Lane Transit District is making significant changes to its routes in rural southern Lane County. The service will be reduced, requiring residents to plan their trips more carefully. The Metro Shuttle service, a grant-funded pilot project, is ending this winter due to funding issues. A new Rural Lane County Shuttle pilot project will start later this year and run until June 30, 2027.
The changes come as the state of Oregon struggles with transportation funding. Fuel tax revenue has not kept pace with rising costs and inflation, leaving transit providers with limited resources. Lawmakers were unable to pass a bill in this year’s regular session that would have increased fuel tax revenue and provided more funding for transit services.
Governor Tina Kotek has called an emergency special session to address the transportation needs of Oregonians. The proposal includes increasing the state’s payroll tax, which funds transit services, from one-tenth of 1% to two-tenths of 1%. This increase would provide more funding for rural areas.
The new Rural Lane County Shuttle pilot project will expand service into rural areas of southern Lane County that currently have none. It will transport riders to the Walmart in Cottage Grove or LTD’s Park & Ride lot in Creswell, and then connect them to Route 98 bus service to Eugene. The pilot project has received a $720,000 state grant, with LTD providing a 20% match of $180,000.
The changes have significant implications for residents who rely on transit services, such as those with limited mobility or who need to travel for medical appointments. Officials are urging residents to contact their legislators and express their needs and concerns.
The new pilot project will provide more service in rural areas, including Highway 36 between Mapleton and Deadwood, and Mohawk Valley. The LTD has also introduced the Cottage Grove Connector, which provides on-demand shuttle service within the city limits of Cottage Grove.
Residents can stay up-to-date on changes by visiting the LTD website for more information.
Source: https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/latest-news/creswell-cottage-grove/2025/08/19/rural-transit-changes-ahead-in-south-lane-county-as-a-pilot-project-ends