET staff said the app will replace cash on buses (cash still accepted through vendor locations) and should address safety and fare‑verification concerns.

CET proposed a $2 standard fare, a $1 reduced fare and a maximum daily cap of $6 (reduced cap $3). The agency estimated roughly 75% of current riders would qualify for reduced fares if documentation were submitted. CET also proposed a $15 pilot fare for a direct Bend–Redmond airport shuttle, saying the pilot should be revenue‑neutral.

CET staff presented ridership and cost figures for Redmond services: the Redmond–Bend connector had about 46,000 rides last year at an all‑in cost per ride of about $10.65, which CET described as within expected range for commuter connectors. By contrast, newly introduced community routes showed much higher costs per trip (examples given: $60–$150 per ride for some flex/route variants), which CET said were unsustainable without service changes or additional funding.

Bob said CET will continue outreach — including Tri‑Transit Week and door‑to‑door contacts — and will return to council with more detailed data and options for Redmond routes, including whether to change flex services, adopt micro‑transit models or reallocate funds. Councilors asked for follow‑up briefings after CET compiles demographic and usage data and after CET’s board public hearing on fares (scheduled for Aug. 7).