Gorge Translink, an alliance of rural providers offering public transportation services throughout the Columbia River Gorge area, is resuming services in some areas as counties in Oregon and Washington begin to reopen.
Gorge Translink, an alliance of rural providers offering public transportation services throughout the Columbia River Gorge area, is resuming services in some areas as counties in Oregon and Washington begin to reopen.
Columbia Area Transit (CAT) resumed a limited fixed-route schedule within Hood River and between Gorge communities and Portland on June 1. Dial-A-Ride continues to serve the Upper Valley, Cascade Locks, and other Hood River County locations.
The CAT team has been hard at work to put procedures and policies in place that follow the Oregon Health Authority’s Guidance for Transit Agencies, while allowing staff and riders to use public transportation safely, said a CAT press release. While CAT is not yet running their regular full schedule, this is the next step to ensure that there is once again safe public transit available within the region, said the press release.
Current CAT fixed-route services are:
Hood River City Route. Providing service within the City of Hood River Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to -6:45 p.m., about every 45 minutes.
The Columbia Gorge Express. Running four times a day between The Dalles, Hood River, and Cascade Locks, and Portland Monday-Friday. Please note that we will not be stopping at Multnomah Falls until the area has reopened.
When using these services, CAT staff encourages riders to think before they go and remember to:
Schedule a ride on the Columbia Gorge Express. A seat must be booked a day in advance by calling 541-386-4202 or online at www.ridecatbus.org /appointments.
Wear a face mask. All riders and drivers are required to wear face masks which cover the nose and mouth when riding or operating a CAT vehicle. When everyone wears a face mask, the risk of spreading the virus is reduced.
Observe physical distance between yourself and others. Sit three feet apart from other passengers, six feet from the driver, and remain seated throughout the trip. CAT will limit riders on vehicles and some seats will be marked off to help riders know where to sit.
Take responsibility for your own safety. CAT buses are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each night. Common places for people to touch (i.e. handrails, seat belts, etc.) are wiped down and disinfected after each trip, but it is impossible to catch everything. Take whatever precautions are necessary for you to feel safe.
Make a plan. Know what services, recreation spots (trails, Multnomah Falls, etc.) or other activity centers are open and closed before you go.
Love the Gorge and remember people live here. Bring what you need. Do not visit local grocery stores or deplete available supplies, but do order take out from one of the many restaurants in the communities we serve and enjoy a meal outside.
To learn more and see the schedules for the Hood River City Route and Columbia Gorge Express, visit www.ridecatbus.org. For more information on taking care of the Gorge, visit readysetgorge.com.
For comments, questions, or concerns call 541-386-4202 or email info@ridecatbus.org.
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