‘It’s vital’: Cascades East Transit launches fund to provide bus passes for financially burdened individuals
(Update: Adding comments from Bethlehem Inn and CET users)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Cascades East Transit is rolling out two new programs to strengthen community connection across Central Oregon.
The first program, called the Community Movement Fund, helps cover bus fares for riders who may face financial barriers as CET brings back fare-based service this month, for the first time since the pandemic.
Some people really need that help.
"I don't really have transportation at the moment, since they made it cost money," said Justin Waters, a resident of the Bethlehem Inn homeless shelter.
Waters, born with a curve in his spine, depends on transit for important appointments and medication. He noted the transportation struggle, saying, "it's vital. I’ve been without medications for a week because I haven't been able to afford a bus pass."
Representatives with CET say a bus pass isn’t just a ticket. It’s mobility, independence and opportunity.
Bethlehem Inn Executive Director Michael Hancock said, "It really is a common misconception that participants in homeless shelters aren't working. And it absolutely is the opposite. The majority of our participants are working one to sometimes even three jobs."
"And with the cost of living, the cost of housing, food, everything's so expensive to own a car and have registration and pay insurance is really an extra burden, that is necessary to - you know, transportation is so necessary."
Hancock sees the impact daily.
Alex Jensen, another resident at Bethlehem Inn, said he has a "heart condition, which is really hard to walk around or just do normal things that people are able to do. So transportation would make it a lot easier for me to be able to do what I need to do."
Jensen is new to he area, relying solely on CET for transportation. She added, “I have a job interview next week, and I don't know if I'll be able to make it.”
Hancock argues this program is not a handout for those struggling. It's a "hand-up, helping people become self sufficient."
"That is helping people escape the system, escape homelessness, and get back on their feet and become part of this thriving community," Hancock said.
Essentially, CET will partner with an organization to fundraise. They'll then use those funds to support bus passes for financially burdened individuals, dispersed through local organizations like Bethlehem Inn.
Waters said, "I'll probably use it like once every day, like I used to do when it was free." Jensen added, "Honestly, it gives me a whole lot of hope for humanity."
The initiative is intended to foster both community support and increase engagement with public transit across Central Oregon.
The new fund is powered by community donations and sponsorships — and supporters will be recognized across CET’s platforms. At the same time, CET is expanding its Bus Advertising Program, giving local businesses and nonprofits more ways to get their message seen on buses throughout the region.
Together, the initiatives aim to keep Central Oregon moving — and connected.
Earlier story :
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ-Feb. 4) -- Cascades East Transit, which reinstated charging fares this week, announced two new initiatives Wednesday to support transit access and regional connectivity in Central Oregon. The agency says it's launching the Community Movement Fund and an expanded Bus Advertising Program.
The Community Movement Fund was created to assist residents who may face financial barriers as CET resumes fare collection. The agency had temporarily suspended fares on all non-recreational routes in 2020 to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revenue for the Community Movement Fund will come from community contributions and corporate sponsorships. CET said in a news release that the funds will go help provide transit tickets for people who rely on transit for work, school, medical appointments and other essential services.
The agency is partnering with local nonprofits and social service agencies to manage the distribution of the fare support.
Andrea Wasilew, outreach and engagement administrator at CET, said the initiatives are designed to help residents maintain their independence.
"For many residents, a bus pass isn't just a ticket - it's mobility, independence and opportunity," Wasilew said. She noted that the fund is intended to ensure no riders are left behind as the agency transitions away from the fare-free model.
Fund sponsors will receive recognition through various channels, including the CET website, social media spotlights and the agency's annual Mobility Impact Report. Some sponsorship tiers also include advertisements in monthly newsletters and on the interior and exterior of buses.
In addition to the philanthropic fund, CET is expanding its commercial Bus Advertising Program to allow local businesses and nonprofits to reach thousands of daily riders.
Wasilew said the expanded programs allow the business community to play a larger role in the regional transportation network.
"By expanding our advertising and sponsorship options, we are creating more ways for the Central Oregon business community to be an active partner in our transit ecosystem," Wasilew said.
Organizations or individuals interested in the fund or advertising placements can contact Wasilew at 541-639-5002. or awasilew@coic.org.
Cascades East Transit provides fixed-route, city connector and recreational shuttle services across Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, as well as the Warm Springs community. The agency also offers general public and specialized Dial-a-Ride services. According to its mission statement, CET aims to deliver high-quality transit that reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability and enhances quality of life.
More information about the fund and advertising opportunities is available on the agency's website.
