Washington County Celebrates Launch of SPOT Southwest Free Transit Service

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Local leaders, community members, and transportation partners gathered at the Amity Orchards affordable housing community to celebrate the official launch of SPOT Southwest, a new, free, on-demand transit service connecting neighborhoods in Southwest Beaverton and River Terrace and TriMet’s Washington Square Transit Center.

SPOT Southwest began service on January 5, 2026, filling a critical gap in an area where transit options have been nearly non-existent. The service is a collaborative effort between Washington County, Ride Connection, and regional partners including the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Metro.

Leaders Highlight the Investment in Innovation and Opportunity

Washington County Commissioner Jason Snider, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasized the broader vision behind SPOT:

“Today’s celebration acknowledges the potential for innovative solutions for transportation—like SPOT—and innovative solutions for housing—like Amity Orchards—that work hand-in-hand to reduce the cost of living and strengthen our Washington County communities.”

Stephen Roberts, Washington County’s Director of the Department of Land Use & Transportation, highlighted the County’s commitment to access:

“As a County, we are committed to innovating, collaborating and creating transportation systems that support neighborhoods and communities. SPOT is about more than transportation—it’s about providing access to opportunity for all community members.”

Celebrating SPOT’s January Launch

Following the program, attendees joined Washington County Commissioner Snider for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and ride aboard the SPOT shuttle.

Although not in attendance, District 3 Metro Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal praised the service for connecting residents of Amity Orchards and Altura—both funded in part by Metro’s Affordable Housing Bond:

“Washington County should be a place where everyone — regardless of income — can safely and quickly get to school, work, the doctor, the grocery store, to parks and to natural areas. I am especially excited that SPOT can bring people to Cooper Mountain Nature Park, which is a wonderful Metro regional park that provides high quality access to a rich variety of Oregon ecosystems.”

Darcy Phillips, Executive Director of Cornerstone Community Housing, summed up the value of services like SPOT saying:

“SPOT shows Washington County’s dedication to meeting people where they are. When residents can more easily reach work, healthcare, and community, they have better access to opportunities that truly matter.”

About SPOT Southwest

SPOT Southwest is a free neighborhood shuttle service connecting residents of Southwest Beaverton and River Terrace to key destinations and transit hubs. By improving access to jobs, healthcare, and community resources, SPOT supports Washington County’s vision for connected communities with opportunity open for all community members.