Cherriots Purchases Land For New South Salem Transit Center - 07/16/26

SALEM, OR — July 16, 2026 — The Salem Area Mass Transit District (Cherriots) has purchased the property located at the northeast corner of Commercial Street and Wiltsey Road for the future South Salem Transit Center, marking a major milestone in improving transit connectivity, accessibility, and safety in south Salem.

South Salem is a growing area that currently lacks a dedicated transit facility, leaving riders with longer walk times, fewer transfer options, and limited service coverage. The new transit center will support smoother connections between local bus routes, paratransit services, and active transportation options such as biking and micromobility. The facility is also designed to enhance safety and comfort through improved lighting, visibility, and dedicated passenger amenities, including covered waiting areas and designated pick-up and drop-off zones.

“This is a transformative step forward for south Salem riders,” said Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey. “The South Salem Transit Center will create a safer, more comfortable, and more connected transit experience for everyone who lives, works, and rides in the area.” 

The project includes land acquisition and related costs totaling $5.5 million, covering preliminary engineering and design, external project management, title and transaction fees, and the property purchase. Funding is secured through a combination of Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) formula and discretionary funds, federal Community Project Funding, and local general funds.

A construction timeline will be announced in a future phase. Project updates will be shared at cherriots.org/sstcproject. 

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.