Who We Are
Gorge TransLink is an alliance of rural public transportation providers, human service organizations, and public planning agencies seeking to enhance connectivity and develop a seamless network of transportation services within the Mid-Columbia River Gorge area while linking these services to the metropolitan cities of Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington.
History: In 2001 Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) began to convene and facilitate meetings between the regional transportation providers and key partners. Efforts to coordinate and collaborate began when participants began meeting; prior to that, very little coordination or direct communication had occurred amongst the providers. In 2010 the governing boards of the five transportation providers signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MCEDD that created a more formal organizational structure for the Alliance and directed MCEDD to staff the Alliance with a regional Mobility Manager position.
MCEDD’s Mobility Manager helps to coordinate regional transit services, leads Gorge TransLink Alliance projects, and assists with projects that include expansion of regional fixed route systems, technology coordination, travel training, marketing and education, and special outreach to underserved communities.
Since 2010, the Gorge TransLink Alliance partners have taken significant steps – both individually and collectively – to improve the coordination of available services, to facilitate broad regional access, and to enhance overall public transportation connectivity throughout the region. Through the work of the regional Mobility Manager, MCEDD plays an active role in ensuring the group’s success.
Gorge TransLink Alliance members include:
- Columbia Area Transit (Hood River County)
- The Link (Wasco County)
- Sherman County Community Transit (Sherman County)
- Mt. Adams Transportation Services (Klickitat County)
- Skamania County Public Transit (Skamania County)
- Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council
- Human Services Council 1 Call/1Click Trip Resource Center
- Southwest Washington Agency on Aging & Disabilities
- Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
- Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Types of Public Transportation Services
There are two basic types of public transportation services available to the general public:
Dial-a-ride: Dial-a-ride service uses buses or vans to pick you up at your home and take you wherever you need to go within the service area, and sometimes between counties.
Fixed-Route: Fixed-route service runs regularly on a set schedule.
More information about Dial-a-ride and Fixed-Route services
Please note that both types of services use wheelchair accessible vehicles.
If you need help deciding which service to use for your trip, or if you need to travel between counties, contact Gorge TransLink at 541-296-2266 and we’ll assist you with planning your trip.
You can also email us at mobilitymanager@mcedd.org.