Service update 5/19/2023: Impacts to Non-Emergent Medical Transportation Services in Clatsop County
Columbia Pacific CCO was notified of an update to an issue that impacts NW Rides members using Sunset Empire Transportation District (SETD) in Clatsop County for their non-emergent medical transportation (NEMT) services. SETD’s board had decided to suspend all operations effective Saturday, April 29.
We shared on 5/12 that SETD received a $500,000 loan from the State of Oregon. That loan allowed SETD to resume partial operations for their Dial-A-Ride and ADA Paratransit services, which includes services for individuals with disabilities. SETD has also reinstated limited service on two of their fixed-route buses:
- Route 101: Starting Monday 5/15, this route provides weekday service between Emerald Heights in Astoria and Cannon Beach. The route will run four times a day and make stops in Warrenton, Gearhart, and Seaside.
- Pacific Connector: Starting Saturday 5/20, this route provides weekend service between Astoria and Cannon Beach. The route will run five times a day and make stops in Warrenton, Gearhart, and Seaside.
SETD has also announced their Astoria Transit Center is now open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. However, their Seaside Transit Office remains closed.
Columbia Pacific’s NW Rides program uses Sunset Empire Transportation District for some services in Clatsop County. Until SETD’s services resume full operations, NW Rides continues to assign any trips for members in Clatsop County to other transportation providers.
We continue to work closely with the NW Rides leadership team to ensure that there is limited disruption to members' transportation services.
Members can reach NW Rides directly by calling 888-793-0439 for assistance with transportation services.
This is a developing event. Columbia Pacific will update this page as information becomes available.
Transportation Options
Do you need help with transportation to your health care appointments?
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are a covered Medicaid benefit for Columbia Pacific members. If you have no way to get to a covered health appointment, a rideshare program called NW Rides can get you there. Depending on your needs, you may be provided rides, get passes to ride the bus or get help paying for gas. Contact NW Rides toll-free at 888-793-0439 to talk about your transportation options.
Check out our Riders Guide for details about the transportation program.
If you want a printed copy of the Rider's Guide, please contact Columbia Pacific CCO Customer Service at 855-722-8206 or TTY 711. We will send you the printed Rider's Guide within five business days.
Call center hours
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
503-861-0657
Toll-free: 888-793-0439
TTY: 711
The call center is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. NW Rides’ services are provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To arrange after-hours or weekend transportation, call as far ahead as possible to schedule your rides.
