Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions regarding services, operations, fares, and our organization

If you can't find the answer to your question below:

Services

1. Why did the bus drive by without stopping to pick me up?

We know it’s frustrating being passed up, especially when it’s cold or wet outside. If the bus didn’t stop for you, it’s probably because the bus was full or running too late, or the driver couldn’t see you.

When you see a bus labeled “Drop Off Only,” that means it’s not stopping to pick up passengers at all — the bus could be completely full or it could be running late. Either way, another bus should be coming soon.

To make yourself more visible, stand, move, or wave as the bus approaches. Waving your phone or a flashlight can help the driver see you at night.

It’s also possible that the driver was new to the route or filling in, and accidentally missed your stop. If you believe this was the case, please let us know by calling Customer Service at 503-588-2877 so we can try to prevent it from happening again.

2. Are dogs allowed on board the bus?

Pets and companion animals are only allowed on board buses if they are in a secure, enclosed carrier. Service animals are allowed on board without a permit, but your driver may ask to confirm that your animal is a service animal. If you have a concern about an animal on board, ask your driver. You can learn more about service animals on Cherriots buses by visiting our Accessibility page.

​3. Why is my bus late?

We do our best to keep you moving and on schedule, but sometimes your bus may arrive late. Delays are most often caused by the same things that affect other road users:

  • Heavy traffic
  • Accidents
  • Weather/road conditions
  • Special events
  • Police activity
  • Missed signals
  • Construction

Still, we’re always looking for ways to improve our on-time performance. This can include making adjustments to schedules or additional driver training. If you have suggestions for improving our reliability, please let us know!

​You can help keep your bus stay on time by being at your stop with your fare ready five minutes before its scheduled arrival. Once you’re on board, make way so others can get on or off, and exit through the rear door when possible.

​4. Why did the bus leave without me? I was running to the stop!

Bus drivers have a brief window of time to board waiting passengers, close the doors, and make it through a green light. In some instances, opening the door again to let you on would cause your bus to miss a signal — this may seem like a small inconvenience, but these delays add up quickly and can make the bus fall behind schedule.

​5. What hours do Cherriots buses operate?

Most routes departing from the Downtown Transit Center operate from about 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, about 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. However, schedules vary due to the pandemic, so always check online schedules for the latest info.

For more information on routes and schedules, visit the Services, Maps, and Routes page.

​6. Why doesn’t Cherriots provide weekend bus service and later evening service?

We actually do now! In 2009, Cherriots eliminated Saturday bus service and made other service cuts to balance its budget. Thanks to the passage of House Bill 2017, Cherriots has restored services lost to those budget cuts.

In September of 2019, Cherriots added Saturday bus service and later evening service on most local routes. We planned to add Sunday and holiday service as well in May of 2020, but the pandemic postponed that expansion until September 2021. To learn more details about recent service expansions, visit the Service Change page.

HB 2017 provides a dedicated source of state funding to transit districts across Oregon. Revenue for HB 2017 is provided by a payroll tax paid by employees. The legislation could bring $7 million in the first year to support transit in Salem-Keizer, as well as regional service to smaller cities in Marion and Polk counties.

7. Can I ride Cherriots to Portland?

We can get you part of the way there, and our regional partners will help you finish your trip. You have two general options, depending on where you want to travel.

If you want to travel up the west side of the metro area, start by riding Cherriots Regional Route 1X from downtown Salem or Cherriots Regional Route 80X from Keizer Transit Center to Wilsonville Station. There you can catch TriMet's WES Commuter Rail to the Beaverton Transit Center. TriMet MAX lines and a number of TriMet bus routes serve that transit center and will take you all over the metro area.

If you want to travel up the east side, take Cherriots Regional Routes 10X or 20X to the Woodburn Bi-Mart stop. There you'll catch Canby Area Transit's Route 99X to the Oregon City Transit Center. Then you can hop on a TriMet bus to your final destination.