Local News

TranGO Seeks Community Input

Mar 09, 2021

On March 8, TranGO launched a survey open through April, to gather information from the public about transportation needs, in order to evaluate existing service and prioritize schedules and routes over the next five years.

Kelly Scalf, CEO, stated, “We conducted a survey in 2015, that informed the decisions as we built the initial service model and routes, connecting communities across Okanogan County in 2016. This survey is similar and includes questions about normal transportation to work, training and higher education, health care and other needs. By analyzing the information, we are able to find common beginning and ending points, frequency of trips needed and design service that meets those requirements.”

Scalf shared, “In 2017, our first full year of service, we provided 49,832 trips. Each year we have grown by about 10,000 trips. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, TranGO provided nearly 70,000 fixed route trips and another 10,000 vanpool trips throughout the county, serving many people that through age, income or disability are unable to provide transportation for themselves. We are excited to continue to grow and improve service to the community.”

Scalf stated, “ As we look forward to resuming service post-pandemic, we are conducting an update to see what has changed in the past six years. The pandemic changed travel patterns significantly as people worked from home, and it would help to know if any of those changes are permanent. “

Scalf reported, “We were ready to launch a survey update last year when the pandemic hit Washington State and we recognized high levels of stress and uncertainty across the community, so we decided to wait.”

The survey can be accessed on-line at; okanogantransit.com/survey. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can call 509-429-5823, to provide your answers over the phone or to request a paper copy with return postage provided. If your call isn’t immediately answered, please leave a message and your call will be returned promptly.