Commute Options

About Us

Commute Options connects people to their destinations through sustainable transportation. We support walking, biking, transit, and more, working with partners to improve infrastructure and educate the community.

Commute Options was established in 1991.

About Commute Options

Commute Options is dedicated to innovative transportation options that connect people of all ages to the places they go – employees to their workplaces, students to their schools, and neighbors within their communities. We champion active transportation and infrastructure improvements, fostering essential partnerships, and educating the community on transportation options.

Mission Statement

Commute Options increases access to transportation options across Oregon.

Vision Statement

We envision communities using safe, convenient, and reliable transportation options that result in healthier individuals, a cleaner environment, and a stronger economy.

Our Core Values

Mobility and Connectivity

We believe people of all ages, abilities, and income levels deserve to move reliably and conveniently between destinations using affordable, well-coordinated transportation options.

Accessibility and Equity

We strive for user-friendly and convenient connections to and between services and travel modes in urban, suburban and rural areas. Transportation options provide affordable, safe, efficient, and equitable ways to access jobs, services, and key destinations, improving communities across Oregon. Read our Anti-Discrimination Policy for Events held by Commute Options.

Health

We believe in transportation options that foster improved mental and physical well-being by enabling access to healthcare services, groceries, shopping and other essentials and offering more ways to add physical activity into everyday life.

Safety and Security

We believe that everyone deserves the right to feel safe and secure while traveling throughout their communities.

Sustainability

Transportation options contribute to a healthier environment and climate. Our work is focused on moving people by more efficient modes, which reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

Commute Options History

1991–1993

Commute Options began in 1991 as a volunteer project of the Central Oregon Environmental Center called Biking for a Better Community. Founded by future Bend City Councilor John Schubert, the group promoted bicycling for fun, fitness, clean air, and less traffic. In 1993, the Oregon Office of Energy and the Oregon Department of Transportation joined the effort and introduced carpooling and teleworking programs.

1995–1996

Still under the Environmental Center, the program was renamed Commute Options for Central Oregon and expanded its mission to promote alternatives to driving alone. In 1996, Jeff Monson became director. The group began advocating for Transportation Demand Management (TDM), which includes walking, biking, carpooling, teleworking, and public transit. They also educated the public about how TDM connects with land use, housing, urban growth, and livability. Key sponsors included the City of Bend, Deschutes County, St. Charles Medical Center, COCC, the U.S. Forest Service, and others.

1998–2000

Commute Options helped establish 16 Park & Ride lots across Central Oregon—in cities like Bend, Redmond, La Pine, Sisters, Sunriver, Terrebonne, and Prineville. They also advocated for roundabouts in Bend to ease traffic and added vanpooling as a new option.

2001–2002

Commute Options became an independent nonprofit in 2001 and formed its first Board of Directors. Jeff Monson continued as Executive Director. The organization began managing employee commute programs for 2,500 staff at St. Charles Medical Center and later Central Oregon Community Hospital.

2003-2019

Over 18 years, Commute Options grew significantly. They expanded tri-county ridesharing and vanpool services, supported Safe Routes to School programs in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and Madras, and promoted bus use across the region. The organization also built a strong staff team. In 2019, Jeff Monson retired, and staff member Brian Potwin became Executive Director.

2020-Present

Commute Options became a statewide leader in transportation options. They launched a growing vanpool program in Central and Eastern Oregon and expanded education efforts like the Oregon Friendly Driver (OFD) and e-bike safety programs. In Bend, they introduced an e-bike rebate and safety education program to encourage sustainable travel. Their Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program also grew through partnerships with the City of Bend. In 2025, the SRTS program expanded into the Rogue Valley, reaching more communities. New staff and roles have strengthened the organization’s ability to deliver high-impact programs across Oregon. Through education and encouragement, Commute Options continues to increase access transportation options for all Oregonians.

Notification of Compliance with Title VI

Commute Options operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with Commute Options.

Commute Options Civil Rights Program, including your rights and how to file a complaint is available upon request—please contact Commute Options at 541-668-6138.

A complainant may also file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration: Office of Civil Rights, Attn: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590.

If information is needed in another language, contact Commute Options at 541-668-6138.