Ride Bend free shuttle returns this summer

Ride Bend, a free summer shuttle offered by Cascades East Transit, will connect visitors and residents to downtown Bend, the Old Mill District, Century Drive, and Galveston. This is the second year for the free shuttle and the service will operate June 29 through September 3.

Ride Bend is made possible by a joint partnership between City of Bend, Visit Bend and the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. Service hours are enhanced for 2018, operating between 12 pm and 10 pm, seven days a week throughout the summer, with buses running every 15 minutes. Dial-A-Ride service will be provided for ADA riders who are unable to use the fixed-route service. All buses and bus stops are ADA accessible.

“We are honored to have the chance to once again support the Ride Bend shuttle service this summer. Through messaging on the bus, we have a unique opportunity to encourage visitors to spend their time in Bend in a sustainable and responsible way, leaving Bend better than they found it,” said Kevney Dugan, CEO of Visit Bend. “Furthermore, we are continually looking for ways to provide Bend’s guests with options to be less dependent on their vehicles, and Ride Bend offers that, allowing them to access a myriad of Bend’s key destinations without the worry of parking or traffic.”

Michelle Rhoads, transportation manager for COIC/CET, said “Ride Bend is a great way for local residents and visitors alike to access many of Bend’s favorite destinations. The Ride Bend service helps reduce traffic and parking congestion and promotes a vibrant community and economy. Leave the driving to us and enjoy using the free Ride Bend shuttle this summer.” More information about Ride Bend is available on cascadeseasttransit.com and visitbend.com .