Cherriots Recognized Nationally For Strong Performance In Financial Stability, Employee Engagement, And Customer Experience (Photo) - 08/31/26

SALEM, OR – (August 31, 2026 ) — Cherriots has been recognized for outstanding performance in multiple categories at the 2026 TransDASH National Transit Performance Summit, including first-place honors for Most Improved Financial Stability and Most Improved Employee Engagement.

The recognition reflects Cherriots continued commitment to measuring value over volume and delivering meaningful results for riders, employees, and the communities Cherriots serves. Awards were presented this year during the summit’s ceremony luncheon on August 6–7 in Washington, D.C.

Cherriots received the following honors:

• Most Improved Financial Stability (2023 to 2024) - First Place

• Most Improved Employee Engagement (2024 to 2025) - First Place

• Top Performer Customer Experience (2025) - Second Place

• Top Performer Employee Engagement (2025) - Third Place

• Most Improved Customer Experience (2024 to 2025) - Third Place 

This is Cherriots third year receiving awards at the annual performance summit. Cherriots received top honors in community value and customer satisfaction at the annual summits hosted in Long Beach, California in 2024 and in Greensborough, North Carolina in 2025.

“These recognitions are a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the entire Cherriots team,” said Cherriots Board President, Maria Hinojos Pressey. “We are proud of the progress we’ve made and grateful for the employees whose efforts continue to strengthen our service and the experience we provide to our community.”

About Cherriots

Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special District covering 78 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the District provides vital service to more than 450,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. SAMTD maintains a total of 124 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.

For more information, visit www.cherriots.org.

Cherriots Announces Retirement Of General Manager Allan Pollock; David Trimble Named Interim General Manager As National Recruitment Continues (Photo) - 08/06/26

SALEM, OR – (August 6, 2026 ) — Cherriots has announced the retirement of General Manager Allan Pollock, following 19 years of service leading the Salem Area Mass Transit District.

Pollock, who served as General Manager since 2007, informed the Cherriots Board of Directors of his retirement plans during a January 2026 board work session.

During Pollock’s tenure, Cherriots advanced major organizational initiatives including agency rebranding, restoration of weekend and late-night services, and progress toward zero-emission transit solutions.

To support continuity in leadership, the Cherriots Board has appointed Deputy General Manager David Trimble to serve as Interim General Manager, effective as of July 22, 2026.

Trimble has served as Cherriots’ Deputy General Manager and has previously worked closely with the General Manager/CEO to provide overall leadership in achieving district objectives, strategic goals, and performance management. He brings 30 years of public and private transportation experience to the interim role, including prior leadership positions with TriMet, Golden Empire Transit, First Transit, and Kern County Regional Transit.

“Cherriots has a strong team, a clear mission, and an important responsibility to the people who rely on our service every day,” said David Trimble, Interim General Manager. “I am honored to serve in this interim role and remain focused on maintaining stability, supporting our employees, and continuing to deliver safe and reliable transit for our community.”

“Allan Pollock’s leadership has helped shape Cherriots into the organization it is today,” said Maria Hinojos Pressey, President of the Cherriots Board of Directors. “As the Board advances the search for the District’s next General Manager, our priority is a thoughtful transition that builds on this strong foundation and keeps Cherriots moving forward for the Salem-Keizer region.”

Cherriots is actively recruiting nationally for its next General Manager directed by the Board of Directors. 

About Cherriots

Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special District covering 78 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the District provides vital service to more than 450,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. SAMTD maintains a total of 124 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.

For more information, visit www.cherriots.org.