TriMet’s pioneering light rail vehicle will find new life at the Oregon Electric Railway Museum

After more than 38 years of service and 2.2 million miles traveled, one of TriMet’s oldest MAX trains is nearing its next stop – retirement. 

TriMet is donating Type 1 vehicle “101” to the Oregon Electric Railway Museum, a move that will preserve the first MAX train car ever manufactured. The vehicle will join the museum’s vast collection of electric trolleys and streetcars, but with a twist sure to delight TriMet diehards and rail fans across the state.

In recognition of the donation and the vehicle’s legacy, TriMet is bidding farewell to MAX car 101 at our Ruby Junction Rail Operating Facility on Tuesday, July 8. The car will be transported to the museum later this month. This ensures the MAX car remains in the Willamette Valley, available for in-person experiences. The museum is located in Brooks, Ore., about 38 miles south of Portland via Interstate 5.

The donation also comes with a special goal in mind: to keep the car running. That’s the long-term mission of the museum, which features a mile-long track that runs through its property. This ensures that a vital piece of Portland’s transit history continues to roll into the future!

Type 1s roll on through 2025

The donation comes as we phase out our fleet of Type 1s and introduce the new Type 6s, our most technologically advanced MAX trains yet. If you’re interested in catching a Type 1 before they disappear, you’re in luck. A few trains will continue serving riders through the start of 2026. 

If you’re unsure about which type of MAX train you’re boarding, just look for the number at the top of the train. Another rule of thumb – if there are stairs, it’s a Type 1. Because the stairs make the Type 1s inaccessible to some, they are always coupled with either a Type 2 or Type 3 MAX car that has low floors. 

Most Type 1s are being sent to Radius Recycling, where they’re being turned into materials like rebar that will be used for local construction projects. Preserving at least one of the cars will keep a vital piece of the state’s rail transit history in the region for generations to come.

“This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and ensure the legacy and history of light rail is recognized,” TriMet’s Project Manager for Vehicle Engineering Joe Taylor said. “The Type 1s were designed and built in 1983 and went into service in 1986. They have been a fantastic workhorse for the agency, and we are excited to partner with the Oregon Electric Railway Museum to preserve one for future generations.”

The donation fulfills a longstanding goal that has been more than 30 years in the making, museum leadership said

“This donation continues the story of Portland’s transit history at our museum for future generations to enjoy,” Oregon Electric Railway Heritage Society Secretary Mark Kavanagh said. 

Showcasing public transportation

The Oregon Electric Railway Museum’s home is the 62-acre Powerland Heritage Park, a campus of 14 museums reflecting the preservation, restoration and operation of historic equipment. The museum has a collection of over 30 pieces, including streetcars, interurbans and electric freight locomotives, representing not just Portland but also other cities in the U.S., as well as Europe, Asia and Australia. 

“As soon as the first Type 1 light rail vehicle started operation in 1986, we were making plans for the museum to acquire one upon retirement,” said Greg Bonn, the museum’s former director and son of its founder.

The museum plans to make modifications to its overhead trolley wire to allow the donated MAX car to operate. In the near term, the museum will display the vehicle near the museum’s trolley depot at Powerland Heritage Park during the Great Oregon Steam-up, scheduled for July 26-27 and August 2-3.

After Steam-up, it will be moved to the museum’s vehicle barn for occasional tours, where it will join two original 1904 Council Crest Portland Streetcars and the last streetcar purchased by the Portland Traction Company in 1932. 

The museum is open on Saturdays in the summer months, along with special events with trolley rides. The Oregon Electric Railway Historical Society, an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, also operates the Willamette Shore Trolley between Lake Oswego and Portland.  For more about the museum, visit: museum.oregontrolley.com 

Seniors, people with disabilities in south Gresham begin using on-demand transit to connect with neighborhood destinations and TriMet fixed-route services

What if riding public transit was as easy as using ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft?

Enter TriMet NEXT: an on-demand transit service to help seniors and people with disabilities make connections with their community. TriMet is launching a public pilot of the new service in the South Gresham and Powell Valley neighborhoods of Gresham.

TriMet NEXT is micro transit. It is great for quick trips to destinations within our pilot project service area. It can also be used to connect with our fixed-route services at transit centers and hubs, providing access to an additional 79 bus lines, five MAX lines and WES commuter rail, for travel across our 533-square-mile service area.

“TriMet NEXT is about convenience, connectivity and independence,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “It’s also about freedom — the freedom to connect with your community on your schedule, with a trusted transportation provider that’s known for safe, affordable transit service!”

