For the first time, some of the most remote parts of the Warm Springs Reservation now have scheduled bus service, following the launch of Cascades East Transit’s Route 21 in early May.
The new route travels 50 miles through remote areas of the reservation, providing public transportation access to communities that have historically been cut off from transit options. The service began operating on May 5, 2026.
What Route 21 Provides
Public transit access is more than a convenience in communities like those on the Warm Springs Reservation — for residents without personal vehicles or who cannot drive due to age, disability, or economic circumstances, it can mean the difference between getting to a medical appointment, a job interview, or a grocery store, and going without.
The reservation spans a large area of Jefferson County’s western and northern reaches, and many of its communities are separated from Madras and other service centers by significant distances on U.S. Highway 26 and secondary roads. Route 21 helps bridge that gap.
Broader Context
Cascades East Transit is the regional transit provider for Central Oregon, serving a multi-county area from its base in Bend. Extending service into the Warm Springs Reservation represents a significant expansion of the system’s reach into Jefferson County’s tribal lands.
The new route complements other recent investments on the reservation. In recent years, the Confederated Tribes and their partners have completed more than 40 energy efficiency upgrades on reservation buildings through a partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon, modernizing housing and community facilities while reducing utility costs for tribal households.
How to Use the Route
Residents interested in using Route 21 or other Cascades East Transit services can find schedules and route information at cascadeseasttransit.com. Transit passes and fare information are also available through the Cascades East Transit website and local partner agencies on the reservation.
The launch of Route 21 is a meaningful step toward connecting all Jefferson County residents — tribal and non-tribal — with the services and opportunities that define a healthy community.