Salem-Keizer Transit in Salem, OR, recently received the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments Regional Cooperative Project Award for its Grand Ronde Express service, a partnership between the transit agency and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde, OR, is the largest single employer in Polk County, but transportation challenges have led to problems with employee retention. The transit system created the route to help meet the need for employee transportation to and from Grand Ronde, but it is also open to the public: commuters, business patrons, or anyone who wants an alternative to driving.

Salem-Keizer Transit reported that the route operates five days a week and has already provided more than 34,000 trips.

The partnership is a reciprocal relationship of funding and transportation service resources, with the transit agency providing service resources such as buses, drivers, and maintenance. Funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration Tribal Transit Program, Oregon Department of Energy Business Energy Tax Credits, and passenger fares.

“This is a perfect example of two governments putting their heads together and saying, ‘Let’s find a win-win for both of us!’,” said tribal council member Chris Mercier. “I am excited about this service because many of our tribal members, employees, and casino patrons now have an affordable means of getting here and back. This is a definite boon for the tribe and community of Grand Ronde.”