Thanks to state funding, a new dial-a-ride service is available in rural areas of Multnomah County. Oregon House Bill 2017 established funding to expand transit in rural areas. Multnomah County has contracted with Ride Connection to provide the new service in its rural areas.
Ride Connection’s Dial-A-Ride program serves Multnomah County residents living in or traveling to rural areas of Multnomah County, outside TriMet’s service district. All rides must begin and end within Multnomah County. Travel outside Multnomah County is not supported by this service. Transportation is provided by Ride Connection’s contracted service providers, using a combination of sedans and wheelchair-accessible vans, depending on a customer’s mobility needs. The service is for dial-a-ride trips, rather than a scheduled service with routes.
The service area in Multnomah County includes:
- East of Troutdale and Gresham, outside the TriMet service district
- Northwest of Portland, outside the TriMet service district
Rides can be taken to and from a destination or the closest transit hub, whichever is nearest (the Gresham Transit Center at 350 NE 8th Street or TriMet’s hub in downtown Portland at SW 5th Ave. and SW Madison Street). Rides are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
To schedule a ride, riders should call Ride Connection’s service center (503-226-0700, TTY: 711) at least three business days prior to the day of the ride to facilitate screening and scheduling. Multilingual staff are available to assist callers. The service center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
The service is open to all who live in or travel to rural areas of Multnomah County in areas outside TriMet’s service district. Priority may be given to older adults, people with disabilities, and those without access to a vehicle.
There is no fare. For information about how to make a financial donation to support the service, please contact Ride Connection at 503-528-1766, https://rideconnection.org/contact.
Ride Connection adheres to all guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control and the Oregon Governor’s Office. Current COVID-19 protocols include frequent vehicle cleanings, facial coverings for both drivers and passengers, and reduced seating capacities in each vehicle to maximize social distancing.
Multnomah County maintains 274 miles of roads, including many roads in rural areas. For information about transit programs supported by Multnomah County, visit: /transit-services.
