NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 15, 2023
CONTACT: Tamra Mabbott, tmabbott@co.morrow.or.us, (541) 922-4624

Underserved residents and employees in Morrow County face daily transportation challenges, as a recently published report titled "Rural Transportation Equity in Morrow County" highlights. 

This comprehensive report focuses on Morrow County residents' transportation needs and obstacles, specifically highlighting the elderly, individuals under 18, and those for whom English is a second language. Its primary objective is to improve access and utilization of both existing and future transportation services for the local population.

Eastern Oregon University, Euvalcree, Morrow County, and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) collaborated on the study, and the Rural Engagement and Vitality Center in La Grande facilitated it.

The study's findings reveal residents in Morrow County frequently face transportation challenges when commuting to workplaces, attending medical appointments, and visiting shopping centers. These hurdles emphasize the critical need for improvements in the transportation infrastructure and services within the county, as the report identifies.

Routes and schedules offered by Kayak Public Transit and The Loop, along with on-demand services - taxis, school buses, ride-sharing services - were included in the report.

In addition to providing important insight into transit planning, the process provided new aids for other planning projects. “We learned new tools and techniques we will use in the future for other planning projects.  We’ve already put some of those ideas into action,” said Tamra Mabbott, Morrow County Planning Director.

Euvalcree, a community-based organization dedicated to improving Latino representation and leadership in eastern Oregon, distributed surveys to residents and employees in Morrow County in Spanish and English. Survey responses were analyzed by an EOU research team consisting of faculty and students who found residents desired more information about transportation services and more consistent and reliable modes of transportation.

“In the area there are many people who do not have a driver's license or a car and this will be a great help,” said a resident of Morrow County. “Also for safety, since many people still do not have knowledge of the traffic rules and public transport, (it) helps protect both those people from having an accident or a traffic violation and those who are on foot.”

The DLCD launched a statewide rural transportation equity program at the recommendation of the Governor’s Racial Justice Council. The program aims to support underserved communities in rural areas to gain access to critical services and destinations by identifying and pursuing transportation options like biking, walking, and public transportation.

The full report, including the executive summary, a review of existing services, findings, recommendations, methods, and survey responses, is available at www.revcenter.org/transportation.