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News Release

Cherriots Honors Million-Mile Drivers For Extraordinary Safety And Service (Photo) - 03/31/26

A Million Miles of Safety, Commitment, and Community

SALEM, OR – (March 31, 2026)  — Cherriots recognized two veteran operators, David Nichols-Alarcon and Pavel Kuzmenko, for achieving an extraordinary milestone: driving one million miles without a preventable accident. The recognition took place during the Cherriots Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

 

This achievement reflects years of professional excellence and dedication to safety. Operators who reach the million-mile mark demonstrate a remarkable commitment to serving the community and ensuring that thousands of riders travel safely every day.

 

“Driving a million miles without a preventable accident takes remarkable skill and dedication,” said Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey. “David and Pavel’s milestone reflects the care and professionalism that make Cherriots service safe and reliable for our community every day.”

 

Beginning this year, Cherriots will hold an annual Million Mile Driver recognition each September during the Board Meeting to celebrate operators who achieve this elite milestone and exemplify the values of safety, reliability, and community service.

 

Past honorees include:
Harry McFadden – 2 Million Miles
John Welch – 1 Million Miles
Craig Spotts – 1 Million Miles
Marlene House – 1 Million Miles
Francisco Tolento – 1 Million Miles
Justin Schafer – 1 Million Miles
Paul Hudnell – 1 Million Miles
Lionel Segura – 1 Million Miles

 

Cherriots extends its congratulations to all million-mile drivers for their unwavering dedication to safety and excellence, values that help keep our community moving every day.

 

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.

Attached Media Files: David Nichols-Alarcon receives Million Mile Driver award from Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey, Pavel Kuzmenko receives Million Mile Driver award from Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey,

Cherriots Honors Million-Mile Drivers For Extraordinary Safety And Service (Photo) - 03/31/26

A Million Miles of Safety, Commitment, and Community

SALEM, OR – (March 31, 2026)  — Cherriots recognized two veteran operators, David Nichols-Alarcon and Pavel Kuzmenko, for achieving an extraordinary milestone: driving one million miles without a preventable accident. The recognition took place during the Cherriots Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

 

This achievement reflects years of professional excellence and dedication to safety. Operators who reach the million-mile mark demonstrate a remarkable commitment to serving the community and ensuring that thousands of riders travel safely every day.

 

“Driving a million miles without a preventable accident takes remarkable skill and dedication,” said Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey. “David and Pavel’s milestone reflects the care and professionalism that make Cherriots service safe and reliable for our community every day.”

 

Beginning this year, Cherriots will hold an annual Million Mile Driver recognition each September during the Board Meeting to celebrate operators who achieve this elite milestone and exemplify the values of safety, reliability, and community service.

 

Past honorees include:
Harry McFadden – 2 Million Miles
John Welch – 1 Million Miles
Craig Spotts – 1 Million Miles
Marlene House – 1 Million Miles
Francisco Tolento – 1 Million Miles
Justin Schafer – 1 Million Miles
Paul Hudnell – 1 Million Miles
Lionel Segura – 1 Million Miles

 

Cherriots extends its congratulations to all million-mile drivers for their unwavering dedication to safety and excellence, values that help keep our community moving every day.

 

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.

Attached Media Files: David Nichols-Alarcon receives Million Mile Driver award from Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey, Pavel Kuzmenko receives Million Mile Driver award from Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey,

Representative Andrea Salinas Tours Keizer Transit Center, Celebrates Federal Investment In South Salem Transit Center Project (Photo) - 03/24/26

The visit highlights three million dollars in new federal funding that will improve transit access and safety across the Salem region.

SALEM, OR – (March 24, 2026) — U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas visited the Keizer Transit Center on Friday, March 20, to meet with Cherriots leadership and see firsthand how federal investments are helping strengthen public transportation in the Salem‑Keizer area.

 

The visit celebrated three million dollars in federal funding recently secured to support construction of the future South Salem Transit Center (SSTC), a vital project that will expand access, improve safety, and enhance connections for local riders.

 

Representative Salinas toured the Keizer Transit Center (KTC), which serves as a model for the SSTC, and stopped at Cherriots’ Del Webb Operations and Maintenance Facility to learn about the District’s sustainability efforts and growing battery-electric bus fleet. Joining the tour were Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey and Deputy General Manager David Trimble, along with other Cherriots board members, leaders, and staff who shared progress and community feedback on recent system improvements.

 

KTC showcases many sustainability features that reflect Cherriots’ broader environmental commitment, including a green roof, solar panels, rain gardens, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. These features, along with the agency’s investment in zero-emission, battery-electric buses, help reduce the region’s carbon footprint while creating a cleaner, more comfortable transit experience.

