Starting Monday, Jan. 15, Milton-Freewater residents will have access to a new and improved bus schedule and route, aimed at increasing convenience and accessibility for riders. The new schedule is part of a pilot program implemented by Kayak Public Transit, which took over the city’s buses in 2023. Buses will begin running at 10 a.m. on weekdays, with the last bus departing from Pendleton at 6:15 p.m. According to Vicki Croes, Kayak general manager, the changes were made in response to community feedback, with a focus on addressing the needs of residents.
We are responding to Milton-Freewater residents’ requests for later and more frequent service, said Croes. The community has let us know shopping and being able to get to appointments are high priorities.
As part of the adjustments, Kayak officials have also fine-tuned the locations and number of bus stops, aiming to improve travel times and overall efficiency. Additionally, the new route will offer service to several locations in neighboring Walla Walla, Washington, making four trips per day.
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation operates Kayak, and the pilot program underscores their commitment to providing an improved public transit experience.
We are dedicated to improving Kayak’s bus service, visibility, and experience for everyone, Croes added. This pilot program is a testament to our commitment.
Residents are encouraged to continue providing feedback to further enhance the service. Kayak officials are keen on making continuous improvements and actively seek input from the community.
The new bus schedule and route in Milton-Freewater align with the community’s needs for increased accessibility and convenience. With later and more frequent service, residents will have greater opportunities to shop, attend appointments, and travel locally. Kayak Public Transit’s efforts to improve the bus service reflect their commitment to serving the community while fostering a positive rider experience.
With this pilot program, Kayak is taking a step forward in fulfilling their promise of excellent public transit service. By incorporating feedback and actively seeking community input, they aim to offer a bus system that meets the needs of Milton-Freewater residents.
As the new schedule and route go into effect, riders can look forward to improved travel times, more efficient service, and increased connectivity to neighboring Walla Walla. Kayak and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation are dedicated to delivering a reliable, accessible, and convenient public transit experience for everyone in the community.
Residents are encouraged to make use of the updated bus schedule and route and to provide feedback to Kayak officials, ensuring that the transit system continues to evolve, meeting the needs of the people it serves.
To stay updated on any further developments or changes to the bus service, riders can visit Kayak’s official website or contact their customer service directly.
