SALEM, Ore. — Cherriots is inviting residents across the Salem-Keizer area to help shape the look of its transit fleet through a new community engagement initiative called “Wrapped in Community.”
Announced Thursday, the program places community voices at the center of Cherriots’ annual bus wrap project, allowing riders, residents, and local stakeholders to participate in selecting themes that will be featured on buses throughout the district.
The initiative is designed to celebrate the diverse cultures, stories, and experiences that define the Salem-Keizer region.
“Wrapped in Community is about creating something that truly reflects the people we serve,” said Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey. “We are excited to invite our community to help guide the themes that will be seen across our fleet.”
As part of the effort, Cherriots plans to launch a public survey later this month. Community members will be asked to choose from a curated list of potential themes developed collaboratively by agency staff and the district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board Subcommittee.
The top two to three themes selected through the survey will be transformed into large-scale bus wraps that will begin appearing on Cherriots vehicles in fall 2026.
Transit officials said the program aims to strengthen community connections while turning buses into moving displays that reflect the people and communities they serve.
According to Cherriots, residents can expect:
- A public survey launching in June.
- An opportunity to vote on the top two to three bus wrap themes for the year.
- Community-inspired artwork displayed on buses beginning in fall 2026.
The transit agency is encouraging riders and community members to stay informed by signing up for email updates and following Cherriots on social media for survey announcements and voting information.
More information about the initiative is available at Cherriots Wrapped in Community.
Cherriots, formally known as the Salem Area Mass Transit District, was established in 1979 and serves more than 450,000 residents across Marion and Polk counties. The district covers 78 square miles in Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley and operates a fleet of 124 transit vehicles, providing approximately 3.3 million passenger trips each year.
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