 

“Getting around shouldn't depend on owning a car. Everyone deserves to be able to get to school, work, the doctor, or the grocery store without worrying about how they will get there,” said Rep. Salinas. “I’m proud to have secured three million dollars for Cherriots to help make it easier and safer for Oregonians to reliably get where they need to go. I'll keep fighting for the infrastructure that makes everyday life more affordable and manageable for working families across our district.”

 

“Representative Salinas’ advocacy ensures our transit system continues to grow with the people we serve,” said Board President Hinojos Pressey. “South Salem is one of the fastest‑growing parts of our region, yet it still lacks a dedicated transit hub. The South Salem Transit Center will give people in South Salem a new option to commute, making it easier and simpler for riders who depend on us every day.”

 

The SSTC will create a new access point in South Salem for riders who currently lack a dedicated transit hub, improving access to jobs, schools, businesses, and essential services. It will offer amenities such as comfortable waiting areas, secure bike facilities, and improved connections between bus routes, all in a part of the community where those options are limited today. The District is currently in active negotiations on land acquisition for the project and expects to advance design and construction phases in the coming year.

 

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.


 

Attached Media Files: Congresswoman Andrea Salinas presents Cherriots with novelty oversized check for $3,000,000 toward new transit center,

Representative Andrea Salinas Tours Keizer Transit Center, Celebrates Federal Investment In South Salem Transit Center Project (Photo) - 03/24/26

The visit highlights three million dollars in new federal funding that will improve transit access and safety across the Salem region.

SALEM, OR – (March 24, 2026) — U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas visited the Keizer Transit Center on Friday, March 20, to meet with Cherriots leadership and see firsthand how federal investments are helping strengthen public transportation in the Salem‑Keizer area.

 

The visit celebrated three million dollars in federal funding recently secured to support construction of the future South Salem Transit Center (SSTC), a vital project that will expand access, improve safety, and enhance connections for local riders.

 

Representative Salinas toured the Keizer Transit Center (KTC), which serves as a model for the SSTC, and stopped at Cherriots’ Del Webb Operations and Maintenance Facility to learn about the District’s sustainability efforts and growing battery-electric bus fleet. Joining the tour were Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey and Deputy General Manager David Trimble, along with other Cherriots board members, leaders, and staff who shared progress and community feedback on recent system improvements.

 

KTC showcases many sustainability features that reflect Cherriots’ broader environmental commitment, including a green roof, solar panels, rain gardens, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. These features, along with the agency’s investment in zero-emission, battery-electric buses, help reduce the region’s carbon footprint while creating a cleaner, more comfortable transit experience.

 

“Getting around shouldn't depend on owning a car. Everyone deserves to be able to get to school, work, the doctor, or the grocery store without worrying about how they will get there,” said Rep. Salinas. “I’m proud to have secured three million dollars for Cherriots to help make it easier and safer for Oregonians to reliably get where they need to go. I'll keep fighting for the infrastructure that makes everyday life more affordable and manageable for working families across our district.”

 

“Representative Salinas’ advocacy ensures our transit system continues to grow with the people we serve,” said Board President Hinojos Pressey. “South Salem is one of the fastest‑growing parts of our region, yet it still lacks a dedicated transit hub. The South Salem Transit Center will give people in South Salem a new option to commute, making it easier and simpler for riders who depend on us every day.”

 

The SSTC will create a new access point in South Salem for riders who currently lack a dedicated transit hub, improving access to jobs, schools, businesses, and essential services. It will offer amenities such as comfortable waiting areas, secure bike facilities, and improved connections between bus routes, all in a part of the community where those options are limited today. The District is currently in active negotiations on land acquisition for the project and expects to advance design and construction phases in the coming year.

 

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.


 

Attached Media Files: Congresswoman Andrea Salinas presents Cherriots with novelty oversized check for $3,000,000 toward new transit center,

Cherriots And Chemeketa Strengthen Partnership To Power The Next Generation Of Diesel Technicians (Photo) - 03/12/26

A continuing collaboration that connects classroom learning with real-world experience at Cherriots.

 

SALEM, OR – (March 12, 2026)  — Cherriots continues to advance its enduring partnership with Chemeketa Community College’s Diesel Technology Program, working together to foster technical education and strengthen the region’s skilled workforce.

 

“Cherriots is proud to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Chemeketa Community College by investing in the skilled technicians who will power the future of public transit. From parts donations and shop tours to upcoming career workshops, these initiatives help build a stronger workforce that benefits the District, our students, and the entire Mid-Willamette Valley” said Maria Hinojos Pressey, Cherriots Board President.

 

This ongoing collaboration connects students with hands-on learning experiences, donated equipment, and direct connections to potential employers in the transit industry. Recently, Cherriots provided Chemeketa’s Diesel Technology Program with several key components including Allison transmissions, steering gearboxes, and a rear axle that will be used in classroom labs to help students understand, dismantle, and rebuild real transit vehicle systems.

