Federal Investments Support Transit Access in Salem

To see how federal investments in transportation are put to work, Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR) visited Cherriots’ Keizer Transit Center, which will serve as a model for a new South Salem center. The agency recently received $3 million in federal funding for the construction of a South Salem Transit Center, which will expand access, improve safety, and enhance local connections.

The tour included the Del Webb Operations and Maintenance Facility to learn about the district’s growing battery-electric bus fleet while staff shared progress and community feedback on recent system improvements.

The new center will serve as an access point for riders who currently lack a dedicated transit hub, improving access to jobs, schools, businesses, and essential services. “Getting around shouldn’t depend on owning a car. Everyone deserves to be able to get to school, work, the doctor, or the grocery store without worrying about how they will get there,” said Rep. Salinas. She noted that the secured funding will “help make it easier and safer for Oregonians to reliably get where they need to go.”

“South Salem is one of the fastest‑growing parts of our region, yet it still lacks a dedicated transit hub. The South Salem Transit Center will give people in South Salem a new option to commute, making it easier and simpler for riders who depend on us every day,” said Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey.