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Project-Details







Columbia Gorge Express

Planning Phase

Region 1: Portland metro and Hood River County (Cascade Locks, Hood River, Portland, Multnomah)


​​​The Columbia Gorge Express bus is a convenient, affordable travel option through the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. 

For schedule and ticket purchasing information, visit Ridecatbus.org​

Details

About

The Columbia Gorge Express provided a convenient, affordable travel option through the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Now, year-round bus service will be provided through Columbia Area Transit. 

History:
  • The Columbia Gorge Express began as a pilot project by ODOT operating on summer weekends in 2016 and 2017 between Portland, Rooster Rock and Multnomah Falls. 
  • The Columbia Gorge Express expanded to daily, year-round service in 2018, with added stops in Cascade Locks and Hood River. 
  • In late 2019, Columbia Area Transit (CAT) assumed service for the Columbia Gorge Express bus service between Portland, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks and Hood River, with additional service to The Dalles. 
  • ODOT did not operate the shuttle program between Multnomah Falls and Rooster Rock State Park in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. 
  • In 2022 CAT​ is operating a new summer service, called Falls-to-Locks​, providing service between Portland, Troutdale, Multnomah Falls and Cascade Locks. There is no summer service to Rooster Rock State Park in 2022. 

Location

I-84 | Connects Gateway Transit Center in Portland with Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, Hood River and The Dalles

Cost and Funding

The Columbia Gorge Express is funded through a combination of federal and state public transportation funds, including funding through the Federal Lands Access Program and Statewide Transportation Improvement Funds.​ 

Benefits

The Columbia Gorge Express has always been easiest way through the Gorge. Now, under CAT's operations, Columbia Gorge Express riders will benefit from the following improvements:
  • Increased service frequency between Portland, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, and Hood River.
  • Additional connections to The Dalles, better synchronization with CAT’s local routes, and improved coordination with other regional transit providers the Gorge.
  • More streamlined information on schedules, stops, and customer service.

What Problem Will This Improve?

  • ​Lack of transit access and options to recreational destinations in the Columbia River Gorge.
  • Limited mobility and safety for travel in the Gorge.
  • Congestion and limited parking capacity at Multnomah Falls.
  • Damage to natural and cultural resources due to illegal parking and congestion.

Additional Information

For Americans with Disabilities Act or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations or more information call Dial-a-Ride and CAT at 541-386-4202 or email info@ridecatbus.org

Contacts & Media

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Project Contact

Columbia Gorge Express Manager
Valerie Egon
Email
valerie.egon@odot.oregon.gov
Phone
503-731-8253

Last Updated

4/18/2024 9:02 AM

Project Number

CGEI84