Portland, OR — The Oregon Department of Transportation awarded Northwestern Stage Lines with a federal grant to restore vital intercity bus service for rural cities between Portland, Oregon and Boise, Idaho on Interstate 84. Since January, many rural Oregonians have had no long-distance bus service to travel to doctor appointments, to work or to visit family and friends outside of their local town.
“This grant helps fill a gap, giving Eastern Oregonians access to travel options,” said Suzanne Carlson, ODOT Public Transportation Division Administrator. “Residents rely on transit to reach vital services, from healthcare and employment to education and family support. This new bus route restores access, connecting travelers to Amtrak, airports, and regional and national bus lines, opening the door to seamless mobility across the United States.”
The $600,000 ODOT grant funds a portion of the route between The Dalles and the Boise Airport for one year. This service is funded through a Federal Transit Administration Intercity Bus Program grant.
“We’re always excited to add new intercity bus service to the many communities that rely on this type of service. The communities that we will be able to serve in Oregon is no different.” said Jacob Price, owner of Northwestern Stage Lines. “To have the opportunity to connect travelers with the amazing city of Portland. We don’t take it for granted and we’re thrilled to be able to operate this new route daily.”
Transit providers and advocates share how the new service benefits their community:
Rural Oregonians no longer cut off from transit
“Without this route, a lot of people were stranded. Oregonians use I-84 for work, school, medical appointments, visiting family and other essential travel,” said Brittany White, Transportation Manager for SRT – Malheur Express. “Many people in Malheur County don’t have cars or can’t afford other long-distance travel options, so a continuous bus service on I-84 bus is their only way to get anywhere.”
Home for the holidays, much-needed access to city resources, airports and rail
“I can’t wait to tell our Eastern Oregon University students they will be able to get home for the holidays this winter. Many live in West Idaho and need to catch flights out of Boise,” said Patrick Hemann, Union County Public Transit Manager, Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc. “The best option we’ve been able to find takes around 31 hours and costs $152. We need fast and affordable bus service to urban areas – it’s greatly needed.”
Restoring this service will make a real difference for people throughout the region
“I feel a huge sense of relief now that any intercity transit option is finally returning to Baker City,” said Matt Krabacher, the Vice President of the Association of Oregon Rail & Transit Advocates in Baker City. “If you don’t own a car in rural Oregon, you’re stranded. As a mid-career professional, it is a great way for me to access urban amenities, such as concerts and airports, without having to drive or deal with a car while in the city and to save money on gas. But the real value lies in helping elderly populations who are unable to drive long distances. As healthcare services are disappearing from rural America and eastern Oregon, reliable public transit access is critical. Without reliable transit, many of our residents must choose between risking continuing to live in their homes or making the expensive move to urban areas.”
Connecting communities, businesses and people
“Since we lost bus service, we’ve had many unfortunate situations of people becoming stranded in Baker City and La Grande. This new service along I-84 will help get people back to their families, friends and serve a basic human need for mobility,” said Joe Hayes, County Operations Manager, Community Connection of Baker County.
To learn more or book tickets, visit Northwestern Stage Lines.
- Service route: Portland, Hood River, The Dalles, Boardman, Pasco, Washington; Hermiston, Pendleton, La Grande, Baker City, Ontario; Nampa and Boise, Idaho.
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