New bus service connects Portland, North Coast

Published 5:00 pm Friday, April 30, 2010

A new bus service, the “NorthWest POINT,” launched in late March, connects the Portland-metropolitan area with Cannon Beach, Seaside, Astoria and points in between. The Oregon Department of Transportation is providing federal funds to help establish the new service, which builds on the existing service by adding a second daily round trip.

Greyhound is providing match dollars for the federal funding.

“Multi-modal investments are becoming increasingly important,” said ODOT Public Transit Division Administrator Michael Ward. “We’re pleased to be a part of this expansion, giving Oregonians and visitors more options in the immensely popular northern part of our state.”

The NorthWest POINT, operated by Oregon Coachways, will run two roundtrips per day with morning and evening departures from both Astoria and Portland, seven days a week. It allows passengers to make same-day roundtrips from the coast to Portland and with two daily roundtrips, it’s now possible to take same-day roundtrips from Portland to the coast.

The 51-passenger buses are wheelchair accessible and have space for baggage and bicycles.

The buses offer AC outlets, extended legroom and free Wi-Fi service. Rates range from $6 to $18 for a one-way ticket (adult), and tickets are available from Amtrak and Greyhound ticket agents and online sites.

POINT stands for “Public Oregon INtercity Transit” and this is Oregon’s third POINT service.

The SouthWest POINT service began last spring and covers southern, south coast and south central Oregon. HighDesert POINT service between Redmond and Chemult began earlier this year.

For more information and for schedules and fares, visit www.Oregon-POINT.com.