What is the Gorge Transit Connect Program?
Columbia Area Transit (CAT) and The Link Public Transit have received funds from the Columbia Gorge Health Council to provide fares for fixed route and Dial-A-Ride services to local partner organizations who distribute the transit fares to eligible clients. The goal is to provide easy access to transit services for medical services, education, workplace, recreational activities, food, and other quality of life opportunities to improve social determinants of health.
CAT provides public transportation services within Hood River County, to Mt. Hood Meadows (seasonal), and between Hood River and Portland. The City Route (weekdays) and the Weekend Trolley (weekends) is a great way to get around the City of Hood River car free! Additionally, there are bus routes to the Upper Valley communities of Parkdale and Odell and to the Cities of The Dalles and Cascade Locks. Check out the CAT bus schedules at www.ridecatbus.org. CAT operates seven days a week, excluding most holidays.
The Link Public Transit provides public transportation services in Wasco County. The Blue and Red Routes operate on an hour loop to key destination in The Dalles, as well as demand response services throughout Wasco County are available, Monday-Friday.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for a free transit fare an individual must live in a household that earns an income level that is 138% or less of the Federal Poverty Level.
• $17,774 for individuals
• $24,040 for a family of 2
• $30,305 for a family of 3
• $36,570 for a family of 4
How do I get free transit fare?
Contact one of the Local Partner organizations we work with to distribute passes to eligible clients. The goal is to not only get the passes to individuals who need them but also to make sure individuals know how to use the transit system
Customer Comments
Home for the Holidays
We were happy one of our guests got to visit family over the holidays using the GOrge Pass.
GOrge Pass to Get to Portland
Recently one guest was able to get to Portland with his GOrge Pass so he could get his birth certificate.
Local Partner Organizations
AGE+
Columbia Gorge Community College
Dan Spatz
dspatz@cgcc.edu
(541)506-6034
Community Access Services
Anna Keenan-Mudrick
503-533-4373
Gorge Grown
Hannah Ladwig
hannah@gorgegrown.com
HAVEN from Domestic and Sexual Violence
Hood River Shelter Services
Hood River Veterans Services
Eric Akin
County Veteran Service Officer
541-386-1080
Eric.akin@co.hood-river.or.us
HR Community Corrections
HR Providence
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital
Mark Thomas
MARK.THOMAS@providence.org
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council
Mid-Columbia Housing Authority
Sonia Chavez
soniac@mid-columbiahousingauthority.org
541-296-5462
Nch’i Wana Housing
Debra Whitefoot
debraw@nchiwana.org
Oregon Department of Human Services
Joe Carpenter
JOSEPH.W.CARPENTER@dhsoha.state.or.us
(541)340-4993
The Next Door
Maria Marquez (The Dalles & Hood River)
(541)386-6665 ext. 300
The Dalles One Community Health
Amy Marquez
541-296-4610