Alan Lehto becomes TriMet’s Executive Director of Planning as Oregon’s largest public transit agency pursues service efficiencies and cuts, reduces internal spending to help close a $300 million budget gap
TriMet has selected Alan Lehto to serve as our Executive Director of Planning. Lehto joined TriMet in 1999 and has worked in planning from day one. His promotion comes at a critical time in TriMet’s history. In his new role, Lehto will oversee the agency’s complex process of bringing service in line with funding.
Lehto will lead the planning to make our transit system more efficient as well as to identify future service cuts. TriMet has committed to resolve a $300 million annual budget gap by July 1, 2028, through reductions in internal and service spending and increases in revenue.
Lehto brings nearly three decades of experience to the role, including planning TriMet’s business strategy, service, capital projects, bus stops placement and state of good repair projects. Before TriMet, Lehto spent almost five years as a consultant, where he was mentored by author and renowned international consultant on public transportation, Jarrett Walker.
TriMet did not previously have an Executive Director of Planning. Lehto is the first. His promotion is part of a larger reorganization at the executive level of TriMet, driven by cost savings and led by General Manager Sam Desue Jr.
“Alan knows our transit system better than almost anyone. After all, he’s been studying our growth and development for 30 years,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “His leadership comes at a critical time for TriMet, as we balance tough financial decisions with our obligation to provide public transit service that keeps people connected with what’s important in their lives.”
“I want to help TriMet be the best it can be at providing service to people who need it and providing service that helps support current life and future growth,” said Lehto. “People need to get to work, medical appointments and grocery stores. We need to do it efficiently, effectively, safely and in a way that makes people want to ride.”
As Executive Director of Planning, he will oversee TriMet’s planning work for service, long-range assets and sustainability efforts. Lehto reports to TriMet’s Chief Planning and Strategy Officer Claire Khouri.
Lehto holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Cornell University, a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin Madison and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University.