Your NEXT ride is right around the corner!

With TriMet NEXT, there is no heading to a stop to wait for the bus. The bus comes to you!

All you need to get started is the free TriMet NEXT app! Download it in the Apple App or Google Play stores. Plug in your starting location and destination, and we’ll send our next available vehicle to you.

We’ll also let you know when the bus will arrive — typically within 30 minutes! TriMet NEXT is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It provides service seven days a week, including on holidays.

No app? No problem. With TriMet NEXT, you can also reserve trips online at trimet.org/next or by calling 503-962-5959.

“I applaud TriMet’s courage for looking at ways that we can solve challenges folks face in our communities,” said Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall. “There’s something called the last mile, and it’s often a challenge for people, connecting that last mile of transportation with our homes and business, and this is a solution that helps in that access.”

Just as easy to use and much more affordable

While there are many similarities between TriMet NEXT and popular ride-hailing apps, there are some beneficial differences as well:

• Cost: The fare for TriMet NEXT is the same as our fixed-route services. You will never be charged more than $2.80 to ride 2½ hours with Adult fare and $1.40 for Honored Citizen fare, which is available to adults over 65 and those with disabilities who have signed up for the reduced fare. There is no surge pricing with TriMet. TriMet NEXT fare transfers seamlessly to our fixed-route network.
• Savings: Like our fixed-route buses and trains, TriMet NEXT uses Hop Fastpass®. Hop is an electronic fare system that makes it easy to pay fare with a physical Hop card, virtual Hop card or a contactless debit or credit card. It also helps you save money, ensuring you never pay more than you should to ride.   
• Peace of mind: When you ride with TriMet NEXT, you know your driver is always going to be a professional transit operator who has undergone a background check. Rides take place on smaller, accessible paratransit buses that have space for up to six people and multiple mobility devices. TriMet NEXT operators will help riders secure mobility devices on board, if requested.

Pilot expands after early success with LIFT

We first rolled out TriMet NEXT in April to our LIFT paratransit riders, who have access to a larger service area. In the first month, they gave the service a 100% satisfaction rating. Then in mid-May, we opened the service in south Gresham, to riders who are 65 and older or have a disability and are not currently registered for LIFT.

TriMet has two bus lines that serve south Gresham neighborhoods on weekdays, with buses running during the busiest service hours of the morning and afternoon. TriMet NEXT helps bridge the gaps, greatly expanding opportunities to access transit throughout the day, on weekends and holidays!

TriMet NEXT makes same-day transit service available to some of our most vulnerable riders, for the first time. Whereas LIFT paratransit trips must be booked at least a day in advance, TriMet NEXT provides the freedom to get around the community on your schedule. With TriMet NEXT, running around town is not only safe and affordable; it is more convenient than ever.

“This is the end of my dream. We have same-day service now.” said TriMet Committee on Accessible Transportation (CAT) Chair, Jan Campbell. “And it’s not just that the service is accessible, it’s also equitable.”

Share your feedback and help us improve!

TriMet is always looking for ways to better serve our riders, and we want to hear about your experience with TriMet NEXT. You can leave comments in the app, or contact the TriMet Customer Service team at 503-238-7433 (RIDE) or trimet.org/hello.

We will be making adjustments to improve service throughout the pilot project based on public feedback. If the program’s success continues as we expect, we will be looking for additional areas to roll out TriMet NEXT.

House Bill 2025 addresses statewide transportation funding needs, including a 0.2% increase in public transit funding

TriMet urges lawmakers to pass House Bill 2025, the Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package, to avoid significant cuts to the public transit service that Oregonians depend on across the state. 

We are grateful to the Oregon lawmakers who have assembled a transportation package that balances funding for all modes of transportation. The bill will generate additional funding for transit through a 0.2% increase in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund payroll tax — phased in over five years. That increase in funding is essential to maintaining public transit service for those who rely on it throughout our region and state. 

TriMet reduces spending, operating budget deficit

The proposed increase to the payroll tax does not solve all of the  financial challenges facing TriMet. We will still need to address a financial gap of approximately $380 million over the next eight years to resolve our projected operating budget deficit. However, the increased transit funding that would come with passage of HB 2025 will give us more time to pursue financial efficiencies, spending reductions and other solutions to avoid service cuts.

With our adopted FY2026 budget, TriMet is already making cuts to discretionary spending and other changes that will reduce our projected operating budget deficit for the year ahead from $74.4 million to $50.2 million.

