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Cascades East Transit proposes 18‑month on‑demand microtransit pilot to serve Deschutes Riverwoods
Summary
Cascades East Transit asked the Bend MPO TAC for SHF support for an on‑demand microtransit pilot to expand service to Deschutes Riverwoods, a largely unserved area of 4,000+ residents. CET sought operating subsidy money for contracted drivers and outlined hours, equity benefits and vehicle requirements.
Cascades East Transit (CET) presented an 18‑month on‑demand microtransit pilot proposal for Deschutes Riverwoods at the Oct. 7 MPO TAC meeting and requested SHF support to cover contracted driver services.
Bob Jones of CET described the service as an on‑demand connection that would not replace fixed routes but link residents in the unincorporated Deschutes Riverwoods area to CET's fixed‑route network and paratransit service. Jones said the area has more than 4,000 residents and is highly represented among underserved population blocks in MPO equity mapping.
CET sought roughly $180,000 in SHF funding over two years to cover driver and contractor costs; Jones said the full estimated cost of the pilot is about $312,000 and CET would supply approximately $132,000 in match. The ask reflects SHF rules that often fund contracted operations rather than capital.
Jones described desired operating hours from about 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and said CET expects the pilot to expand access for low‑income and transit‑dependent residents. He said vehicles used would include bike racks; CET staff indicated they are adding racks to their fleet in the coming year.
Committee members raised operational questions: some neighborhood roads in Deschutes Riverwoods are narrow or unpassable for full‑size buses, so CET plans designated pickup points rather than serving all streets. Jones indicated that federal funds could be used if necessary but that federal procurement and labor rules can raise total project costs.
No funding decision was made; staff will include the project in SHF eligibility review and scoring ahead of the November TAC meeting.
