Rural Shuttle Pilot
Date Created:
July 2025
Budget:
LTD received a State of Oregon grant specifically designed to test new transportation options. The grant supports testing new service models, not permanent operations. The pilot project began in Winter 2026 and concluded on September 3, 2026.
Related Documents & Board Actions
Description
The Rural Lane County Shuttle Pilot offered prescheduled origin-to-destination transportation for residents of Cottage Grove, Mohawk Valley, and Highway 36 between Mapleton and Deadwood. This is a pilot that operated from Winter 2026 to September 3, 2026.
Purpose
In March of 2026 LTD launched the pilot project to provide one to two days of service per week in three different communities — South Lane, Highway 36 between Mapleton and Deadwood, and Mohawk Valley.
The areas served by this pilot were selected because they were identified in the Link-Lane Transit Development Plan as areas where the greatest number of community members will see improved access to public transit.
Outcomes & Community Impact
This grant-funded pilot expanded the geographic reach of a previous pilot project, called the Metro Shuttle. The previous service provided prescheduled origin-to-destination transportation for rural South Lane residents five days per week.
The new Rural Shuttle Pilot offered a public transportation option to two communities that previously had no service — Highway 36 between Mapleton and Deadwood, and Mohawk Valley — with the intention of connecting these residents to vital services such as medical care, prescription drugs, and healthy food.
After a mid-pilot evaluation, LTD has made the decision to conclude the pilot. The final day of service will be September 3, 2026.
A pilot tests and evaluates new approaches. While this specific service did not generate the ridership needed to support its operation, it provided valuable insight into the transportation needs, travel patterns, and operating challenges unique to our rural communities.
The LTD Connector is not impacted by this change and will continue providing on-demand service in Cottage Grove.
Timelines and Milestones
- Winter 2026 – Launch Service
- Summer 2026 – Pilot Evaluation
- September 3, 2026 – Pilot End Date