Avoid cuts to the service that benefits everyone

If HB 2025 and the phased 0.2% increase in the payroll tax for transit does not go into effect, TriMet will need to cut 27% of our service starting July 1, 2027. That amounts to eliminating up to 45 of our current 79 bus lines. 

Transit benefits everyone by supporting a healthy, livable community and a thriving local economy. It eases congestion, decreases traffic collisions and reduces air pollution. It puts people to work, gets workers to jobs, and connects customers to businesses and services. In fact, every $1 invested in transit generates $5 for a local economy, according to research by the American Public Transportation Association. And, public transit provides access and independence for those who cannot drive, including youth, older adults and people with disabilities. 

TriMet believes that every Oregonian deserves access to safe, reliable and affordable transportation options — including public transit. We urge legislators to pass the 2025 transportation package to help preserve transit service.

Regular MAX service resumes Tuesday, June 10, with riders using a new temporary platform

A major remodel of the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station begins Tuesday, June 10, but don’t sweat it –  MAX trains will keep serving the station this summer and fall!

Starting June 10 – when regular MAX Blue, Green and Red Line service returns – you’ll use a temporary platform while we renovate the station. This work will continue until the end of 2025. 

To finish the temporary platform, crews used the June 8-9 MAX disruption to build stairs to it. You’ll access the temporary stairs on the southbound side of Northeast 82nd Avenue, across the street from the permanent stairway, which will be closed during the station’s renovation. 

Renovating the MAX station will significantly improve it, focusing on safety, accessibility and maintainability. The station opened in 1986 as part of the original MAX line between Downtown Portland and Gresham. Over the years, train traffic has tripled as the MAX system has expanded, first with the MAX Red Line in 2001, followed by the MAX Green Line in 2009. Along with the station’s proximity to the bustling Northeast 82nd Avenue corridor, the expansion of the MAX system has resulted in the station becoming the most active one along Interstate 84. 

Rider tips

TriMet has been working for months on ways to keep riders moving during the NE 82nd Ave MAX Improvements Project. On Tuesday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 11, TriMet will have On-Street Customer Service representatives at the station to help riders with the transition. Signs are also posted directing people to the new stairs.  

• The temporary stairs are located near the southbound lanes on the west side of Northeast 82nd Avenue. 
• The elevator, near the northbound lanes on the east side, will remain in service throughout construction.
• Remember, the elevator is now equipped with access-control devices. Tap or scan your fare at the reader to open the doors. There is no charge for using the elevator. 
• The stop for bus lines 72-Killingsworth/82nd Ave, 77-Broadway/Halsey and 287-Blue Eastside has been moved about 65 feet to the north, closer to the intersection of Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Jonesmore Street. A new bus shelter has also been installed.
• MAX trains will serve the station on their regular schedules. 

If you have questions, contact TriMet Customer Service at 503-238-7433 (RIDE) between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Why renovate the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station?

During construction, crews will completely repave the platform’s surface and add new tactile strips on the edge of the platform.

The existing shelter will undergo a complete renovation. This includes re-roofing to protect riders against the elements and a thorough refurbishment to maintain its original design. The architectural details and period-specific elements will be preserved to respect the historical consistency of the original MAX station. 

In addition to the renovation, a new shelter and windscreens will be constructed on the east side of the platform, increasing the amount of weather protection available. This expansion aims to improve comfort and convenience, especially during inclement weather.

The current stairway, which has been in use for more than 38 years, will be completely rebuilt. This reconstruction will ensure structural integrity and enhance user safety and convenience. Design considerations will also include accessibility standards to facilitate ease of use for our riders.

A decommissioned building located at the platform’s eastern end, has already been dismantled and removed. It was a remnant of the original MAX system, used to lift people in mobility devices into high-floor trains. It became obsolete with the introduction of low-floor trains in the 1990s. This removal is crucial for improving visibility and sight lines, enhancing overall safety and our ability to maintain the station.

Making Transit Better

Public transit matters in our region. While the Portland metro area is the 23rd largest in the United States, we have the 12th highest transit ridership. Per capita, it’s the 9th highest. That’s why TriMet doesn’t rest when it comes to improving transit.

Over the past year, we have begun introducing Type 6 trains, 30 of which will be in service by 2026. They are replacing our original MAX trains, many of which have been operated continuously since 1986, with some logging more than 2 million miles!

Meanwhile, the recently completed East Burnside MAX Improvements Project boosted the resiliency of the MAX Blue Line east of the Gateway Transit Center. A new wire-tensioning system installed during the project will help trains keep moving in extreme heat, and a new rail crossing has created a smoother ride with less jostling of the rail. 

