(Photo courtesy of CET)
Cascades East Transit (CET) and Bend-La Pine Schools are partnering to provide all current Bend-La Pine Schools students with free summer transit passes from June 8 through August 31, 2026.
The partnership is designed to help students explore their communities, get to jobs, activities, parks, libraries, shopping, and connect with friends and family, while building confidence and independence through public transportation. The program also helps introduce students to transit at an early age, creating a foundation for lifelong transit ridership and sustainable transportation habits.
The free passes are valid on all Bend fixed routes, Community Connector routes, and Redmond Flex Routes. Recreational routes are not included, though riders may add funds to their accounts for those services.
“Public transportation creates freedom, connection, and opportunity for people of all ages who do not drive,” said Andrea Wasilew, outreach and engagement administrator for Cascades East Transit. “Whether students are heading to summer jobs, meeting friends downtown, visiting the library, or learning to navigate their community independently, this program helps make transportation more accessible, affordable, and empowering.”
To receive a free summer pass, students must create a CET Go account using their Bend-La Pine Schools student email address ending in @student.bend.k12.or.us. Passes will be added to student accounts within 24 hours of signup.
Students with smartphones can download the CET Go App through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and select “Create Account.” Students without smartphones can create an account online at: cet-account.transitsherpa.com and visit Hawthorne Station in Bend to receive a physical transit card.
Special Notes:
- Recreational routes are not included with the free pass
• Funds may be added to accounts for recreational shuttle services
• Children ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult while riding CET buses
For more information about routes, schedules, and CET services, visit cascadeseasttransit.com or call 541-385-8680.
About Cascades East Transit:
Cascades East Transit is Central Oregon’s regional public transit provider, offering fixed and flex-route buses, city connector routes, recreational shuttles, Dial-A-Ride, and paratransit services. CET serves Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties, and the Warm Springs community. Its mission is to exceed rider expectations by delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality transit that strengthens regional connectivity, reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability, and enhances quality of life.
