The visit highlights three million dollars in new federal funding that will improve transit access and safety across the Salem region.
SALEM, OR – (March 24, 2026) — U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas visited the Keizer Transit Center on Friday, March 20, to meet with Cherriots leadership and see firsthand how federal investments are helping strengthen public transportation in the Salem‑Keizer area.
The visit celebrated three million dollars in federal funding recently secured to support construction of the future South Salem Transit Center (SSTC), a vital project that will expand access, improve safety, and enhance connections for local riders.
Representative Salinas toured the Keizer Transit Center (KTC), which serves as a model for the SSTC, and stopped at Cherriots’ Del Webb Operations and Maintenance Facility to learn about the District’s sustainability efforts and growing battery-electric bus fleet. Joining the tour were Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey and Deputy General Manager David Trimble, along with other Cherriots board members, leaders, and staff who shared progress and community feedback on recent system improvements.
KTC showcases many sustainability features that reflect Cherriots’ broader environmental commitment, including a green roof, solar panels, rain gardens, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. These features, along with the agency’s investment in zero-emission, battery-electric buses, help reduce the region’s carbon footprint while creating a cleaner, more comfortable transit experience.
“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. “I’m proud to have secured three million dollars for Cherriots to help make it easier and safer for Oregonians to reliably get where they need to go. I’ll keep fighting for the infrastructure that makes everyday life more affordable and manageable for working families across our district.”
“Representative Salinas’ advocacy ensures our transit system continues to grow with the people we serve,” said Board President Hinojos Pressey. “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.”
The SSTC will create a new access point in South Salem for riders who currently lack a dedicated transit hub, improving access to jobs, schools, businesses, and essential services. It will offer amenities such as comfortable waiting areas, secure bike facilities, and improved connections between bus routes, all in a part of the community where those options are limited today. The District is currently in active negotiations on land acquisition for the project and expects to advance design and construction phases in the coming year.
About Cherriots
Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special District covering 78 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 124 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.
