Hermiston Taxi & Rideshare FAQ
Are rideshare services like Uber and Lyft permitted in the city?
The City of Hermiston approved an ordinance on April 28 to allow rideshare companies and drivers to apply for an operation license. The ordinance sets the same requirements on rideshare drivers as the existing code for local taxi drivers to create a level playing field.
Does the rideshare ordinance apply to grocery delivery or other food delivery type services?
No. The rideshare ordinance only applies to services which transport people.
How can I apply for a license to be a rideshare driver?
City staff is developing the application form and it will be available in June 2025.
What is the cost of licenses/fees to become a rideshare driver?
City Council will consider fee schedules in May 2025.
Why does the city require a license for taxi companies and individual drivers?
Licensing ensures taxi or rideshare drivers are qualified, vehicles are safe, and service is available.
Does the city offer any subsidized taxi services?
The City of Hermiston works with Hermiston Taxi to provide low-cost taxi services to seniors, people with disabilities, and workers in the greater Hermiston area.
The Senior & Disabled Taxi Program offers $3 taxi fares within Hermiston for qualified participants.
The Workforce On-Demand Ride Cooperative (WORC) allows people to purchase lower-cost taxi fare vouchers to and from their workplace in western Umatilla County.
For qualifications and more details on these programs, visit https://www.hermiston.gov/transit/page/taxi-programs.
What are other public transportation options in Hermiston?
Hermiston contracts with Kayak Public Transit to operate the free Hermiston Area Regional Transit (HART), a fixed-route bus service. The service operates from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. with 23 stops around Hermiston. For a route schedule and more information about HART, visit https://www.hermiston.gov/transit/page/kayak-public-transit-hart-bus.
Kayak also operates several regional bus lines that connect Hermiston other cities in Umatilla and Morrow counties, and Walla Walla. Route schedules can be found at https://ctuir.org/departments/tribal-planning-office/kayak-public-transit/bus-schedules/
What’s the best way to use the bus system to get from my location to somewhere else in the area?
Kayak Public Transit routes are included in online maps, including Google and Apple. Searching for your desired location and choosing the public transit option will direct you to the closest bus stop and provide estimated travel times to your destination. You can also adjust your arrival or departure time to plan ahead.
Combining the bus system with taxi service can also be an efficient way to get around town. For example, using the free Kayak service to get to work, a WORC taxi voucher for a ride to the grocery store, and the Kayak bus service to return home.
