TriMet launches public engagement for possible January 2024 fare increase

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Public feedback will help inform fare increase proposal that TriMet Board of Directors is expected to vote on in May 2023

TriMet wants to hear from riders and the community about a possible fare increase that would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. The TriMet Board of Directors has asked staff to formalize a fare increase proposal for consideration at its May 24, 2023 business meeting. Public feedback gathered online and in person will help inform the final proposal that is brought before the Board.

No increase in base fare in more than a decade

While costs have gone up for fuel, water, garbage, utility, grocery and other services and products over the last decade, TriMet’s adult fare has stayed the same—at 2012 prices. That’s despite inflation and a 37% increase in the cost of running and maintaining our transit system. Among the rise in costs we’ve experienced, TriMet’s average cost for a gallon of fuel was 18% higher in the past year than in fiscal year 2018, and since mid-2021, we’ve seen a 10%-25% increase in prices for many of the parts and components for our buses and trains. 

After holding off on increasing our adult fare for as long as possible, a fare increase will help stabilize our financial future so that TriMet can continue providing the transit service our community relies on.

January 2024 fare increase proposal

Currently, the proposal calls for the following increases to begin Jan. 1, 2024:

  • Adult 2 ½ Hour Ticket: up 30 cents to $2.80
  • Honored Citizen 2 ½ Hour Ticket: up 15 cents to $1.40
  • Youth 2 ½ Hour Ticket: up 15 cents to $1.40
  • LIFT paratransit Single Ride Ticket: up 30 cents to $2.80

An all-day pass would still be the cost of two tickets, increasing accordingly:

  • Adult Day Pass: up 60 cents to $5.60
  • Honored Citizen Day Pass: up 30 cents to $2.80
  • Youth Day Pass: up 30 cents to $2.80

The proposal calls for no change to monthly and annual fares.  

Public outreach and engagement underway through Feb. 25, 2023

TriMet is kicking off a robust outreach and engagement effort to gather feedback about the fare increase proposal and how it might impact riders. There are a number of ways to share your thoughts, including an online survey, which is available in 13 languages, and in-person and virtual open houses.

Feedback  opportunities

  • In-Person Open House:
    • Jan. 17, 4-6 p.m. – University of Oregon-Portland, 70 NW Couch St., Portland
    • Jan. 18, 5-7 p.m. – St. Philip Neri Church, 2408 SE 16th Ave., Portland
    • Jan. 19, 12-4 p.m. – Rosewood Initiative, 14127 SE Stark St., Portland
    • Jan. 24, 5-7 p.m. – Clackamas Community College-Harmony, 7738 SE Harmony Rd., Milwaukie
    • Jan. 25, 5-7 p.m. – Washington St. Conference Center, 102 SW Washington St., Hillsboro
    • Jan. 26, 5-7 p.m. – Fairview City Hall, 1300 NE Village St., Fairview
    • Feb. 1, 5-7 p.m. – Muslim Educational Trust, 10330 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., Tigard

    Go to trimet.org/fareproposal for details about the open houses.
  • Virtual Open House:
    • Jan. 18, 8-9 a.m.
    • Jan. 28, 9-10 a.m.
    • Jan. 28, 1:30-3 p.m.
    • Feb. 4, 9-10 a.m.

    Go to trimet.org/fareproposal for details about the virtual events.
  • TriMet Board Meetings:
    • Sign up to speak at the public forum at the start of a monthly meeting of the TriMet Board of Directors.
    • People will also be able to testify after the reading of the fare increase ordinance at the Board’s April 26, 2023 meeting and during the public forum at the Board’s May 24, 2023 meeting.

    Go to trimet.org/meetings/board for details.
  • Phone:
    • 503-238-RIDE (7433)
  • Email:
  • Mail:
    • TriMet Customer Service
      4012 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

Community partnerships, reduced fares help people afford transit

TriMet understands a fare increase may be challenging for those on low and limited incomes, and we will continue our reduced fare program and other Access Transit programs that have been helping people who are struggling financially for years now.

TriMet’s Honored Citizen reduced fare program allows seniors, those with disabilities and those who earn a low income to ride daily for half the cost of an adult fare, and up to 72% less a month. For frequent riders who use day passes five days a week, our Hop Fastpass™ monthly fare capping means they pay just 70 cents a day for the calendar month. In addition to that, those who qualify for the Honored Citizen reduced fare program based on their income level receive a free month of rides when they register for the program or re-enroll annually.

Since July 2018, when TriMet expanded the reduced fare program to those making up to 200% of the federal poverty level, more than 46,000 people have signed up. Learn more at trimet.org/income.

Since 2013, TriMet’s Access Transit programs have provided fare assistance and fare relief grants to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit and community-based organizations. We give more than 100 organizations fares at a reduced cost or at no cost, so they can get them into the hands of those who need them, along with other support the organizations provide. Since 2015, TriMet has provided those community partners with more than $12.2 million in fares. Learn more at trimet.org/accesstransit. 

While TriMet’s youth fare for those ages 7 through 17 is half the cost of an adult fare, we also have programs for high schools to provide students free or discounted fares. Learn more at trimet.org/accesstransit. Youth age 6 and under ride free with an accompanying adult.  

Timeline for proposed fare increase

The first reading of the ordinance for the fare increase proposal will occur at the TriMet’s Board’s April 26, 2023 meeting, with a second reading and vote at its May 24, 2023 meeting.  All public comment will be shared with the Board before then.

Why fares are required

TriMet fares are an important source of funding for operations, and it is why we are able to provide extensive transit service across a 533-square-mile section of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties nearly 22 hours a day, 7 days a week.

TriMet more often hears from riders who want more service, rather than free service. In addition to operations, fares help pay for the buses and trains you ride in, the maintenance of those vehicles and the tracks our MAX trains run on, the shelters and benches at stops and stations, the information about when your bus or train will arrive, and so much more.