Starting October 5, The LINK Public Transportation is offering an additional deviated fixed route, serving key stops in The Dalles circling the city on a one-hour loop on Monday through Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm. Riders can get on stops at The Dalles Transit Center, Seufert Park, Water’s Edge, East 12th Street and Dry Hollow Road, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, East 11th Street and Kelly Avenue, and the Veterans’ Service Office downtown.
Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD), as operator of The Link, has scheduled two public meetings, VIA ZOOM, to solicit public feedback and respond to questions and concerns about the additional deviated fixed route. Session one is scheduled on September 15 (5:00pm to 6:00pm) and session two is scheduled September 22 (9:00am to 10:00am). ZOOM information is outlined below and connecting 10 minutes prior to the scheduled meeting time is suggested.
September 15 (5:00pm to 6:00pm) Session
Meeting Identification: 968 3557 2674
Passcode: 919306
Dial-in: (253) 215-8782
https://zoom.us/j/96835572674?pwd=Ym1WYkhJU25OTlNYeDlBdk5jYXpPUT09
September 22 (9:00am to 10:00am) Session
Meeting Identification: 920 0803 4243
Passcode: 299070
Dial-in: (253) 215-8782
https://zoom.us/j/92008034243?pwd=ZmVrVGV0VS9NMEhzUGt3MXdmZWozQT09
Similar to The LINK’s dial-a-ride service, which is still available for everyone, rides on the route are $1.50 each way. As an incentive to encourage the community to try out the new service, all rides on the new deviated fixed route are free for the first two weeks of the service through October 17.
The bus operates along a route with a regular schedule, but is called a “deviated” fixed route because it can also leave the route to accommodate requests for “off-route” drop-offs or pick-ups. The number of deviations per loop is limited and must be scheduled in advance by calling The LINK at 541-296-7595. Only deviations within 1/4 mile of the route are allowed. Time is built into the schedule to allow for deviations. This means the bus may get to the stops earlier than the scheduled time if there are no deviations, but the bus will not leave that stop until the time posted in the schedule.
As operator of The Link Public Transit service in The Dalles, Oregon, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its programs and services on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin, as protected by Title VI in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1.B.
For more information please visit The LINK’s pages at http://mcedd.org/link or call The LINK at 541-296-7595.