Ride CAT

Rules of the Road

• Be Courteous and Kind to Others:
  • Everyone deserves a comfortable ride. Noise should be kept to a minimum. Keep mobile devices at a low volume and always wear headphones.
  • Be thoughtful of seniors and individuals with disabilities and allow them to have access to a seat.
• Pay Your Fare: Valid and correct fare is required. Drivers does not carry change. Be ready to show your Annual Gorge Transit Pass (on your phone or physical card pass), token, or deposit cash fare.
• Mind Each Other’s Space and Privacy: If you have a bag, dog, stroller or other large object make sure it’s not blocking the aisle, doorway, or in someone else’s space. If you’re standing, move back so others can board.
• Be Safe for Yourself and Others: It is unlawful to threaten the safety of a rider or driver or interfere with the movement of a bus.
• Keep Food and Drinks in Closed Containers: Please refrain from eating on CAT buses, however food and drink in closed containers are allowed on board.
• These items or actions are never permitted on CAT buses or facilities:
  • Smoking, Tobacco, or Vaping
  • Flammable or hazardous materials
  • Weapons
  • Consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants.
  • Littering or vandalization of CAT vehicles and facilities

• Service Animals & Pets

  Service animals are allowed on all Columbia Area Transit vehicles. This includes animals-in-training accompanied by a trainer or person with disability. No permit is required, but the driver may ask if your animal is a service animal. Service animals must remain on the floor without blocking the aisle or on the owner’s lap.

  Non-service animal dogs may ride at the discretion of the bus driver under these guidelines:

  • Drivers may refuse to transport a person and their dog if they already have another dog onboard.
  • Drivers may refuse to transport or request the removal of a dog if it is creating a hazard or disturbance.
  • All dogs that are not service animals must be on leash..
  • Dogs are not allowed to occupy seats; they must remain either on the floor or sit on the owner’s lap.

  Animals other than dogs are not allowed on Columbia Area Transit vehicles unless they are in a confined container or carrier.

• Strollers

  Strollers used to transport children are allowed on CAT buses. Lifts may be used if the stroller is unable to fit up the stairs. Children must be removed from the stroller when the vehicle is in motion. ADA mobility devices do have a preference over strollers.

• Bags & Luggage

  Riders must control their bags on the bus and load and unload in one trip. Leaking bags or bags that are so big or numerous that they block aisles aren’t allowed. If your item or items obstruct access or pose a safety risk, you might be asked to wait for the next vehicle to come along — or in some cases, not board at all.

• Youth Riders

  Riders 10 and under ride for FREE. 

  The public transit system welcomes all riders. However, bus drivers have the right to refuse service to any rider 10 and under who is without supervision.

• Bicycles

  Yes! All of our buses have safe and easy-to-use bike racks and all of our drivers are able to offer guidance on how to operate the rack. Please note, we have a variety of bike racks that may not fit all tire widths. Space for your bike on the rack is on a first come first serve basis. It is up to the passenger to lift and secure their own bike. If there is no bicycle rack space available a rider may bring the bicycle on board the vehicle if possible and stored safely and without disturbing other passengers. The lift may not be used to bring a bicycle on board and drivers will not assist. The larger Columbia Gorge Express buses are equipped with LOLO bike racks that will hold up to six bikes! click here for instructions on how to load your bike

  Columbia Area Transit is not responsible for damages incurred or caused by or to bicycles on a rack. Please use at your own risk.

• Wheelchair Securement
  • When boarding the bus, the Operator will:
    • Assist passenger to lift the folding bus seat and locate the securement equipment. Use hooks and/or tethers to secure the frame of the mobility device to the bus. Instruct passenger to set the mobility device’s brake and turn off power (if powered).
    • Offer the use of an optional, adjustable lap/shoulder belt for convenience and comfort. This is not mandatory.
    • Release the securement equipment from the mobility device and assist the passenger to exit.
  • Policy for Mobility Device Securement on Buses:
    • CAT requires that passengers in mobility devices ride with their devices secured while in the bus. All mobility devices must be secured to the floor of CAT buses during transportation. Passengers who do not comply with this policy may be denied transportation, as allowed under the ADA 49 CFR Part 38. Section 37.165(c)(3) of the DOT ADA regulations.
    • The policy applies to all mobility devices CAT is able to secure. It does not apply to those devices that cannot be secured. If tie-down equipment does not fit or is broken, the passenger will be allowed to ride.
    • CAT bus operators must verify that all mobility devices are secured while the bus is in motion, except as stated earlier. The bus operator must secure the mobility device or must ensure proper securement if it is performed by the passenger or personal care attendant (PCA).
    • CAT recommends, but does not require, that the mobility device user utilize lap and/or shoulder belts available on all buses. The bus operator will assist with lap and shoulder belt if desired.
    • All CAT buses accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, and similar mobility devices up to 30 inches wide & 48 inches long (based on the available space on the bus).
    • The mobility device and passenger together must not exceed the weight limits of the lift or the ramp which is set at 600 pounds. Mobility devices exceeding these limits may be denied access if they create any safety, maneuverability or mechanical problems.
    • For their safety, passengers using three-wheeled scooters are strongly encouraged, but not required, to transfer to a regular bus seat whenever possible, as recommended by most scooter manufacturers. The scooter will then be secured in the wheelchair securement area.
    • The marking and tether strap program is voluntary, and wheelchairs without markings or straps will be secured to the best of the ability of CAT bus operators. Passengers interested in this program, can call 541.386.4202 or email info@RideCATBus.org.
• Lifts

  CAT permits individuals with disabilities who do not use wheelchairs, including standees, to use vehicle lift or ramp to enter the vehicle.