 

“These parts allow students to learn on the same equipment they’ll encounter in the field,” said Kevin Ruby, instructor for Chemeketa’s Diesel Technology Program. “They’ll study how each system works, conduct failure analysis, and practice the skills that prepare them for today’s high-tech diesel jobs.”

 

Cherriots Maintenance Manager, Zach Leeth serves on Chemeketa’s Diesel Technology Advisory Committee, providing real-world insights on emerging maintenance technologies, such as electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) propulsion systems.

 

“Our partnership bridges education and industry,” Leeth said. “It helps students build their skills while showing them that careers in public transit maintenance are rewarding, stable, and essential to keeping our communities moving.”

 

This partnership has already led to meaningful experiences, including a May tour where second-year Diesel Technology students visited the Cherriots maintenance shop for an up-close look at transit operations. Students explored vehicle lifts, fluid delivery systems, and electric bus charging infrastructure, gaining insight into how modern maintenance teams support a diverse and sustainable fleet.

Upcoming Career Workshop

Cherriots Human Resources, Chemeketa Community College, and WorkSource Oregon will host a Maintenance Shop Industry Workshop on March 18, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at WorkSource Oregon Salem Center (hybrid format available).

 

The event targets job applicants for Cherriots maintenance roles and career changers interested in diesel or automotive programs at Chemeketa.

Registration is required via Eventbrite: Maintenance Industry Hybrid Workshop - WorkSource Salem

 

 

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.

 

About Chemeketa Community College
 

For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

 

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

 

Attached Media Files: Cherriots bus parts being loaded onto truck for delivery to Chemeketa Community College, Chemeketa Community College Diesel Tech Program conducts tour of Cherriots Maintenance shop (2025), Cherriots bus parts prepped for delivery to Chemeketa Community College,

Cherriots And Chemeketa Strengthen Partnership To Power The Next Generation Of Diesel Technicians (Photo) - 03/12/26

A continuing collaboration that connects classroom learning with real-world experience at Cherriots.

 

SALEM, OR – (March 12, 2026)  — Cherriots continues to advance its enduring partnership with Chemeketa Community College’s Diesel Technology Program, working together to foster technical education and strengthen the region’s skilled workforce.

 

“Cherriots is proud to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Chemeketa Community College by investing in the skilled technicians who will power the future of public transit. From parts donations and shop tours to upcoming career workshops, these initiatives help build a stronger workforce that benefits the District, our students, and the entire Mid-Willamette Valley” said Maria Hinojos Pressey, Cherriots Board President.

 

This ongoing collaboration connects students with hands-on learning experiences, donated equipment, and direct connections to potential employers in the transit industry. Recently, Cherriots provided Chemeketa’s Diesel Technology Program with several key components including Allison transmissions, steering gearboxes, and a rear axle that will be used in classroom labs to help students understand, dismantle, and rebuild real transit vehicle systems.

 

“These parts allow students to learn on the same equipment they’ll encounter in the field,” said Kevin Ruby, instructor for Chemeketa’s Diesel Technology Program. “They’ll study how each system works, conduct failure analysis, and practice the skills that prepare them for today’s high-tech diesel jobs.”

 

Cherriots Maintenance Manager, Zach Leeth serves on Chemeketa’s Diesel Technology Advisory Committee, providing real-world insights on emerging maintenance technologies, such as electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) propulsion systems.

 

“Our partnership bridges education and industry,” Leeth said. “It helps students build their skills while showing them that careers in public transit maintenance are rewarding, stable, and essential to keeping our communities moving.”

 

This partnership has already led to meaningful experiences, including a May tour where second-year Diesel Technology students visited the Cherriots maintenance shop for an up-close look at transit operations. Students explored vehicle lifts, fluid delivery systems, and electric bus charging infrastructure, gaining insight into how modern maintenance teams support a diverse and sustainable fleet.

Upcoming Career Workshop

Cherriots Human Resources, Chemeketa Community College, and WorkSource Oregon will host a Maintenance Shop Industry Workshop on March 18, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at WorkSource Oregon Salem Center (hybrid format available).

 

The event targets job applicants for Cherriots maintenance roles and career changers interested in diesel or automotive programs at Chemeketa.

Registration is required via Eventbrite: Maintenance Industry Hybrid Workshop - WorkSource Salem

 

 

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.

 

About Chemeketa Community College
 

For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

 

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

 

Attached Media Files: Cherriots bus parts being loaded onto truck for delivery to Chemeketa Community College, Chemeketa Community College Diesel Tech Program conducts tour of Cherriots Maintenance shop (2025), Cherriots bus parts prepped for delivery to Chemeketa Community College,