100 day countdown to launch of TriMet FX™–Frequent Express–bus service

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Following 2 ½ years of construction, TriMet’s Division Transit Project is nearly complete, with better bus service benefiting communities from Gresham to Downtown Portland just 100 days away

With construction of the Division Transit Project nearly complete, we’re counting down 100 days to the launch of our new TriMet FX™, or Frequent Express, bus service. FX means better TriMet bus service for the Division Street corridor, stretching between Gresham and Downtown Portland. 

When FX2-Division opens on September 18, it will give transit riders in our region a faster, more reliable and convenient way to get around. FX has new, longer buses with multiple-door boarding; enhanced stations with seating and TransitTracker™ displays; and will use special signals, signs and lanes on Division Street, to help riders keep moving when the cars around their bus are stuck in traffic. 

Construction of the Division Transit Project kicked off in early 2020. As of June, we have completed the majority of construction, and the project remains on time and under budget. Now, with FX2-Division’s official opening in just 100 days, we’re adding up the many benefits, not just for transit riders but everyone who shares the road.

Division Transit Project by the numbers

Bigger buses with 60% more space on board for riders

TriMet will use longer, articulated buses for FX2-Division service

FX2-Division will use 60-foot buses, with 60% more room on board than an average bus. Even though the buses are longer, they are the same width as a 40-foot bus, but with a “bendy” or articulated section to help with safe turns. Our 31 new FX buses are the first articulated buses to join TriMet’s fleet in more than 20 years!

We are using renewable diesel to fuel all of our FX buses as well as all of our diesel buses. Renewable diesel is a cleaner, low-carbon fuel resulting in dramatically less greenhouse gas emissions. This makes our buses an even more environmentally friendly travel option than ever before.

Up to 20% improvement in bus travel times between Gresham and Downtown Portland! 

FX2-Division buses will use Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, to cross the Willamette River

One of the biggest benefits of our FX service is faster service and with FX2-Division, we’re keeping buses moving with: 

  • Transit priority: We worked with our transportation partners at the cities of Portland and Gresham to incorporate special signals, signs and lanes in key locations to help buses skip past traffic and keep riders moving
  • All-door boarding: FX buses have three doors for faster boarding to let riders pay their fare, hop on board and get going
  • Bikes on board: With space on board for bikes, there’s no need to stop and load your bike on the front of the bus

Better frequency, with buses arriving every 12 minutes

We’re making our Frequent Service even better with the launch of FX2-Division. Riders will see buses arriving every 12 minutes.

More than 80 bus stop stations with features that make riding easier and more convenient

We’ve constructed 42 pairs of bus stop stations to serve riders on Division, between Gresham’s Cleveland Park and Ride and Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People. Stations are located in areas with highest ridership to help reduce travel time while providing important transit connections to MAX and many other bus lines. They include features such as seating, lighting, rain and wind protection, TransitTracker™ displays and trash cans. They are all ADA-accessible.

More than 80,000 square feet of improved sidewalks, 4.5 miles of protected bike lanes 11 new marked crosswalks and more, to make our community safer for all who share the road

Crews build the curb line for a protected bike lane at Southeast 122nd and Division

We thank our partners with the cities of Gresham and Portland for their partnership throughout construction of the Division Transit Project and their support for better bus service in the Division Street corridor. When transit is fast, reliable and convenient, people are more likely to ride. And, with more people choosing our service, there’s less traffic and air pollution, contributing to more livable communities throughout our region.

TriMet also thanks our prime contractor, Raimore Construction, and regional transportation partners, who worked through challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the project moving forward through two years of unprecedented challenges.

With physical construction of the Division Transit Project substantially complete, crews are focused on finishing work, including installing electrical components, station lighting, shelter glass and railing at some locations. FX2-Division officially opens for service on Sunday, Sept. 18. 

Steer your career

Bus operator, Tiffany Pitre

TriMet is hiring bus operators. If you can see yourself behind the wheel of an FX bus, 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! New operators earn $25.24 an hour 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.