News

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

Please join us to celebrate 25 years of service to the community!

Board Meeting March

Sunset Empire Transportation District (SETD) is extending an invitation to a public demonstration of what an electric powered bus is all about on Monday March 5^th. “Technology is rapidly evolving with electric buses and SETD wants to make sure that we continue to look into and evaluate if electric propulsion will work for us going forward” said Executive Director Jeff Hazen. The District will be testing one of the energy efficient electric buses March 5^th on their Route 101 and wants the public to be involved as much as possible. The public is invited to ride the electric bus for free from 8:00 AM until 11:50 AM.  Complete Coach Works will be providing the electric bus used in this demonstration. For more information contact Mary Parker at [email protected] or call 503-861-5370.

Sunset Empire Transportation District has announced that additional service is being added to the Route 20 and the Pacific Connector Bus Routes starting January 2, 2018. Both routes serve South Clatsop County and connect with the Tillamook County Transit bus in Cannon Beach or Manzanita.  Executive Director Hazen reports that “Tillamook County Transit will now be meeting our buses 4 times a day in Cannon Beach, which allows not only an increase in service to and from Tillamook County but also allows Sunset Empire Transportation District to adjust our schedule times and add another loop to our Route 20 service during the week and 2 loops to our Pacific Connector Route on weekends.”  The increased service will begin on January 2, 2018. New route schedules will be posted in shelters, located here: Route 20 1-2-18  Pacific 1-2-18 ,  or copies will be available at the Astoria Transit Center or the Seaside Kiosk after December 20th. For more information or alternative formats contact Mary Parker at [email protected] or call 503-861-5370.

SETD recently took delivery of 2 new Ford Transit Vans for its Para-transit service through RideAssist.  These vans were purchased with STF funds (Special Transportation Funds), a State of Oregon funding program.  The addition of these 2 vehicles will help increase our capacity for those qualified individuals that are unable to ride on our regular fixed routes.