Learn about the Transportation Ambassador Program: Perhaps a bicycle or scooter can get you to where you need to go

With cuts to TriMet service now a reality, perhaps a bicycle or personal scooter can help you close the gap and get where you need to go. The Westside Transportation Alliance (WTA) is here to help.

For many Washington County residents, the idea of driving less is appealing and possibly a very real necessity. Gas prices, parking costs, and changing transit schedules have people rethinking how they get around. Biking, scooting, or riding the bus can be more affordable and often more enjoyable. But the unknowns can feel overwhelming.

• How do you pick the right bike?
• Is there a safe route?
• How do e-scooters work?
• What’s the best way to connect transit lines?

That hesitation is common. Making a change in daily transportation habits takes more than good intentions; it takes information and confidence.

WTA, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing transportation options in Washington County and the Portland metro area, offers a free Transportation Ambassador program designed to bridge that gap. The program connects transportation-curious residents with trained staff and volunteers who provide personalized trip planning, route advice, and practical support. Ambassadors can answer questions about gear, help map out safe and efficient routes, and even ride along on a first trip to ease nerves.

As WTA explains, it’s not just about routes and gear, it’s about confidence, connection, and making new habits stick.

“With so many apps and so many gaps in our transportation infrastructure, planning a route can feel daunting,” says Jordan Del Valle Tonoian, WTA’s Programs Coordinator. “Our team offers a level of detail and customization that no app can match.”

Volunteer Ambassador Nic adds, “Cycling on the westside can feel intimidating. I want to help beginners feel confident from the start.”

Learn more or request an Ambassador at www.wta-tma.org/ambassador .