These are just some of the ways we continue to improve our system’s safety, cleanliness and reliability. We thank our riders for their understanding as we work to make transit better. 

Adopted fiscal year 2026 budget reduces operating deficit by $24.2 million for year ahead, with more action needed to avoid fiscal cliff in 2031

TriMet’s Board of Directors has adopted a budget for the upcoming fiscal year that supports the bus, MAX light rail, WES commuter rail and LIFT paratransit services that people across the tri-county metro area rely on. The Board adopted a $1.96 billion overall budget for fiscal year 2026, to continue TriMet’s mission of providing public transit service that connects people to opportunities while providing a safe, reliable transportation service that eases traffic congestion and reduces air pollution. The budget also takes steps to address a $50.2 million deficit projected for next fiscal year and tightens spending ahead of a fiscal cliff projected in 2031.

The FY2026 budget includes $789.1 million in total divisional operating costs and $165.3 million for capital projects to address maintenance of an aging transit system and increase reliability for our riders. The budget also includes a fund balance of $771 million, which is unappropriated and not available for spending. 

Spending cuts reduce projected operating budget deficit

The FY2026 budget includes cuts to discretionary spending, with most of our divisions reducing spending by 2-3%. That resulted in $7.1 million in savings. Further changes to both resources and requirements resulted in an additional $17.1 million reduction. This reduced our projected operating budget deficit for the year from $74.4 million to $50.2 million, which better positions our agency for the future. We’ll continue to identify areas for efficiencies and cost reductions, to help avoid an unmanageable deficit ahead of the fiscal shortfall.

Balancing costs of inflation, contractual obligations, state of good repair

While TriMet has worked to increase efficiencies and trim spending, the budget for FY2026 increased from year to year. The increase is largely due to inflation, rising costs associated with contractual requirements and state of good repair needs. Expenditures, including contracted security personnel, our Accessible Transportation Program, building leases and software license fees, are growing at a staggering rate when compared to previous years.

Operating costs per vehicle have increased 53% from 2019 to 2024. Fuel and tires are up nearly 35% for our bus service, while facilities maintenance costs are up 71%. Our LIFT paratransit service relies on contractors. The cost for those personnel has increased from 47% to 85%, depending on the role. 

In addition, TriMet is experiencing higher costs to address the challenges of an aging system. We’ve been running buses in the metro Portland, Ore. region for more than 55 years, and MAX – one of the oldest modern light rail systems in the U.S. – has been in service since 1986. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires TriMet to meet “state of good repair” benchmarks, to keep the entire system — including our facilities and aging infrastructure — maintained and operating reliably. 

Continuing valued safety and security efforts

TriMet’s work to expand safety and security benefits riders and employees and is contributing to an improved public perception of our transit service. Our Safety and Security team – now totals nearly 500 TriMet and contract personnel. They assist riders while providing a presence and helping deter unwanted behavior on and around the transit system.  Our FY2026 budget adds more blue-light security phones at MAX platforms that connect riders to our Security Operations Center. Trained security dispatchers have access to live feeds from more than 3,000 security cameras across TriMet’s system and coordinate responses to riders’ reports to our 24-hour security hotline. 

Growing resources for the future

TriMet is focused on growing operating resources in the years ahead. Among those efforts, we will continue to improve the rider experience and steward capital investments to increase ridership and, in turn, fare revenue. Addressing our goals to provide transit service that is fast, frequent and reliable, the FY2026 budget provides a roadmap for major capital investments including the 82nd Avenue Transit Project – TriMet’s next FX (Frequent Express) line  – and the development of the TV Highway Transit and Safety Project. 

As we work to improve our service and the experience on board, we also look to secure long-term sources of stable financial support. TriMet has also joined the Oregon Transit Association (OTA) in appealing to Oregon legislators to increase funding for public transit in the 2025 transportation package. The phased increase of 0.4% in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) employee payroll tax over eight years sought by the OTA  is necessary to avoid cuts to the transit service that is essential for TriMet riders.

Adopted FY2026 Budget – At a Glance

TriMet’s adopted budget for the coming fiscal year that runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, includes:

• $552.5 million for operations
• $236.6 million for general and administrative costs,
• $165.3 million for capital and operating projects
• $1.002 billion for contingency, debt service, fund balance, other non-operating requirements and other post-employment benefits

Oregon Local Budget Law (ORS 294.305 to 294.565) requires the Board to adopt a balanced budget before the start of TriMet’s new fiscal year on July 1, 2025.