Mount Adams Transit tells Goldendale council Gorgewide routes, Gorge Pass have boosted ridership and connections
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Summary
Mount Adams Transportation and FORGE Transit presented to Goldendale City Council on Sept. 3, describing the Gorge Pass, coordinated service across four counties, rider outreach and plans for a connector route along SR‑14. Presenters highlighted accessibility efforts and travel‑training for riders with disabilities.
Sharon Carter, director of County Senior Services and the Mount Adams Transportation Service, and a FORGE Transit consultant identified as Emily told the Goldendale City Council on Sept. 3 that coordinated, Gorge‑wide transit has expanded rapidly since the first fixed route in 2011 and now connects multiple counties and key destinations.
"In 2021 they got together and created the Gorge Pass," Emily said, describing a $40‑a‑year fare pass that allows riders to board buses across providers, including some connections to Portland and Vancouver. Carter said revenue from those passes is shared regionally and helps rural systems such as Klickitat County offset operating costs that otherwise rely heavily on grants.
Presenters described operational improvements intended to reduce wait times for transfers, including "pulsing" (timing buses to meet at the same place and time) and other route‑coordination work across four separate county transit providers. "We're trying to make it super easy for the rider," Emily said, explaining coordination challenges and solutions.
They outlined outreach and accessibility work: mountable bike racks on buses, an accessiblegorge.com listing of accessible destinations and an upcoming audit of accessibility at every Gorge bus stop. Carter said the program has a travel‑trainer on the Washington side of the gorge, Eve Elderwell, who helps riders—including students and people with disabilities—learn trips and build confidence in using fixed routes.
The presenters also discussed service growth and ridership figures. Carter said the Goldendale–The Dalles fixed route ran four weekday trips and reported about 560 riders in July (an increase of roughly 100 riders from the prior year). Video testimonials included riders and drivers describing how routes to Portland and the airport have improved mobility and saved on parking costs.
On future plans, Carter said Mount Adams Transit is applying to the Washington State Department of Transportation for a grant, with matching funds from the Mid‑Columbia Economic Development District and ODOT, to create a connector route along SR‑14 that would link Bingen, White Salmon and Goldendale and improve cross‑county connections.
Councilmembers asked about stop amenities; Carter said small enclosed shelters can cost in the neighborhood of $15,000 and that some shelters were funded with port support and local matches. She asked the council to consider letters of support for grants. The presentation closed with contact information for Mount Adams Transit and an invitation to provide feedback on transit planning.
The council thanked the presenters and moved on to other business.
