The first season of a two-year pilot project for the Columbia Gorge Express has been a huge hit.
"The first season of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Columbia Gorge Express bus service has 'far surpassed' expectations," according to an article by Jonathan Maus.
In an official announcement, the Oregon Department of Transportation described the response to the bus service as "[highlighting] a significant demand for transit service in the Gorge."
"Launched in May as a way to relieve serious overcrowding of private cars in the Gorge, the service carried more than 30,000 people between the Gateway Transit Center, Rooster Rock State Park, and Multnomah Falls," adds Maus.
Maus also reports the findings of a survey of riders, 75 percent of whom said they chose the service even though they had a car. All of the positive feedback and ridership numbers mean the Oregon DOT is planning improvements for the line, including new and improved stops and increased staffing.
FULL STORY: ODOT eyes expansion of Gorge bus service after successful first year
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