The Link Public Transportation network operated by Mid-Columbia Economic Development District has joined Mount Adams Transportation and Columbia Area Transit in offering HopThru as a convenient way to pay for rides using a smartphone.
The new option is available through the Hopthru app, which is free and easy to set up. This feature gives riders the option to purchase LINK tickets anytime, anywhere. While riders can still use paper tickets and cash, HopThru provides another convenient option. “We are excited to offer this new service to make it easier for riders to use the LINK,” said Charlotte Sallee, Transportation Operations Director. “Now riders can just buy a ticket on their phones using the Hopthru app and get on board.”
Riders can get started in three easy steps:
1. Download the free Hopthru app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Select your ticket type (One Ride Ticket or Ten Ride Tickets) and then enter payment information. Riders can buy as many tickets as they would like and use them at their leisure.
3. When you are about to board a LINK bus, activate the Ticket and show the screen to the bus driver. Tickets are valid for 20 minutes after activation.
The LINK selected Hopthru for this new mobile ticketing option to better coordinate with adjacent transit providers Columbia Area Transit (CAT) in Hood River County and Mount Adams Transportation Services (MATS) in Klickitat County. “As riders transfer from CAT and MATS buses to the LINK, using Hopthru for ticketing with all of the transit providers will be a big help,” adds Charlotte Sallee.
The LINK provides door-to-door public transportation in The Dalles, Mosier, Dufur, Celilo and points between. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm. Service is open to everyone for all purposes and rides are $1.50 each way. Call the LINK at 541-296-7595 to schedule rides, with at least one day notice for best availability.
Additionally, the LINK is busy putting the final touches on a new deviated fixed-route bus that will soon begin an hourly loop around The Dalles with stops at The Dalles Transit Center, 6th street shopping, Columbia Gorge Community College, Mid-Columbia Medical Center and downtown. Schedules and a route map will be announced soon. The LINK Public Transportation is operated by Mid-Columbia Economic Development District. Learn more about the LINK at http://mcedd.org/linktransit or call 541-296-7595