Clyde Rogers enjoys his workout routine, playing cards and, most importantly, saving money. That’s why Rogers, 78, has a bus pass in his pocket.
Whether it’s a trip to the YMCA in downtown Salem, heading out to the Silver Dollar Tavern on Lancaster Drive Southeast for a poker game, or running shopping errands, Rogers rides a Cherriots bus.
“It’s cheaper than driving and it will get you there,” said Rogers, who sports a gray goatee and sunglasses.
Rogers, a former Arizona resident, said he moved “from the heat into the rain” to join his daughter in Salem. He’s retired after a long career with a bulk mail processing company.
A football fan since childhood, Rogers wears a bright red San Francisco 49ers jacket. He often sips coffee in the lobby of the YMCA before lifting weights and walking an indoor track. Three times a week, he’s at the Y.
Rogers, who lives in southeast Salem, is a regular passenger on Routes 4, 7, and 24. The grandfather can drive a car, but he no longer owns a vehicle. He would rather pay bus fare than tolerate the expense of keeping a car.
Because he is over 60-years-old, Rogers is eligible for reduced bus fare. He pays $22.50 for a 30-day bus pass -- half the full-fare price.
Reduced fares are also available for Medicare card holders and anyone who meets the Federal Transit Administration’s definition of disabled.
Medicare card holders can simply show their Medicare card to Cherriots customer service, or transit operators when boarding the bus, to receive a reduced fare.
Others seeking reduced fare need to file an application with Cherriots to receive a Reduced Fare ID card. For more information call 503-588-2877 to talk to a customer service representative or visit our Reduced Fare ID page.
Based on fare sales, Cherriots estimates that approximately 45 percent of its riders qualify for reduced fares. Cherriots is required to offer reduced fares to receive federal funds from the FTA.
Learning to ride Cherriots isn’t difficult, Rogers said, and it’s certainly less expensive than driving. Cherriots transit centers, such as the Downtown Transit Center and the Keizer Transit Center, make it easy to change buses and reach your final destination, he said.
Rogers said he has always had a good experience on the bus. He marvels at the patience of transit operators, who can maintain their composure with difficult passengers. He recalls a couple of youths complaining about the bus being too slow.
“If I would have been driving, they would have been walking,” Rogers said.
--Michael Rose
Do you have a great story about riding Cherriots or have a suggestion for a rider profile? Contact us at info@cherriots.org.
