Sunset Empire Transportation District resuming public transportation services in Clatsop County
If you use your Columbia Pacific CCO transportation benefits in Clatsop County, we have good news. Effective October 9, 2023, Sunset Empire Transportation District (SETD) has restored two bus routes for their non-emergent medical transportation (NEMT) services. They are:
- Route 10: this route provides weekday service in the Astoria area, beginning at the Mini Mart in Warrenton and extending to Emerald Heights
- Route 20: this route provides weekday service into Seaside and Cannon Beach, also beginning at the Mini Mart in Warrenton
With these routes resuming, the Route 101 line will scale back to its original service area between the Astoria Transit Center and the Seaside Cinema, effective November 1, 2023.
Background
At the end of April 2023, SETD’s board had decided to suspend all operations. In our May update, we shared that SETD resumed partial operations, including Dial-A-Ride and ADA Paratransit services, as well as limited public transportation services on the Route 101 and Pacific Connector fixed-route buses.
SETD announced in their September 28 board meeting that they would restore two additional bus routes, the first expansion of services since May. They also announced that with about $1 million in loan assistance, they will also be able to hire additional staff to manage the resumed routes. The district had to lay off staff after the sudden suspension of services in April.
Columbia Pacific’s NW Rides program uses Sunset Empire Transportation District for some services in Clatsop County. Until SETD’s services resume full operations, NW Rides will continue to assign any vehicle-provided rides for members unable to use public transit in Clatsop County to other transportation providers.
We continue to work closely with the NW Rides leadership team to ensure that there is limited disruption to members' transportation services. Members can reach NW Rides directly by calling 888-793-0439 for assistance with transportation services.
This is a developing event. Columbia Pacific will update this page as information becomes available.
Transportation Options
Do you need help with transportation to your health care appointments?
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are a covered Medicaid benefit for Columbia Pacific members. If you have no way to get to a covered health appointment, a rideshare program called NW Rides can get you there. Depending on your needs, you may be provided rides, get passes to ride the bus or get help paying for gas. Contact NW Rides toll-free at 888-793-0439 to talk about your transportation options.
Check out our Riders Guide for details about the transportation program.
If you want a printed copy of the Rider's Guide, please contact Columbia Pacific CCO Customer Service at 855-722-8206 or TTY 711. We will send you the printed Rider's Guide within five business days.
Call center hours
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
503-861-0657
Toll-free: 888-793-0439
TTY: 711
The call center is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. NW Rides’
services are provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To arrange after-hours or weekend transportation, call as far ahead as possible to schedule your rides.
Reimbursement Guide
NW Rides NEMT Program Evaluation Findings
CareOregon, in partnership with NW Rides, sends out a yearly satisfaction survey asking stakeholders about their experiences with utilizing transportation services through, driving for, and operating for NW Rides. The evaluation questions and what we heard from members, drivers, and providers from the surveys and focus groups are included in the NW Rides NEMT Evaluation Snapshot Report below. Feedback from the program evaluation is used to make improvements to the NEMT program.
NW Rides NEMT Evaluation Snapshot Report