Transit service connects communities over bridge

The new bus service between Rainier and Longview officially kicked off on Tuesday, July 1.

Route 433 will run Monday through Friday, with five daily stops at the Rainier Transit Center and Rainier Senior Center between 8:35 a.m. and 6:38 p.m. It was made possible through partnerships between the City of Rainier, the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) and River Cities Transit. That route also coincides with the reestablishment of regular bus service between Rainier and St. Helens by Columbia County Rider (CCR).

One of the first riders on the line was Rainier City Councilor Denise Watson. Aside from being a member of the CCR's Transit Advisory Committee, Watson is also a former bus driver. Joining Watson on the ride was Evan, a SW Portland resident and self-described "transit enthusiast."

Evan took a bus from Portland to St. Helens and from there to Rainier on his way to Longview. "I'm glad there's finally a connection," he said.

After picking up Evan and Watson, the bus made the short trip to the Rainier Senior Center before crossing the Lewis and Clark Bridge.

Minutes later, the bus parked at the Longview Transit Center, where a line of buses waited to take passengers like Evan to their next destinations. The bus service was made possible by a federal grant obtained by the CWCOG. Cowlitz Transit Authority provided $38,000 in matching funds and the City of Rainier contributed $10,000. Watson said it's worth it to provide the service to local residents. "I'm excited for the opportunity," she said. "I think it's definitely needed."