Mid-Columbia Economic Development District engages with and supports transportation needs in our five-county region in several ways. MCEDD assists local governments with to define, coordinate and funding for transportation infrastructure projects through the development of the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. MCEDD also works with regional partners to define transportation needs for economic development.
The Link Public Transit
As a result of MCEDD’s many years of involvement in regional transportation coordination, MCEDD was chosen in 2018 to assume the operation of Wasco County’s public transportation provider, The Link Public Transit.
Wasco Public Transportation Advisory Committee (PTAC)
As part of the Link’s operations, MCEDD also staffs Wasco County’s Public Transportation Advisory Committee. This committee is convened quarterly to advise and assist Wasco County in carrying out the program requirements of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF), Special Transportation Fund (STF), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 that fund the Link’s operations.
Transit Passes
MCEDD has been an active partner in the creation, development and promotion of the Gorge Pass. The Gorge Pass is an annual pass offering unlimited, seamless fixed route rides on Columbia Area Transit, The Link Public Transit, Mt. Adams Transportation Services, and Skamania County Transit. In addition to the physical benefits of protecting the environment and reducing congestion, the Gorge pass is designed to enhance access and support equity by providing passes to the Gorge’s low income populations through the Gorge Transit Connect Program (social services organizations partnership) and the Gorge Equity Fund.
Transportation Planning
As a unified, bi-state region, MCEDD has been able to lead and coordinate regional transportation planning with the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy (GRTS) project and the Connect Mid-Columbia initiative. These projects and initiatives, as well as the Link’s operations, require planning documentation that guides transit development to accommodate the needs of the communities both within Wasco County and in the Mid-Columbia region. The Wasco Human Services Coordinated Plan supports both the Link’s operations and the GRTS. The Human Services Plan informs the Wasco County Transit Development Plan (TDP), which was approved by the County in 2022 as the roadmap and guide for transit development for the next twenty years.
Regional Public Transportation
MCEDD’s Mobility Manager helps to coordinate regional transit services by leading in the planning and execution of all Gorge TransLink Alliance projects. In addition to the expansion of the region’s fixed route systems and technology coordination, MCEDD has partnered with CAT to provide Travel Training services that ensure that riders can use the Gorge’s complex transit system confidently.
Alternative Transportation Options
Other public forms of transportation (NOT one car/one driver) are available in the Gorge through programs that are supported by MCEDD’s Mobility Manager. In addition to the public transit bus system, alternative commute options are managed through programs with employers and schools. Commute Options offers incentives to individuals who ride-share, bus, bike, walk, vanpool, or work remotely through the Get There Rewards program. Commute Options also offers employers customized alternative commute plans for their employees and supports employers sponsored vanpooling in conjunction with Enterprise. Commutes to school for our children are not forgotten and our Mobility Manager works with Safe Routes to Schools programs in all of our Oregon Counties.
Hood River County Wasco County Sherman County