The City of Bend launched its new transit system on September 27, 2006.  After years of planning, the City moved the vision of a public transit service into a reality. The new transit system, called the Bend Area Transit or BAT is the city's first fixed route service.

The BAT provides an important connection to COCC/OSU Cascades Campus, St. Charles Medical Center, Deschutes County Courthouse, downtown, the three area high schools and to many shopping locations. The transit system's routes run throughout the City six days a week. Statistics show that participation in the program has steadily increased since service began, although as with many new services, there have been some challenges to keeping system up and running.

A $2.00 day pass covers unlimited trips on BAT for a full day; seniors over 60 and individuals with disabilities pay only $1.00. Monthly passes cast $30 for adults, $20 for youth and $15 for seniors and those with disabilities. Six-pass ticket books are available for the price of five: $10 for the general public and $5 for seniors/disabled.

“When you consider that the cost of driving alone is fifty cents a mile, you begin to see how much money you can save by taking the bus to work, to sports practice, to the mall, or to a night on the town,” says Kim Curley, Community Outreach Coordinator for Commute Options for Central Oregon . “Riding the bus is a good habit to develop.”

See_Bend_Area_Transit's_website.