The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has awarded a federal grant to Northwestern Stage Lines to restore intercity bus service along Interstate 84, connecting Portland Union Station and Boise Airport. The new route will serve rural cities in Oregon and Idaho, providing travel options that have been unavailable since January.
Many residents in rural Oregon lost access to long-distance bus service earlier this year, limiting their ability to travel for work, medical appointments, or family visits. The $600,000 grant from ODOT funds a portion of the route between The Dalles and Boise Airport for one year. This funding comes through the Federal Transit Administration’s Intercity Bus Program.
Suzanne Carlson, ODOT Public Transportation Division Administrator, stated: “This grant helps fill a gap, giving Eastern Oregonians access to travel options. Residents rely on transit to reach vital services, from healthcare and employment to education and family support. This new bus route restores access, connecting travelers to Amtrak, airports, and regional and national bus lines, opening the door to seamless mobility across the United States.”
Jacob Price, owner of Northwestern Stage Lines said: “We’re always excited to add new intercity bus service to the many communities that rely on this type of service. The communities that we will be able to serve in Oregon is no different. To have the opportunity to connect travelers with the amazing city of Portland. We don’t take it for granted and we’re thrilled to be able to operate this new route daily.”
Transit providers emphasized how important this restored service is for their communities.
Brittany White of SRT – Malheur Express noted: “Without this route, a lot of people were stranded. Oregonians use I-84 for work, school, medical appointments, visiting family and other essential travel. Many people in Malheur County don’t have cars or can’t afford other long-distance travel options, so a continuous bus service on I-84 bus is their only way to get anywhere.”
Patrick Hemann from Community Connection of Northeast Oregon said: “I can’t wait to tell our Eastern Oregon University students they will be able to get home for the holidays this winter. Many live in West Idaho and need to catch flights out of Boise. The best option we’ve been able to find takes around 31 hours and costs $152. We need fast and affordable bus service to urban areas – it’s greatly needed.”
Matt Krabacher from Baker City’s Association of Oregon Rail & Transit Advocates added: “I feel a huge sense of relief now that any intercity transit option is finally returning to Baker City… As healthcare services are disappearing from rural America and eastern Oregon, reliable public transit access is critical.”
Joe Hayes with Community Connection of Baker County commented: “Since we lost bus service, we’ve had many unfortunate situations of people becoming stranded in Baker City and La Grande. This new service along I-84 will help get people back to their families, friends and serve a basic human need for mobility.”
The restored route includes stops at Portland; Hood River; The Dalles; Boardman; Pasco (Washington); Hermiston; Pendleton; La Grande; Baker City; Ontario; Nampa (Idaho); and Boise.
A press event announcing the restored service will take place at 10:15 a.m., Monday Dec. 15 at Portland Union Station.
For more information or ticket booking details visit Northwestern Stage Lines.
