A significant new public transportation option has arrived in the Willamette Valley with the launch of the 99 Vine bus route by Pacific Crest Bus Lines. This pilot project, a collaborative effort between Benton and Yamhill counties, aims to enhance regional connectivity by providing a convenient, ticket-free service linking McMinnville to the Eugene Airport along Highway 99W.
The 99 Vine route operates four times daily, Monday through Friday, offering residents and students a reliable way to travel for errands, family visits, and access to numerous higher education institutions. Crucially, no tickets are required, making the service highly accessible to all.
"This new service is a fantastic step forward for regional transit," commented a local commuter, looking forward to the expanded options. "Having a direct, frequent connection between these communities, especially without needing a ticket, makes a big difference."
The route makes key stops in:
- McMinnville
- Amity
- Rickreall
- Monmouth
- Corvallis (serving both the Oregon State University campus and downtown)
- Monroe
- Junction City
- And various points in Eugene, including the Eugene Airport, Eugene Transit/LTD hub, Jacqua Academic Center, and Eugene Amtrak/LTD station.
For Albany residents, accessing this new service is straightforward. Passengers can utilize the existing Linn Benton Loop to connect seamlessly with the 99 Vine route at its downtown Corvallis stop. This integration ensures that Albany remains well-connected within the broader regional transit network.
This six-month pilot project is expected to provide valuable insights into regional travel needs and ridership patterns. As the service is managed by Benton and Yamhill counties, any feedback or inquiries should be directed to the respective county transportation departments rather than the City of Albany.
The full schedule and additional details for the 99 Vine route can be found on the Pacific Crest Bus Lines website: https://pacificcrestbuslines.net/routes/99-vine/
The launch of the 99 Vine route marks an exciting development for sustainable transportation and community accessibility across the Willamette Valley.