Cascades East Transit (CET), operated by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, today announced a series of major initiatives that will roll out over the next several months, including the return of fares on all CET services, expanded rider support programs, and the launch of the Central Oregon Community Movement Fund – a new sponsorship initiative designed to ensure transportation access for all residents.
For more than a decade, CET has connected Central Oregonians to work, school, healthcare, essential services, and recreation through reliable, high-quality transit. In January, CET will introduce CET GO, a streamlined pass and payment system that improves rider experience through simplified pricing, app-based and reloadable card options, discounted fare programs, and fare capping to keep public transit affordable and equitable for all. A CET GO pass will be required on all fixed, flex, and community connector bus routes beginning February 1. Dial-a-Ride trips may still be booked through the on-demand service line and will also require a fare.
“Restoring fares allows us to strengthen reliability, reinvest in service, improve safety, modernize our fleet, and expand mobility options for every community we serve,” said Bob Townsend, CET Transit Director. “The CET GO system is designed with riders at the forefront as CET continues to expand routes and grow with the Central Oregon population.
Transit Pop-Up Events Throughout Central Oregon
CET will host a series of Transit 101 and CET GO pass-enrollment pop-up events throughout January, in partnership with local libraries and community organizations. Riders can sign up for CET GO passes, learn how the new payment system works, receive assistance from CET staff, and participate in hands-on travel training with CET travel trainer.
CET will host a series of Transit 101 and CET GO pass-enrollment pop-up events throughout January, in partnership with local libraries and community organizations. Riders can sign up for CET GO passes, learn how the new payment system works, receive assistance from CET staff, and participate in hands-on travel training with CET travel trainer.
Confirmed Dates and Locations:
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Jan 7, 12:30-3:30 pm: Downtown Bend Library, 601 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703
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Jan 8, 11:30-3:30 pm: Crook County Library, 175 NW Meadowlakes Dr, Prineville, OR 97754
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Jan 12, 12:30-3:30 pm: Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
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Jan 7, 14, 21, 28: Warm Springs (locations and time to be announced)
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Jan 20, 11:00am-1:00 pm: Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Visit www.cascadeseasttransit.com/fares for the latest updates on scheduled pop-up events.
Introducing the Central Oregon Community Movement Fund
Transit for All. Access for Everyone.
Coming in January, CET is launching the Central Oregon Community Movement Fund, a community-supported program that helps ensure reliable transportation access for residents facing financial barriers.
The Fund supports subsidizing transit passes to low-income riders who rely on CET for work, school, healthcare, groceries, and essential services. All sponsorship dollars go directly to rider fare support, with CET distributing passes to local nonprofits and social service partners based on community need. Contact Andrea Wasilew at awasilew@coic.org for more information and to donate to this new fund.
“Transportation is access to opportunity for all Central Oregon residents,” said Andrea Wasilew, Outreach & Engagement Administrator at CET. “This fund ensures no one is left behind because of financial barriers and strengthens mobility and connection across our region.”
About Cascades East Transit
Cascades East Transit is Central Oregon’s regional public transit provider, offering fixed-route buses, city connector routes, recreational shuttles, and both general public and specialized Dial-a-Ride services throughout Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson Counties and the Warm Springs community. CET’s mission is to exceed rider expectations by delivering courteous, safe, reliable, and high-quality transit that strengthens regional connectivity, reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability, and enhances quality of life. Learn more at www.CascadesEastTransit.com
Cascades East Transit is Central Oregon’s regional public transit provider, offering fixed-route buses, city connector routes, recreational shuttles, and both general public and specialized Dial-a-Ride services throughout Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson Counties and the Warm Springs community. CET’s mission is to exceed rider expectations by delivering courteous, safe, reliable, and high-quality transit that strengthens regional connectivity, reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability, and enhances quality of life. Learn more at www.CascadesEastTransit.com
