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Cascades East Transit plans earlier service, new routes and fares; public comment period open
Summary
Cascades East Transit told Deschutes County commissioners it will expand fixed‑route hours beginning June 2, add a Northeast Bend route July 14 and reintroduce fares this fall with a proposed $2 full fare and $1 reduced fare, plus a three‑trip daily cap; agency is taking public comment through summer.
Cascades East Transit (CET) staff briefed the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners May 21 on an array of operational changes this summer and fall, including expanded hours, new routes and the reintroduction of fares.
CET Director Bob Johnson told the board the agency will restore earlier morning service on Bend fixed routes, moving weekday service start to 6 a.m. beginning June 2 and extending evening service toward 7:30 p.m. He said the change is intended to serve commuters and employees with earlier start times. CET also plans a “Tri‑Transit Week” June 2–8 of outreach and ridership promotion.
Johnson said the agency will add Route 8, covering Northeast Bend neighborhoods, tentatively on July 14, and launch a Bend–airport direct shuttle around that timeframe. CET is also evaluating other rural connections such as La Pine–Sunriver and Prineville–Bend. The agency plans to reintroduce a transit pass system and fares effective Oct. 1 or soon thereafter, pending board approvals and public comment. CET presented a proposal with a $2 full fare for fixed routes, $1 reduced fare (50%) for qualifying riders and a $4 dial‑a‑ride fare. A daily three‑trip cap would make all subsequent rides free for that day.
Johnson said CET estimates only about 20–25% of current riders would pay full fare under the proposals because of the range of reduced fares and discounts for seniors, veterans, students and partner organizations. He said the agency expects fares to generate $750,000 to $1,000,000 in a future year, and that much of the near‑term administrative cost is front‑loaded for readers, an app and card systems. CET will accept public comment through summer and bring a final fare proposal to its board on Aug. 7.
Commissioners discussed service priorities, workforce and the need for additional payroll‑tax (STIF) funding to expand service beyond the immediate additions. Commissioner Chang and others noted that payroll tax proposals at the state level could materially affect CET’s ability to add routes and frequency beyond the coming summer’s additions.
CET will hold public meetings and advisory sessions on the proposed fares and service changes; staff asked county officials to assist with outreach. Director Johnson said the agency plans to phase branding and bus‑graphic changes as vehicles are replaced.
