News

Sunset Empire Transportation District recently received funding from the Cares Act that the President signed into law on March 27^th of which $25,000,000,000 was provided for public transportation. The Oregon Department of Transportation received $42,686,023 from the Cares Act and set up two funding programs for distribution to rural transit providers in Oregon and quickly made one available to help with immediate needs.  Executive Director Jeff Hazen reported that the District applied for and received a little over $500,000 which was utilized for new staff hired to sanitize buses, material and services for increased disinfecting, staff paid leave and for lost revenue due to decreased ridership. Hazen said the second program available from ODOT is a Needs-based program which has $33,300,000 available, and rural transit agencies can submit 3 grant applications by December of 2020.  Hazen reported that the District submitted a needs-based grant for $1,191,108 for the purchase of two remanufactured buses along with operational costs for a year and in July was awarded $861,000 for one bus and operational costs. This bus should be available in 6 to 7 months and will be used to pick up riders who may not be able to get on the regularly scheduled bus because of capacity constraints due to COVID-19 spacing requirements. Hazen said this grant will also be used for converting District restrooms from hand operated controls to touchless controls.  

Hazen said the District is evaluating what projects will be submitted for the next two grant applications.

Executive Director Hazen also announced that the Northwest Oregon Transit Alliance which SETD, Tillamook County Transportation, Lincoln County Transit, Benton County Transportation and Columbia County Rider are partners in was recently awarded $ 187,000 to purchase disinfecting equipment that all five partners will be utilizing and is the first major collaborative procurement that the partners have embarked on.

For more information contact Jeff Hazen at 503-861-5399 or [email protected]

Sunset Empire Transportation District Seeking Candidates for Board Vacancy

Sunset Empire Transportation District (SETD) is accepting applications to fill one open position on its Board of Commissioners.

The appointee will serve the remainder of an open term of Position 2 until term expiration June 30^th, 2021.

The Sunset Empire Transportation District Board of Commissioners is comprised of 7 board members. Each member is elected by the registered voters of the district to serve a 4-year term. Applicants for the vacant position must be registered voters who reside within the district’s boundaries.

Interested candidates can access an information packet, which includes information about the district, position and application/selection process by going to this link to the SETD website.  Alternatively you, you may request a packet by contacting Mary Parker, Executive Assistant at [email protected] or by calling 503-861-5370.

Completed applications may be emailed to [email protected], dropped off at the Astoria Transit Center or Seaside Transit office or mailed to SETD 900 Marine Drive Astoria, Oregon 97103.  The deadline to submit applications for this vacancy is 5:00 pm September 16, 2020

For more information, please Jeff Hazen, Executive Director at 503-861-5399

Sunset Empire Transportation District Board of Commissioners (SETD) is seeking a volunteer from Clatsop County who would like to serve on the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC advises the District’s Board on issues involving the District’s transportation plans, grants, policies, and programs with a special emphasis on access for senior and disabled riders. The current vacant position on the TAC is sought for representation from someone that can represent seniors and is knowledgeable of the public transportation needs of them.  The TAC committee is comprised of a total of 7 community members which are appointed by the SETD Board, an appointed SETD Board member and SETD staff. Term of office is 2 years beginning in July and going through June 30 accordingly. Responsibilities include a working knowledge of SETD’s plans, policies and programs; attending the scheduled meetings, making decisions when necessary and serving on subcommittees as needed. TAC meetings are generally held quarterly. Applications are available Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 12 noon and 1 PM to 5 PM at the Astoria Transit Center, 900 Marine Drive in Astoria, Seaside Transit Office, 39 N. Holladay in Seaside, by clicking here or you may request an application be sent by mail. For more information contact Mary Parker at 503-861-5370 or [email protected].  Please email application to [email protected] or mail completed applications to Sunset Empire Transportation District, 900 Marine Drive Astoria, OR 97103 by Monday, September 14, 2020 at 5:00 PM.  

NW Connector Launches Enhanced Rider-Friendly Trip Planner

If are unable to access the June 25th meeting via Zoom, you can call in on your phone to:

877 853 5247 US Toll-free
888 788 0099 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 835 4451 4840

The Sunset Empire Transportation District’s Seaside Streetcar begins it’s 2020 summer schedule today. It will operate every Saturday and Sunday from June 13th thru September 27th. Fare has been suspended until July 1st so there is no cost for this fun hourly cruise through Seaside until then. Everyone loves seeing the sights and enjoying the sea breeze from this unique open window ride. Park your car and jump on the Streetcar for a fun tour of Seaside or bike and ride using the convenient bike rack on the front. Our wonderful driver’s are looking forward to meeting you!

SETD BUS DRIVERS- EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020  

Aubrey A., Kevin B., Mike B., Jeff C., Michael E., Sean G., Sabrina H.-B., Matt J., Bruce K., Thomas L., Mackenzie L., Marty M., Larry M., Terry M., Chuck P., Bill R., Steve S., and the other Steve S., Bill S., James T., Kent W., Kathy W., Suzie B., Demecio dA., Bronn L., Penny M.

The Sunset Empire Transportation District is pleased to announce that our drivers have been chosen as the EMPLOYEES of the Quarter.  From the start of the quarter in January as plans were rolled out for route changes through the current pandemic situation the drivers have conducted themselves in an exemplary manner.  

The quarter started with system-wide route changes.  These changes included additional routes and re-mapping of existing routes.  During this time, a high level of attention to detail and customer service was required.  The drivers provided riders with assistance, handing out new schedules and providing up to date information to assist riders in navigating the system.  During a time of potential stress and disarray the drivers’ smiles and positive attitude helped put people at ease.  While routes were being changed and new buses brought online demands on drivers were increased by the need to hire and train more drivers for the team.  The new drivers came on board and added to the ranks of capable positive drivers at SETD.  

Just when the routes were becoming familiar and riders and drivers alike were becoming more comfortable the pandemic with the restrictions on daily routines hit.  Our drivers have been on the frontlines and maintaining the routes and schedules for those that rely on transit.  The role they have played in maintaining this vital link for so many in our communities cannot be overstated.  The physical and symbolic role that the buses on the road play in the lives of everyone in our towns is immense.  Transit and our drivers maintain the connection that is the literal sustenance that keeps many alive.  

Thank you, SETD Drivers you are seen, appreciated, and recognized as our Employees of the Quarter.  You set a high bar!  

For more information contact Executive Director Jeff Hazen at 503-861-5399 or [email protected]

The Astoria Transit Center and the Seaside Transit Office will reopen on June 29th. Both will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and closed on weekends. See you soon!

Fare will continue to be suspended from June 1st through June 30th on all SETD buses in Clatsop County.