Cherriots Donates Two Accessible Buses To Garten Services, Expanding Community Connections Through A Longstanding Partnership (Photo) - 10/27/26

SALEM, OR – (October 27, 2026 ) — The Cherriots Board of Directors has approved the donation of two surplus 26-foot cutaway paratransit buses from the Cherriots LIFT fleet to Garten Services, helping the nonprofit expand community outings through its Day Support Activity Program. 

The vehicles will support opportunities for people with disabilities to engage with their communities, build relationships, and experience greater independence. The donation gives retired Cherriots vehicles a new purpose serving the community.

“Our partnership with Garten reflects a shared commitment to a community where people with disabilities have opportunities to work, connect, and participate fully,” said Ian Davidson, Cherriots Board Vice President. “Through our Transit Host program, that partnership helps riders find their way every day. Donating these buses builds on that relationship, supporting Garten’s work to make more community experiences possible.”

The donation builds on the longstanding partnership between Cherriots and Garten through the Transit Host program at the Downtown Transit Center. Garten’s Transit Hosts help riders identify the right buses and boarding locations, understand schedules, and make connections. The program supports employment opportunities for people with disabilities while making transit easier to navigate. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Cherriots for their generous donation of two cutaway buses to support Garten’s Day Support Activity Program,” said William Posegate, Chief Executive Officer of Garten Services. “Reliable, accessible transportation is essential to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage with their communities, build relationships, and experience greater independence.”

As Garten’s program grows, the additional vehicles will help expand access to community outings and enriching experiences.

“This donation represents so much more than transportation. It represents opportunity, inclusion, and a stronger connection to the communities we serve,” Posegate said. “We sincerely thank Cherriots for their partnership and commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities in our community.”

Garten previously recognized Cherriots with a Community Partnership award for the Transit Host program. The vehicle donation extends that relationship beyond the transit center, supporting Garten’s work to connect people with opportunities throughout the 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.