Transit shelters, Hawthorne Station and regional outreach among TAC round‑table updates

During the TAC round table, several member agencies provided brief project updates affecting transit, outreach and regional coordination.

Cascades Transit reported that a COVID‑funded program awarded $300,000 for bus shelters plus a little more than $100,000 for other bus stop improvements. Staff pointed stakeholders to a project page (CascadesTransit.com/busstops) and said the program includes targeted installations and a reserved portion for public requests. The agency acknowledged comments that the new perforated‑aluminum shelter panels at some locations offer less weather protection than full‑glass designs; staff said they are exploring more robust shelter designs for future installations.

Cascades Transit said new platforms at Hawthorne Station opened the week before the meeting and that final punch‑list items including landscaping are expected to finish within the month. An open house or similar public event is planned for February.

Regional partners reported related work: the county BPAC plans an April 10 Tri‑County Summit (Jefferson, Crook and Deschutes counties) hosted at Bend Park & Recreation District offices. Transportation options and vanpool programs received new ODOT funding to expand outreach and engagement; partners noted these efforts will include translation and targeted outreach to marginalized communities and continued collaboration with Get There Oregon and other mobility programs.

The TAC chair closed the round‑table with an invitation for other agencies to share updates; none were offered. The meeting adjourned after the committee confirmed the Feb. 4 meeting date.