Salem, OR – Jul 9, 2025 – Cherriots is proud to announce that it received zero findings in two major oversight reviews recently completed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). These results reflect Cherriots ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and delivering high-quality public transportation to the Mid-Willamette Valley.
The FTA Triennial Review, which occurs every three years, assesses how agencies receiving Urbanized Area Formula Program funds manage grants and comply with federal requirements in up to 23 critical areas. For Cherriots, that included areas such as financial management, procurement, maintenance, civil rights compliance, ADA accessibility, safety, and others. The independent review team found Cherriots to have no deficiencies in any area of its operations.
According to the FTA, only about 20 percent of agencies nationwide receive zero findings during a Triennial Review, making the results Cherriots received particularly notable.
The ODOT Compliance Review, which focuses on agency compliance with both federal and state transportation program requirements, also resulted in a clean report. Areas reviewed included the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF), Special Transportation Fund (STF), financial management, ADA compliance, and oversight of grant subrecipients. Cherriots received no findings or corrective actions from ODOT’s review. Notably, Cherriots also had zero deficiencies in ODOT’s 2021 review.
“These outstanding results are a direct reflection of the professionalism and diligence of our staff,” said Allan Pollock, General Manager of Cherriots. “Earning zero findings in both reviews is a significant accomplishment for Cherriots and demonstrates our strong internal processes and commitment to serving the public with transparency and excellence.”
Oversight reviews ensure that public transportation agencies manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, maintain compliance with complex regulations, and provide safe, equitable, and effective service. Strong performance in these reviews also helps agencies remain eligible for future federal and state funding opportunities.
About Cherriots
Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special district covering 76 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the district provides vital service to more than 450,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. SAMTD maintains a total of 126 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.
For more information, visit www.cherriots.org.
