At Cherriots, we create community connections. We are a public agency providing bus service over a 76 square mile area in Salem, Keizer, and the mid-Willamette Valley.
Voters approved the formation of the Salem Area Mass Transit District at the November 6, 1979 general election. That’s still our legal name, but now we use the name Cherriots for all our transportation services. This operating name originated in 1966 when the City of Salem operated the transit system. It reflects Salem’s Cherry City nickname and a play on the word “chariots.”
Local property taxes, as well as state and federal money, provide funding for our transit agency. With those funds, we provide local bus service in Salem and Keizer, as well as regional express service to towns in Marion and Polk counties.
Our Cherriots Local fleet consists of 64 buses, which are 35 and 40 feet long. Our Cherriots Regional fleet has a dozen buses. We also operate Cherriots LIFT, a paratransit service for those who can’t safely and independently use our regular bus service.
Thanks to the passage of House Bill 2017, we’ve rolled out the largest service expansion in our history. State funding from HB 2017 has helped restore services lost to deep budget cuts in 2009. Starting in September 2019, we restored Saturday bus service, extended weekday hours until 11 p.m. on many routes, and added Cherriots Regional weekday trips. In September 2021, we added Sunday service for the first time in our history!
Vision
We deliver valued mobility options that inspire community pride.
Mission
Creating Community Connections.
Values
Communication – I promote an open, respectful dialogue with our customers, community partners, and teammates.
Humility – I will serve others with compassion and empathy.
Excellence – I will deliver a world class customer experience.
Respect – I will honor our team and community with my words, actions, and behaviors.
Resourceful – I will adapt to find efficient and innovative ways to overcome challenges and be willing to take initiative to achieve success.
Inclusive – I recognize and honor diversity and will act with integrity, promoting decisions and actions that are equitable and align with being an inclusive agency.
Ownership – I am empowered to take actions that contribute to good stewardship and community trust.
Transparency – I invite trust by fostering honesty and credibility in the eyes of others.
Safety – I own my role in ensuring Cherriots provides a safe, clean, and secure experience.
To learn more about our organization, choose one of the following topics:
Leadership Team
Our staff dedicated to serving you
Board of Directors
The legal governing body of Cherriots
Advisory Committees
Citizens serving as specialized advisers to the Board of Directors
Equity and Access
Cherriots respects civil rights and creates access for all
Accountability and Transparency
Access to our records, reports, and financial documents
Civil Rights (Title VI)
Cherriots respects everyone’s civil rights
Safety
Tips to make it a safe trip, every time
Security
Rules of the road to make a pleasant trip for all riders
Community Involvement
Cherriots invests in our community
Projects
Current and future plans for enhancing service for our riders
Getting Involved
There are many ways to make your voice heard at Cherriots
Public Meetings and Notices
Open meetings and public notices about Cherriots business
History of Cherriots
Highlights from 1979 to the present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions regarding services, operations, fares, and our organization
Organization Directory
Contact information for departments at Cherriots
Our Work with the Government
Working with government leaders to promote transit
Partnerships
Working with partners to promote transit and transportation options
Transportation Options
Empowering people to navigate their community in ways that improve livability and quality of life