With the 2025 increase to the federal poverty rate, more people across TriMet’s tri-county service area qualify for reduced fare based on income
During a time when groceries, electricity bills and other expenses are going up, bring monthly costs down by riding TriMet. TriMet’s Honored Citizen reduced fare allows for unlimited rides for $28 a month for those who qualify. More people signed up to ride with TriMet’s reduced fare based on their income in 2024 than ever before, and now a change in the federal poverty level gives even more people the opportunity to ride for less.
More people qualify in 2025
To qualify for Honored Citizen reduced fare based on income, you must be an Oregon resident between the ages of 18 and 64 and earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level. New 2025 income guidelines increased the federal poverty rate, which means the income level for those who qualify for TriMet’s reduced fare went up by more than a thousand dollars to $31,300 per year. Those who participate in an assistance program such as the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also qualify.
It is easy to enroll. Go to trimet.org/income to fill out an application online and find a list of locations to get in-person help Those include the TriMet Customer Support Center, Portland State University Transportation Office and five Worksource Portland locations. Once enrolled, receive a personalized Honored Citizen Hop card pre-loaded with a month’s fare —$28 —at no cost. The card and first month of rides are free!
With your Hop card in hand, start saving! Just remember to tap with every ride. The tap serves as proof of fare.
More people signed up in 2024
Last year, more than 15,500 people took steps to reduce their transportation costs with TriMet’s Honored Citizen reduced fare based on income. That is the highest number of new sign-ups we have ever seen since we added the income qualification in 2018. Where did all of those riders come from? The biggest driver was students returning to in-person classes at local colleges and universities following the COVID-19 pandemic. It makes sense. Whether it’s school, work, shopping or vital services, every ride on TriMet connects you with opportunity.
More assistance available for those who need it
TriMet also has reduced fare options for Youth ages 7 to 17, and our Honored Citizen fare is also available to those who are 65+, on Medicare or experiencing a verifiable disability. Honored Citizen reduced fare is also available to active duty, reserve and veteran members of the United States Armed Forces.
More partnerships providing free and reduced fares
For some facing challenges like housing and hunger, $28 per month is a hardship. That is why we partner with nearly 150 community-based organizations, agencies and service providers throughout our region to put free and reduced fare into the hands of those who need it. Since 2015, we have provided more than $15.3 million in assistance through our Access Transit Fare programs. These programs were designed to increase independence, improve access to employment and employment resources and provide connections for thousands of people in our community with low and limited incomes.