• Personal Care Assistants (PCA’s)

  Are not required to pay a fare when accompanying an individual on CAT services.

• Flag Stop

  If you see the Hood River City or Upper Valley bus, and are not at a designated stop, you can wave your hand to tell the bus driver you’d like to be picked up  . Be sure to stand on the correct side of the road near a safe place for the bus driver to pull over. Drivers will not pull over if they do not deem it safe.

• Inclement Weather

  The safety of all riders is our priority. When the region experiences snow, extreme fog, freezing rain, or any other inclement weather we may delay or suspend our services.

  We do our best to update this site with route modifications, but please call us at (541)386-4202 if you have further questions. sign up for text alerts through our partners at GorgeTranslink Alliance.

• Refund Policy

  The District shall not provide a refund of the un-used portion of any pass, ticket, token or cash fare. If a person loses access privileges to District facilities and/or services they forfeit the values of that pass, ticket, token or cash fare.

• Notice of Video and Audio Surveillance

  Vehicles and transit facilities are equipped with surveillance systems. Video and audio may be recorded.

• Observed Holidays

  We observe the following holidays by closing most of CAT services.

  • New Year’s Day (Closed)
  • Martin Luther King’s Birthday (Operating weekend service)
  • President’s Day (Operating weekend service)
  • Memorial Day (Operating weekend service)
  • Juneteenth (Operating weekend service)
  • Fourth of July (Operating weekend service)
  • Labor Day (Operating weekend service)
  • Thanksgiving Day (Closed)
  • Day After Thanksgiving (Operating weekend service)
  • Christmas Day (Closed)
• Rider Suspension

  1. Refusal of Service Due to Rider Conduct: Refusal of service may occur in situations where a rider engages in violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal conduct; or represents a direct threat to the health or safety of others. It should be noted that refusal of service to an individual with disabilities shall not occur solely because the individual’s disability results in involuntary behavior that may offend, annoy, or inconvenience others.

  The duration of suspension can last if the rider continues to engage in prohibited conduct or poses a direct threat to others.

  2. No-Show Policy (Dial-A-Ride, Deviated Fixed Route, ADA Complementary Paratransit):
  CAT may suspend riders who “establish a pattern or practice of missing scheduled trips” after providing a rider due process. A “pattern or practice” involves “intentional, repeated or regular actions, not isolated, accidental, or singular incidents.”

  CAT may count late cancellations as no-shows for trips canceled less than one hour prior to the scheduled pick-up time. No-shows or late cancellations for reasons that are beyond the rider’s control will not be counted. Within a 30-day period, three (3) or more no-shows/late cancellations that also represent at least 50 percent of scheduled trips will be grounds for temporary suspension of service.

  CAT cannot impose a mandatory financial penalty, including charging for the fare for the no-show trip.

  The duration of the suspension will be for a reasonable period of time but will not be longer than 30 days. Rider will receive a written Notice of Suspension, citing which trips were no-shows and/or late cancelations and the date of proposed suspended service. Additionally, the written notice will inform riders facing suspension that they have the right to appeal the proposed suspension (with an option for an in-person appeal).

  Appealing a No-Show Penalty/Suspension
  CAT riders have the right to appeal the notice of no-show or suspension. Appeals must be sent in writing to the ADA Eligibility Coordinator at 224 Wasco Loop, Hood River, OR 97031 within 14 days of the notice date.

  Step 1: Please provide your response in writing, including a copy of the notice submitted to you. The appeal should state the reason you believe the no-show/late cancellation notice or suspension is invalid.

  Step 2: Upon receipt of the request for appeal, the ADA Eligibility Coordinator will determine whether the no-show/late cancellation penalty or suspension should be withdrawn. The coordinator’s investigation and decision will consider the rider’s trends and patterns,
  medical emergencies, or situations outside the rider’s or caregiver’s control.

  Step 3: If you are not satisfied with the ADA Eligibility Coordinator’s investigation or decision, you may request a meeting with CAT’s Executive Director or their designee to review your concerns. A suspension will not occur until all appeal remedies that you have requested have been exhausted.

  The Executive Director shall report all suspensions to the Board of Directors at the next following Board meeting.

• Tips For When Riding The Bus

  Yes! Here’s what you should keep in mind when riding the bus.

  • Don’t run across traffic or in front of a bus unless it is stopped at a red light. 
  • In the evenings, wear light-colored clothing, reflectors, or lights.
  • Hold on to a seat or handrail while the bus is in motion.
  • Keep track of your belongings while you’re onboard and be sure to secure your smartphone or tablet when you’re near the doors.

How to Ride

Take a Fixed Route

CAT has designated stops in Hood River, Odell, Parkdale, Cascade Locks, Multnomah Falls, and Portland at Gateway as well as some seasonal destinations.

Explore our year round fixed-route options:

• Hood River
• Upper Valley
• Columbia Gorge Express

CAT also offers seasonal fixed route options:

• Gorge-to-Mountain Express
• Dog Mountain Shuttle
• White Salmon Weekend

Dial-a-Ride & Other Scheduled Services

CAT provides Dial-A-Ride, ADA Complementary Paratransit services, Portland Medical Shuttle, and custom pick up and drop offs on the Upper Valley Route. For more information on these services please click here for more information.

Travel Training

The Link Public Transit and Columbia Area Transit (CAT) have partnered together to provide travel training services and support to Wasco and Hood River Counties. The Travel Trainer is available to teach local, rural and underserved populations how to use available public transit services in Wasco and Hood River counties. Please click here for more information.