Filling a gap: Cascades East Transit launching new NE Bend weekday Route 8 on a free pilot basis next week
Barney Lerten
(Update: Adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit (CET) will launch Route 8, a new fixed-route bus line serving Northeast Bend, starting next Monday.
The new pilot service will operate Monday-Friday from 6 AM to 7 PM to help connect people to jobs, schools, shopping, and recreation opportunities.
Route 8 will start and end at Hawthorne Station, which is CET’s main transit hub that provides connecting bus services throughout Bend and the region.
An express route to Cascade Village
Route 8 offers express service from Hawthorne Station to Cascade Village, which is a great option for employees and shoppers to quickly access one of Bend’s busiest retail hubs from Hawthorne Station.
Accessible transit connections to popular destinations
Route 8 utilizes ADA-accessible buses to serve Sky View Middle School and Realms High School, as well as newer housing communities such as Canal Commons and Empire Village Townhomes.
Major employer sites such as Les Schwab Headquarters, Humm Kombucha, the Boyd Acres Industrial Park, and the future City of Bend Public Works Campus are also along the route for commuters looking to save money on gas and vehicle expenses.
Route 8 also provides access to Pine Nursery Park, a local favorite for biking, walking, rolling, and sports activities.
Hop on Route 8 for free and explore nearby amenities
Route 8 is currently designed as a free pilot route to connect Northeast Bend residents to services and amenities via transit.
“Route 8 helps fill a gap in transit services in Northeast Bend,” noted Bob Townsend, CET Transportation Director. “CET is excited to launch this new pilot service to provide a new travel option for residents and visitors to access key destinations throughout Bend without needing to rely on a personal vehicle.”
Route 8 maps, schedules, and additional information can be found on CET’s website at https://cascadeseasttransit.com/route-08/
