Columbia Area Transit (CAT), part of the Hood River County Transportation District, was founded in 1993 with the goal of providing equitable, affordable access to transportation in the Columbia River Valley. Their mission is “to create a public transit system that allows for people to easily get to jobs, medical services, recreational activities, anything that they need to do,” says Amy Schlappi, the Executive Director of CAT.
CAT has a wide range of routes in the Columbia Gorge area. Departing Portland from the Gateway Transit Center, one can ride to Stevenson, Goldendale, White Salmon, Hood River, and Parkdale, to name a few. There are also several stops along the routes, including Cascade Locks, Multnomah Falls, and a few ski resorts around Mount Hood.
Thanks to funding from grants from the Federal Transportation Administration and the state of Oregon, as well as property taxes and user fees, CAT has been able to expand their network of routes and destinations over time. In 2021, new routes and stops were added in Cascade Locks and Stevenson, Washington. They even have stops at Government Camp and Mount Hood Meadows ski resort! CAT is happy to be able to provide transportation services to so many people.
While a single ticket or a pass does cost money, fares are fairly affordable. A one way ticket within Hood River or Wasco County is just one dollar. However, any one way ticket that arrives or departs from the Gateway Transit Center in Portland costs $10, a significantly steeper rate. But an annual pass is a much better deal if you plan to use it more than a few times. At just $40 for the calendar year for adults and $20 for the year for children, the Gorge pass is a minimal expense. Additionally, CAT has fare assistance programs for those who qualify. “We work with local social service organizations, and they work with their clients to determine whether they meet a certain income eligibility,” explains Schlappi. CAT also provides free passes to Hood River High School Students, as well as to local businesses and veterans.
Columbia Area Transit is a valuable resource for those living in the Columbia Gorge area. It provides mobility for those who cannot afford to drive, or do not have a car to get to many destinations, from Portland to Hood River.
