TriMet Board to hear additional feedback on service proposals and FY2027 budget as it considers proposed service changes to 34 lines, including updated proposals affecting 12 lines
TriMet is releasing an updated package of service proposals that will go to our Board of Directors for consideration as we continue efforts to balance our budget in the face of rising costs and sluggish revenues.
With steep cost increases, less revenue coming in from fares and projections showing all of our funding streams lower than expected, service cuts are a difficult but necessary step toward our long-term financial stability. By taking action now, we will preserve vital transit service to jobs, schools, services and other important destinations across our 533-square-mile service district for decades to come.
Updated service changes and cuts proposed for Aug. 23, 2026
TriMet released service proposals in January outlining a number of changes and cuts to our service. Following extensive community engagement, including 13 open house events and a survey that drew more than 8,100 responses, our final package makes changes to 34 lines. That includes updated proposals affecting 12 lines.
Among the largest changes made to the proposals, we now plan to:
- Continue Line 19 service along NE Glisan Street to serve Providence Portland Medical Center
- Adjust proposed Line 10 route to run on SE Duke Street and adjust hours to maintain transit service for students at Portland Public Schools’ Community Transition Program
- Maintain Line 97 serving Tualatin-Sherwood Road and extending north to Barbur Transit Center
Updated proposals adjust the plans for the following lines: 10, 16, 19, 29, 34, 38, 58, 63, 97 and 156. We have dropped proposed changes to lines 22 and 23. Details of all the proposals, including the adjusted ones and updated maps are posted at trimet.org/servicecuts. All but one of the proposed changes will take effect Aug. 23, 2026, if approved.
The proposed changes remain centered on network efficiency, combining lines or reducing where lines run near others, eliminating some bus lines and moving routes. Our goal is maintaining as much service as possible while focusing our service investment where it is needed and used most.
Community feedback shapes service plans
TriMet appreciates those who took the time to learn about the financial challenges we face and share their feedback as we take necessary actions to bring service spending in line with resources.
We know our transit service matters. Community feedback received during two rounds of engagement has helped guide and inform the changes and cuts we have proposed. Among that engagement, our fall 2025 Service Priorities Survey and our January 2026 Service Cut Proposal Feedback Survey received nearly 13,000 responses combined. After launching our initial service proposals online at trimet.org/servicecuts, the web page was viewed more than 287,000 times.
With a mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and accessible service, any reduction is always our last resort. But we must reduce service levels by at least 10% to bring them in line with operating revenue. The proposed changes for August 2026 represent about a 5% reduction with more service cuts expected in 2027.
Weigh in
The TriMet Board of Directors is now considering these proposed changes as part of our Fiscal Year 2027 service plan. The Board will vote on an ordinance approving the plan on April 22, 2026. Provide comments ahead of that vote through email to boardtestimony@trimet.org or at a Board meeting:
- 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 18: Board listening session
- 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 25: Board business meeting and public hearing
Preregister to provide virtual or in-person testimony at trimet.org/meetings/board. Preregistration closes at noon the day prior to a meeting. Also view the service plan ordinance and accompanying reports at trimet.org/meetings/board.
The financial plan for our next fiscal year
TriMet is releasing our proposed budget for the coming fiscal year — July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. It continues to rely on reserve funds to preserve the core transit service essential to our riders, employees and the regional economy while we work to balance our expenses with our resources.
While the proposed budget absorbs the initial measures TriMet has taken to cut spending, including reducing internal expenses and staff, it does not reflect all upcoming cost-cutting efforts. That includes the service changes proposed to take effect in August since the TriMet Board has yet to approve them. Also, TriMet leadership is currently finalizing another round of internal spending cuts as well as a staffing reduction that will include another round of layoffs.
Those service and internal spending cuts will be included in the budget when it goes to the TriMet Board for adoption in May. Because of that, the FY2027 adopted budget is expected to come in less than the current proposed budget.
View the budget and learn how to provide feedback at trimet.org/budget. Public comment on the proposed budget is open through noon, March 24 or at the TriMet Board’s March 25 business meeting. Preregister at trimet.org/meetings/board to provide virtual or in-person testimony. Registration closes at noon the day prior to a meeting. Or submit comments online at support.trimet.org, via email to boardtestimony@trimet.org or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE).