The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Summer is a great time to try out Cascades East Transit’s (CET) free, ADA-accessible shopper shuttle that connects residents living within the Sisters Dial-A-Ride service area (including Crossroads, Tollgate, and Sage Meadow neighborhoods, and more) to shopping destinations in Bend on Thursdays.

The Sisters-to-Bend shuttle picks up passengers at their home or business in Sisters between 8:45 and 9:15 a.m. and makes stops at the Cascade Village Mall, Walmart, and Costco shopping areas in Bend before returning to Sisters by 12:15 p.m. at the latest. Rather than fighting summer traffic congestion, riders can sit back and relax while CET does the driving.

The shopper shuttle provides an important transportation service that increases independence and access for those who experience transportation barriers.

“Seniors can now have a shuttle pick them up at their home and drop them right at the door of places like Walmart and Costco without having to drive,” said Dixie Eckford of Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC). “I hope Sisters residents of all ages will take advantage of this free service.”

To encourage the Sisters community to try the service, CET is offering first-time riders a collapsible shopper tote and a chance to win a 32-ounce Hydro Flask. Trips must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance through CET’s call center (541-385-8680) from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional information about the service and schedule can be found at https://cascadeseasttransit.com/sisters. CET also offers Dial-A-Ride service in Sisters on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CET continues to implement health and public safety guidelines from the Oregon Health Authority for shopper shuttle trips to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Information about CET’s health and safety protocols for all transit services can be found at www.cascadeseasttransit.com.