Service improvements streamline routes, update schedules as agency rolls toward launch of TriMet FX™ bus service

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Adjustments coming to lines 15 and 63, as well as Washington Square Transit Center, ahead of fall’s Division Transit Project opening

It’s a big year for TriMet, and an important one for the Portland region, when it comes to improving our public transit system. In just over four months, we’ll open the first TriMet FX™–Frequent Express–bus line, with faster, more efficient and higher-capacity bus service.

TriMet’s spring/summer service improvements take effect on Sunday, May 15 and include updates to two bus routes: Line 15-Belmont/NW 23rd and Line 63-Washington Park/SW 6th. We’re also re-configuring bus stops at Washington Square Transit Center and making schedule adjustments on 10 bus lines, as well as MAX Yellow Line.

Leading up to the September launch of Frequent Express service, we will continue to make adjustments and improvements, to prepare the system and our staff for important changes to take effect. FX2-Division will replace the current Line 2-Division and bring improvements to Line 10-Harold.

Spring/summer improvements coming soon

TriMet’s planned improvements for spring/summer 2022 will take effect starting this Sunday, May 15.

  • Washington Square Transit Center: We’re reorganizing the transit center to focus on two main stops. This will leave more room for safe bus movement and make it easier for riders to know where to wait for the next bus.
  • Minor schedule changes: We’re also adjusting schedules on 10 bus lines and MAX Yellow Line. These improvements will keep buses and trains on time and lay the groundwork for easy transfers to FX bus service this fall. 

We ask all riders to check the schedule prior to any service improvement, to see if their arrival, departure or connection time has changed. Visit trimet.org and enter a date on or after May 15 to plan your trip and learn about any adjustments that might be needed before your next ride.

Countdown to fall improvements

With TriMet’s launch of the Division Transit Project this fall, we’re preparing to make additional adjustments, which will take effect starting in September.

  • FX2-Division: Our first FX bus line will roll into service on Sunday, Sept. 18. It will feature longer buses with 60% more room on board, 20% faster ride time between Gresham and Downtown Portland and improvements like special signals, signs and lane striping that give buses an advantage in traffic. FX2-Division buses will arrive every 12 minutes or more often during the busiest travel times of the day. 
  • Line 2-Division: Once FX2-Division service begins, we will retire the current Line 2. FX2-Division buses will run between the Cleveland Ave Park & Ride in Gresham to the Transit Mall in Downtown Portland. They will cross the Willamette River using Tilikum Crossing: Bridge of the People
  • Line 10-Harold: With the adjustments planned for FX2-Division, we would like to move Line 10-Harold to serve portions of Division Street west of SE 26th Avenue. Line 10 would continue to use the Hawthorne Bridge to cross the Willamette River. We plan to improve weekday frequency, with buses arriving every 20-30 minutes on weekdays and are working to add new service on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays operating every half hour.

Learn more at trimet.org/betterbus.

Hiring operators to drive our future

If you’ve ever dreamed of sitting behind the wheel of one of our big, new, FX articulated buses, an electric bus or one of the 700 workhorse buses that serve our riders daily, join our team and put yourself in the driver’s seat! We’re currently hiring bus operators who will help drive our future. TriMet must hire more than 300 bus operators to reverse the most severe staffing shortage in our agency’s history. New hires earn $25.24 to start and are eligible for a $7,500 bonus, in addition to benefits like health, dental and vision plans with low- to no-cost, a 401a retirement plan with an 8% employer contribution and up to $25,000 in life insurance for full-time operators, provided by TriMet. Plus, you’ll gain the satisfaction and stability of working for TriMet, a public agency, which has been serving the greater Portland area for more than 50 years! Visit trimet.org/drive to learn more and apply today!