Gov. Brown thanks LTD for championship work

by Pat Walsh, Lane Transit District

EUGENE, Ore. —(August 26, 2022)— Gov. Kate Brown met today with employees at Lane Transit District (LTD) to thank them for their dedication and hard work during the Oregon22 games.

“I’d like to thank LTD employees for their extraordinary work during the World Athletics Championships,” Governor Brown said. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and LTD’s service contributed to its success by ensuring visitors had an amazing experience.”

It was the first time in history the international track and field championships were held in the United States. Nearly 150,000 tickets were purchased by fans from all 50 states and 40 countries.

During the meet’s 10-day run, LTD experienced a 26% increase in ridership aboard its EmX bus rapid transit routes over pre-event ridership. EmX has three stops just blocks away from Hayward Field. Overall, ridership across the District rose 11% during the event.

“I want to thank Gov. Brown for taking time to acknowledge the extraordinary commitment LTD employees made to the World Athletics Championships and for the dedication they bring to their jobs every day to connect local passengers and visitors to our community,” said LTD General Manager Mark Johnson. “LTD is proud to have played a role in welcoming the world to Oregon.”

LTD also provided supplemental bus service between the Eugene Airport and local hotels to augment services offered by hotels, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Using buses from LTD’s RideSource, TriMet in Portland, and Cherriots in Salem, the District transported 570 visitors traveling between the airport and area hotels. Buses to the airport were driven by current LTD bus operators, retired LTD bus operators, and qualified members of the community.

About Lane Transit District (LTD)

Lane Transit District (LTD) is a special district of the State of Oregon led by a seven-member volunteer board of directors appointed by Oregon’s governor. LTD’s budget is funded through a combination of fares, taxes paid by local employers and employees, and from state and federal sources. LTD lives its mission to connect our community by delivering more than 5 million annual passenger boardings from 30 fixed bus routes and two EmX Bus Rapid Transit lines. LTD’s paratransit service, RideSource, provides more than 250,000 trips annually for people with disabilities and Medicaid recipients. Jameson Auten joins LTD as its next general manager this November. For more, see www.LTD.org.