The Ride Bend Shuttle Service was transitioned to OSU-Cascades as a Microtransit Pilot Project in 2020. For more information, visit osucascades.edu/ride-bend.
2020 Ride Bend Microtransit Service
Winter Service Area Map (subject to change, see Ride Bend App for current boundary)
Free Rides with Ride Bend
Ride Bend offers on-demand, app-driven transit service to the public. The free service will be available weekdays from January 6 through March 31. Rides can be requested via the Ride Bend mobile app. Or, passengers without access to a smartphone can call 1-866-921-8924 to request a ride.
Hours of Operation
7 am – 6 pm, Monday – Friday
Winter 2020 Service
Request a ride to work, school, or to run errands this fall. The service boundary now includes Central Oregon Community College and Northwest Crossing.
Ride early (service starts at 7am) and often (service offered every weekday). This service is part of a pilot study and will help Cascades East Transit and the City of Bend determine whether there is need for public transit services in this area of Bend.
How it Works
Download the Ride Bend app available on iTunes Store and Google Play Store to get started, or call to request a ride (1-866-921-8924).
Summon one of our three, dog-friendly vans that seat up to 11 guests and come equipped with bike racks. One van is also ADA accessible.
Take Ride Bend to your desired location within the service area.
Ride Bend is an on-demand, app-based transit service available to everyone. This service will be available at no cost to any rider who summons the vehicle with the Ride Bend app. Funding partners include: the City of Bend, Visit Bend, the Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization, St. Charles Health System, OSU-Cascades, and Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council.
How do I use Ride Bend?
Download the Ride Bend app and enter your desired trip origin and destination. The app will tell you how soon we can pick you up. If the pick-up time works with your schedule, request the ride.
You can also call 1-866-921-8924 to request a ride.
How much does Ride Bend cost?
The Ride Bend service is free. Every time.
Can I take Ride Bend from my house near Galveston Avenue to Safeway? To my friend’s house? To get dinner?
Yes! You can use Ride Bend to get anywhere within the service boundary. For those interested in traveling outside of the service area, Ride Bend can drop you off along a bus route to Hawthorne Station where you can connect to regional destinations.
Will my ride go directly to my destination? Or will we stop to pick up other people?
The Ride Bend vans fit up to 12 people, including the driver. On busier days, expect to share the van with other passengers (and possibly their dog).
How many vehicles will be in service?
Two vehicles will be in service, with seating for up to 12 people, including the driver. One vehicle is wheelchair-accessible and all vehicles are dog-friendly.
Can I bring my bike?
Yes. Ride Bend vans are equipped with bike racks.
How often can I ride?
As often as you need. We hope to see riders using this service for daily trips to work, school, or play. Ride daily, we dare you!
How do I request a ride in an accessible van?
Within the Ride Bend app, select the option for an ADA vehicle. Or, call us to request an accessible ride.
Is there an age limit for who can utilize Ride Bend?
In the interest of safety, children 12 & under may not ride Ride Bend alone. Children must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible rider.
Why was Ride Bend introduced?
Ride Bend was introduced to reduce parking demand and congestion within the areas that see the most traffic during the summer months. Ride Bend connects to the Cascades East Transit system to make it easy for those traveling to other parts of Bend or Central Oregon.
How is Ride Bend funded?
The program is sponsored by the City of Bend, Visit Bend, the Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization, St. Charles Health Systems, OSU-Cascades, and Cascades East Transit, with in-kind support from Bend 2030 and the Downtown Bend Business Association.
Why is OSU-Cascades providing public transit service?
This service is being offered as part of a pilot study conducted by the Mobility Lab at OSU-Cascades. Local partners at the City of Bend and Cascades East Transit will be informed by this study and can use the data collected to inform future transit plans. The Mobility Lab is a collaborative convened by OSU-Cascades that brings innovation in transportation options to the region by informing policy, developing pilot projects and assessing the effectiveness of transportation options.
