Seniors, people with disabilities in south Gresham begin using on-demand transit to connect with neighborhood destinations and TriMet fixed-route services

What if riding public transit was as easy as using ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft?

Enter TriMet NEXT: an on-demand transit service to help seniors and people with disabilities make connections with their community. TriMet is launching a public pilot of the new service in the South Gresham and Powell Valley neighborhoods of Gresham.

TriMet NEXT is micro transit. It is great for quick trips to destinations within our pilot project service area. It can also be used to connect with our fixed-route services at transit centers and hubs, providing access to an additional 79 bus lines, five MAX lines and WES commuter rail, for travel across our 533-square-mile service area.

“TriMet NEXT is about convenience, connectivity and independence,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “It’s also about freedom — the freedom to connect with your community on your schedule, with a trusted transportation provider that’s known for safe, affordable transit service!”

Your NEXT ride is right around the corner!

With TriMet NEXT, there is no heading to a stop to wait for the bus. The bus comes to you!

All you need to get started is the free TriMet NEXT app! Download it in the Apple App or Google Play stores. Plug in your starting location and destination, and we’ll send our next available vehicle to you.

We’ll also let you know when the bus will arrive — typically within 30 minutes! TriMet NEXT is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It provides service seven days a week, including on holidays.

No app? No problem. With TriMet NEXT, you can also reserve trips online at trimet.org/next or by calling 503-962-5959.

“I applaud TriMet’s courage for looking at ways that we can solve challenges folks face in our communities,” said Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall. “There’s something called the last mile, and it’s often a challenge for people, connecting that last mile of transportation with our homes and business, and this is a solution that helps in that access.”

Just as easy to use and much more affordable

While there are many similarities between TriMet NEXT and popular ride-hailing apps, there are some beneficial differences as well:

• Cost: The fare for TriMet NEXT is the same as our fixed-route services. You will never be charged more than $2.80 to ride 2½ hours with Adult fare and $1.40 for Honored Citizen fare, which is available to adults over 65 and those with disabilities who have signed up for the reduced fare. There is no surge pricing with TriMet. TriMet NEXT fare transfers seamlessly to our fixed-route network.
• Savings: Like our fixed-route buses and trains, TriMet NEXT uses Hop Fastpass®. Hop is an electronic fare system that makes it easy to pay fare with a physical Hop card, virtual Hop card or a contactless debit or credit card. It also helps you save money, ensuring you never pay more than you should to ride.   
• Peace of mind: When you ride with TriMet NEXT, you know your driver is always going to be a professional transit operator who has undergone a background check. Rides take place on smaller, accessible paratransit buses that have space for up to six people and multiple mobility devices. TriMet NEXT operators will help riders secure mobility devices on board, if requested.

Pilot expands after early success with LIFT

We first rolled out TriMet NEXT in April to our LIFT paratransit riders, who have access to a larger service area. In the first month, they gave the service a 100% satisfaction rating. Then in mid-May, we opened the service in south Gresham, to riders who are 65 and older or have a disability and are not currently registered for LIFT.

TriMet has two bus lines that serve south Gresham neighborhoods on weekdays, with buses running during the busiest service hours of the morning and afternoon. TriMet NEXT helps bridge the gaps, greatly expanding opportunities to access transit throughout the day, on weekends and holidays!

TriMet NEXT makes same-day transit service available to some of our most vulnerable riders, for the first time. Whereas LIFT paratransit trips must be booked at least a day in advance, TriMet NEXT provides the freedom to get around the community on your schedule. With TriMet NEXT, running around town is not only safe and affordable; it is more convenient than ever.

“This is the end of my dream. We have same-day service now.” said TriMet Committee on Accessible Transportation (CAT) Chair, Jan Campbell. “And it’s not just that the service is accessible, it’s also equitable.”

Share your feedback and help us improve!

TriMet is always looking for ways to better serve our riders, and we want to hear about your experience with TriMet NEXT. You can leave comments in the app, or contact the TriMet Customer Service team at 503-238-7433 (RIDE) or trimet.org/hello.

We will be making adjustments to improve service throughout the pilot project based on public feedback. If the program’s success continues as we expect, we will be looking for additional areas to roll out TriMet NEXT.