News

July 1, 2019

For more information: Stephanie Millar, Transportation Options Program manager, 503-986-4224

SALEM — Want to reduce the cost of your drive? It’s easier than ever to share the ride with ODOT’s new carpooling tool, Get There. A web-based tool, Get There helps Oregonians plan trips, share rides with single trips or on a regular basis, and more. Get There replaces Drive Less Connect, the state’s former carpool matching tool.

By typing in a starting point and a destination, users can see options for both passengers and drivers looking to share rides. Using the tool helps travelers share the cost and reduces greenhouse gas emissions that harm the environment.

“Our goal is to help people have more choices for the way they travel,” said ODOT Highway Division Administrator Kris Strickler. “With more options, we usually see fewer vehicles on the road – and that means less congestion and frustration for everyone.”  

Get There also provides users with information about vanpools for popular commutes, like between Portland and Salem. The website also offers transit, bike and walking directions.

Organizations working to reduce drive alone trips across Oregon in places like Lane County, the Rogue Valley, and Deschutes County run programs that give their participants prizes to reduce their drive-alone trips. These programs will use Get There to help users track their trips and see how much fuel and money they are saving, as well as their reduced carbon footprint.

In October, Get There will host the annual Get There Challenge, formerly the Oregon Drive Less Challenge. This year’s challenge will feature a range of prizes for Oregonians who log trips made without driving alone. Sponsors include Providence Health & Services and Bike Friday. More details will be announced later this summer.

Kathy Kleczek, Chair of SETD’s Board of Commissioners, was elected to the SDAO’s Board of Directors for a 2 year term.   SDAO was formed in 1979 to give special districts a stronger and united voice at the Oregon Legislature.  As with similar organizations that support cities, counties, schools, and local governments, the Association provides advocacy with state administrative agencies and other units of government, training, information resources, and other support programs.  SDAO has grown to over 900 members and has become an important support organization for their individual efforts.  Kathy shared, “I’m honored and humbled to be elected to the SDAO Board and look forward to working with fellow Board members to continue the great work that SDAO does and to expand the services they provide their members.”

Congratulations to Jennifer Geisler! Jennifer was chosen Employee of the Year for 2018. Jennifer has been with SETD since June 2013 and was hired as a temp driver for fixed route and paratransit.  In 2015 she moved into a full-time position as Operations Assistant and then jumping at the opportunity, she took on the role of ParaTransit Supervisor July 2016.

During her employment at SETD Jennifer has gone above and beyond her scope of job duties.  She always has a great attitude, works well with her co-workers and is kind and compassionate to the  transportation needs of the senior and disabled community she serves.

Jennifer has proven that she is truly a valued asset to SETD. Thank-you for all you do for the district!

Jennifer Geisler was chosen Employee of the 4^th Quarter 2018. She has been with SETD since June 2013 and was hired as a temp driver. Jennifer is currently the ParaTransit Supervisor for the district.

During her employment at SETD Jennifer has gone above and beyond her duties by driving for fixed route, paratransit and assisting operations with many tasks before moving into the ParaTransit Supervisor position.

Jennifer’s personality and compassion for the passengers throughout the years has proven that she is very much valued here at SETD.  Congratulations and thank you for all you do!

Congratulations! MacKenzie Lindquist was chosen Employee of the 3^rd Quarter 2018. She was rehired with the district in March of 2018 as a fixed route driver. Currently, MacKenzie is the person in charge (PIC) when needed for fixed route.

MacKenzie worked for SETD from August 2014 to January 2016 as a fixed route driver. During that time of her employment, she was awarded an Employee of the Quarter and Employee of the Year 2015.

Mackenzie reminds us daily how much she loves to drive, enjoys the passengers and the people she works with. It shows! She is truly an asset to the district. Welcome back MacKenzie!

Due to Columbia County having to reduce service, we have made adjustments to the Lower Columbia Connector Route  COLUMBIA CONNECTER ROUTE CHANGE FLYER FEB 2019  and Route 15  ROUTE STOP CHANGES FOR ROUTE 15 JAN 2019

The Sunset Empire Transportation District Board of Commissioners is seeking volunteers from Clatsop County who are registered voters and would like to serve on the District Budget Committee. The Budget Committee is comprised of 7 District Board Members and 7 community members who are appointed by the Board of Commissioners and serve a 3 year term. There are currently 5 community member positions open on the committee. Budget Committee meetings are held up to 3 times a year.

Those interested in serving on the SETD Budget Committee are asked to submit a letter of interest which can be emailed to [email protected], dropped off at the Astoria Transit Center, 900 Marine Drive, Seaside Transit Office, 39 North Holladay or mailed to Sunset Empire Transportation District, 900 Marine Drive, Astoria, OR 97103. Please submit letters of interest by February 15, 2019.

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

Sunset Empire Transportation District is pleased to announce that Kathy Wiegardt has been chosen as Employee of the 2^nd Quarter 2018. Kathy was hired in November 2017 as a part-time fixed route driver. In April of this year she moved to a full-time position sharing her driving duties between paratransit and fixed route. Kathy excels in her customer service skills and her kind compassionate personality shines with the paratransit passengers she helps every day. We are pleased to have Kathy as part of the SETD family. Thank-you Kathy for all you do for the district!

Sunset Empire Transportation District (SETD) has announced their partnership with Swiftly.com and Trillium Solutions, and the launch of a new transportation tool by Transit Ltd. to assist riders. Beginning on June 15, 2018 passengers will be able to access real time information on all SETD fixed route buses. Utilizing the new “Transit app” and Google maps, riders will be able to access many features including tracking their next bus, access to accurate real time transit information, live maps and bus locations and real time trip planners to help users compare the travel time and price of transportation options. This new access to information is available to anyone with a smart phone, access to the internet or can be accessed by any phone. Simply text or call this phone number (971) 701-2224 enter the appropriate bus stop number (available on the SETD website or at bus stop) and you will be given the next real time arrivals for routes that serve that stop via voice or SMS message. The Real Time feature is available through the free “Transit” application and can be downloaded through Google Play or Apple ITunes store. Executive Director Jeff Hazen said “the District is very excited to bring real time information to our riders. We know it will make traveling on SETD buses much easier and more enjoyable.” SETD Transit Center staff will be available to assist riders with accessing the new service. “Transit” app specialists will be riding the buses on June 14th 15th, 21st and 28th to assist passengers in accessing the new information. For more information about how to access real-time transit go to www.ridethebus.org or call 503-861-7433 #3.

Budget Meeting Cancelled