Expansion builds on past success improving elevator cleanliness, reliability and safety by limiting access to riders only
Beginning Tuesday, May 5, TriMet will expand secured elevators for TriMet riders to seven new locations — part of our ongoing efforts to enhance safety, cleanliness and reliability across our transit system. For parents using strollers and people with mobility challenges, elevators provide a crucial connection to our service.
The new locations for secured elevators:
- Clackamas Town Center Parking Garage
- Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center Park & Ride
- Gresham Central Parking Garage
- SE Bybee Blvd MAX Station
- SE Park Ave Park & Ride
- Sunset Transit Center MAX Station
- Sunset Transit Center Park & Ride
TriMet began a pilot project limiting elevator use to people with a valid form of fare payment in summer 2023. It has since been rolled out in phases, starting with the Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave MAX Station, followed by elevators at the NE 60th Ave and NE 82nd Ave MAX stations in 2025.
TriMet operates elevators across our transit system, providing vital connections at stations, transit centers and parking garages. For more information about our elevators, or to sign up for alerts, visit trimet.org/elevators.
The ‘how’ and ‘why’ of securing elevators
To use a secured elevator, riders must first tap their fare payment — their virtual or physical Hop card, contactless bankcard or digital wallet — against a black card reader, then press the elevator button. The tap activates the elevator but there is no charge. Riders must then tap their fare payment against a green Hop reader to validate their fare before boarding.
Riders who pay in cash for bus fare receive a paper transfer ticket with a scannable QR code. With these paper tickets, riders hold the QR code side up beneath the reader, where it is scanned to provide access to the elevator.
Tip: For the best results, hold your ticket featuring a QR code about six inches from the scanner.
There may be a slight delay if the elevator has to go up or down.
By limiting elevator use to only those who are using our transit system, we can help keep them cleaner and more reliable for those who depend on them.
Fostering an orderly system
TriMet doesn’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach to security. We use a multi-layered strategy, using dedicated teams, tools and technology to maintain a safe and secure system.
Recent advancements have included:
- Security Operations Center: Dispatchers respond to calls and deploy the appropriate personnel. They use thousands of security cameras and an integrated communications platform to monitor the system.
- Security hotline: We encourage riders who see unacceptable behavior or conditions to text or call our 24/7 security hotline: 503-238-7433 (RIDE). For emergencies requiring police assistance, please contact 911 immediately.
- Blue-light security phones: First introduced in October 2024, 59 blue-light security phones are now installed across the system, with 31 more on the way. They give the public a direct line of communication to TriMet’s Security Operations Center. Each phone is equipped with a live camera. Their bright blue lights serve as a deterrent, signaling that help is nearby. Dispatchers can also use the phones’ speakers to communicate to people on the platform if they see inappropriate or illegal behavior.
- Live-view cameras: More than 3,500 live-view cameras are on the system, most of which have been upgraded to provide high-definition video feeds.
- Improved lighting: Lighting has been improved at 90% of MAX stations, transit centers and Park & Rides since 2021.
By applying a broad public safety approach — using new technologies such as secured elevators or our blue-light security phones — TriMet continues to adapt to our community’s evolving needs to foster a safe, orderly system.
For more information, visit trimet.org/elevatoraccess