Serving the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, providing regional economic development and business assistance.Mid–Columbia Economic Development District

Mid Columbia Economic Development District strives to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania Counties

MCEDD is organized as a government non-profit in Oregon as an ORS-190 and in Washington through RCW 39.34.010.

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    • Business Loans
      MCEDD provides loans to businesses and individuals. Our financing can help you start, grow and expand your business.
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      MCEDD offers a fund specifically to encourage the development of attainable housing in our three Oregon counties.
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      The Investment Board provides financing in the National Scenic Area for small and growing businesses, nonprofits and economic development activities.
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      A source of gap financing loans for businesses in Clackamas, Hood River and Wasco Counties.
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      Resources to help your business prosper. From training to relocation incentives, explore how your business may qualify.
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      Businesses are growing and expanding in the Gorge with support from our financing programs. See how we measure up in supporting local businesses!
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      Every five years the region develops the comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) as a guide to understanding the regional economy and crafting goals, strategies and actions to create jobs, raise income levels, diversify the economy, and improve the quality of life.
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      MCEDD provides county economic development, grant writing services, infrastructure project administration and planning.
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      To support businesses create and retain jobs, MCEDD provides loans for the financing needs of businesses with favorable rates, terms and requirements.
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      MCEDD has been a leader in the development of industry clusters including arts, wine, high tech, renewable energy, healthcare, & more.
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      MCEDD prioritizes regional infrastructure project and supports development of strong communities to support growing businesses. From broadband to transportation to water/ wastewater projects, learn more about regional activities.
      • Cover of the Hood River Energy Plan
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        MCEDD supports a variety of special projects that align with the regional economic development strategy. Learn more about one of those projects: The Hood River Energy Plan.
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    Home   ::   The LINK Public Transit

    The LINK Public Transit

    We continue to closely monitor state and federal health authority guidance in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak. We understand the important role that public transportation plays for many in our community and are balancing those needs with how we operate to keep our many vulnerable riders healthy.  Our drivers have masks for use if needed.

    Thank you for your patience!

    These guidelines are subject to change based on our available staff and guidance from health authorities.


      Buy a GOrgePass

    Hours of Operation

    • Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
    • Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
    • Closed on Sundays and most Holidays.

    South County service will operate with a 2-hour delay through March 1, 2023

     

    President's Day graphic. George Washington & Abe Lincoln with American flag

    Monday February 20th, the Link’s office will be closed for Presidents’ Day Holiday.

    Pre-scheduled medical dial-a-rides will operate as usual.

     

     

    Riders

    The LINK public transit is available for anyone and everyone! Schedule a ride to work, school, appointments, shopping, entertainment, or other activities. The LINK operates lift-equipped buses to serve customers who require the use of a wheelchair, or have difficulty negotiating steps. View our Rider Etiquette/ Basic Rules here.

    Services 

      • Deviated Fixed Route: The Dalles Deviated Fixed Route operates on a loop to key destinations in The Dalles on Monday through Friday,  7:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Rides are $1.50 each. View the schedule and route here.

    Snow Day Red Route Schedule  

      • The Dalles to Hood River Shuttle – Daily Service:  CAT is currently providing this service beginning October 1, 2022. View CAT’s schedule here.
      • Dial-a-Ride: The dial-a-ride, door-to-door public transportation operates Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM and on Saturday from 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM. Trips are $1.50 each way, scheduled in advance and may include other passengers going to different destinations. We pick up riders in the communities of The Dalles, Dufur, Mosier, Celilo and points between in unincorporated Wasco County. Call the LINK at 541-296-7595 to schedule a ride today!

    You can also email: dispatch@mcedd.org with your name and number for a call-back to schedule your ride.

    ***For best availability, please call at least 24 hours in advance.***

      • The Dalles and Hood River Shopping Bus: The shopping bus offers door-to-door service to grocery stores and shopping centers in The Dalles on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Cost is $3.00 for unlimited stops with no shopping bag limit. Our drivers will help load and unload your bags (bags must be under 25 pounds). On the 1st Friday and the 3rd Wednesday of each month, the shopping bus visits Hood River. Call 541-296-7595 to schedule your ride.
      • South County Shuttle: The LINK has a shuttle every Tuesday and Thursday that picks up riders in Maupin, Wamic, Pine Hollow, Tygh Valley and Dufur for a few hours of shopping and appointments in The Dalles. This service is $5.00 round trip for pickups in Maupin and Tygh Valley and $3.00 round trip for pickups in Dufur.  From January 1 –  March 1, 2023, South County service will operate with a 2-hour delay for the times noted on the attached schedule!  View details about the South County Shuttle here. 
      • Celilo-Lone Pine Service: Dial-a-Ride is available! Book by calling 541-296-7595. $3 for roundtrip service.
      • Free Rides to and from COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments: Need your COVID-19 vaccine? The Link offers free round-trip rides to vaccination sites in The Dalles. Just let your driver know when you board. Hop on our two routes in The Dalles or call 541-296-7595 for dial-a-ride service.
      • Students Ride for Free: All high school students in The Dalles can ride for free, whether it is for school or entertainment.  To schedule give us a call or meet our drivers at our fixed route locations! You must present your Student ID.  K-8 Students also ride for free with a paying adult (Only applicable for school services).
      • Text Alerts. Sign up here to receive text alerts to your phone about service notifications from The Link Public Transit, such as holiday closures or weather-related changes.

    Gorge Translink logoRegional Connections

      • Transit Travel Training through Gorge Translink!
        The Link and CAT jointly offer a free Travel Training program through MCEDD that helps Wasco and Hood River County residents learn how to use the bus systems throughout the Gorge. Travel training is available to anyone upon request, there are no eligibility requirements. Our travel trainer offers training for individuals, groups, and employers on:

        – Trip planning
        – Understanding the bus schedule & websites
        – Paying fares
        – Purchasing passes
        – Bus Transfers
        – Utilizing a bike rack on the bus
        – How to ride in a wheelchair or other using another mobility device

         Contact sara@mcedd.org or call Sara Crook at (541) 296-2266 extension 1007 to learn more!
      • Ride The LINK to connect to these regional transportation providers:
        • Connect to Columbia Area Transit for service to Hood River and Portland.
        • Connect to Mount Adams Transportation Service for service to Goldendale and to access their bus route loop around The Dalles.
        • Connect to Greyhound for trips to Hood River, Portland and points east of The Dalles.

    Fare Options

    All Fixed Routes now accept the GOrgePass! 

    Drivers accept tickets, cash (please have exact change) or mobile tickets with the Passage Transit Ticketing app. Tickets and ticket books can be purchased with cash, checks or credit cards at The Dalles Transit Center at 802 Chenowith Loop Road, The Dalles, Oregon.

    Passage Transit Ticketing is a free app you can use to buy tickets with your smartphone anytime, anywhere. To use:

    1. Download: Search for “Passage Transit Ticketing” in the App Store or Google Play Store and download.
    2. Purchase: Tap “Buy Passes”, then choose The LINK from the list of agencies. Next, select your ticket type (One Ride Ticket or 10 Ride Booklet). Your information will be safe and secure in the Passage app. You can buy as many passes as you want and use them at your leisure.
    3. Activate: When you are about to get on a LINK bus, just activate the pass, then show the screen to your driver. Passes are valid for twenty minutes after activation and can be opened without any internet connection.

    Scheduling

    Call 541-296-7595 to schedule. Rides may be scheduled one to thirty days in advance. Service is first-come, first-served, so call ahead for best availability. We will make every effort to fulfill all requests for rides if possible. Designated stop times are when the bus leaves the stop. Our buses will leave without you if you are not at the designated stops on time. Be aware that if you have arrived at the stop BEFORE the designated stop time and you do not see a bus, traffic may have delayed the bus.

    Cancellations

    Please make cancellations as soon as you know you do not need your ride. You can call the office any time and leave a message for our scheduling staff. If you fail to cancel a ride before the scheduled pick-up time, you will be considered a No Show.

    Additional Information

    Link services are guided by the Wasco County Public Transportation Advisory Committee. Learn more about the PTAC here.

    The Wasco County Transit Development Plan (2023 – 2043) has been fully approved and adopted!

    Contact the office at 541-296-7595 for information regarding services for transporting children.

    Drivers return all lost items to the Transit Center office. After thirty days, unclaimed items are disposed or donated.

    Title VI and Complaint Forms

    Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) complies with Title VI and Title VI obligations and protections against discrimination afforded to the public. You can view our Title VI policy or file a complaint using the attached form and return to Transportation Operations Manager Jesus@mcedd.org

    TitleVI and LEP

    TitleVI_Notification

    Title VI_Notificacion en Espanol

    Title VI Complaint Form

    Formato de Raclamo del Titulo VI del MCEDD

    ADA Reasonable Modifications

    The LINK Public Transit is committed to providing safe, reliable, courteous, accessible and user-friendly services to our customers. To ensure equality and fairness, we will make reasonable modifications to our policies, practices and procedures to avoid discrimination and ensure programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

    Whenever feasible, a request for modification to our service should be made in advance, before the LINK is expected to provide the service. To request a modification, please contact Jesus Mendoza at 541-296-2266 ext. 1101, or email: jesus@mcedd.org.

    ADA Policy

    ADA Complaint Form

    Forma de Queja ADA

    MCEDD

    802 Chenowith Loop Rd,
    The Dalles, OR 97058
    Phone: (541) 296-2266

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