TriMet News

Tyler Graf

  • Deck the halls — not the roads — with TriMet as your sleigh this holiday season

    TriMet can take you to the best seasonal events without the hassle of parking, but always remember to plan ahead

    The holiday season is back, and so are the festivities that come with it. Whether you’re heading to Portland’s annual Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square, holiday events around the region or doing a little seasonal shopping, avoid the hassle of traffic and parking by letting TriMet take the reins. With us in the driver’s seat, you can relax and focus on what really matters: getting into the holiday spirit!

    Kick off the holidays with Portland’s Tree Lighting

    Pioneer Square North, for westbound trains.

    The holiday magic begins with a dazzling display of light on Friday, Nov. 29, when Portland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony transforms Pioneer Courthouse Square into a festive wonderland. This annual tradition, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., also features Portland’s largest holiday sing-along with Pink Martini. With as many as 25,000 people expected to fill the square, some MAX stations will close from 3 p.m. to approximately 7 p.m. for safety:

    • Pioneer Square North
    • Pioneer Square South
    • Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave Station
    Pioneer Square South, for eastbound trains.

    Make sure to plan ahead at trimet.org! To reach the Pioneer Courthouse Square, exit MAX one stop before or after: Library/SW 9th, heading eastbound; Morrison/SW 3rd, heading westbound; and SW 6th & Madison, heading north.

    All MAX lines may experience delays, and buses will detour off Southwest 6th Avenue until crowds clear out. Extra TriMet personnel will be on-site to assist, provide security and keep everything running smoothly.

    Light up your holidays

    This holiday season, let TriMet be part of your celebrations across the region. We’ll handle the transportation while you focus on the joy, lights and memories that make this time of year magical. It’s the most affordable and convenient way to travel. Now is the perfect time to leave the driving to us. Here’s what you need to know:

    • Adult fare is $2.80 for 2½ hours or $5.60 for all day. All day Honored Citizen reduced fare and Youth Day Passes are $2.80, and for 2½ hours, they are $1.40.
    • You can pay with a Hop Fastpass™ card, a debit/credit card or a contactless payment using your mobile phone. Each  payment device will act as your proof of fare. 
    • Always tap your Hop card, credit/debit card or contactless payment to the green hop reader before boarding. You will never be charged more than the cost of a Day Pass. 

    In addition to Portland’s Tree Lighting, TriMet can take you to many of the other light displays around the region:

    • Milwaukie Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting: Celebrate the holidays in Milwaukie on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, with the Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting. Decorate your umbrella and join the fun — no registration required! The parade starts at 4:30 p.m. in South Downtown Plaza (11222 SE Main St.) and ends at historic City Hall with a 5:15 p.m. tree lighting. The City Hall/SW 5th Ave MAX Station, serving the MAX Orange Line, is less than a quarter mile away.
    • Rockwood Spirit of Christmas: Rockwood will transform into its own North Pole on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, with the Spirit of Christmas at Gresham Arts Plaza (401 NE Second St.). With crafting activities and events all day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Spirit of Christmas will be capped off by a 6 p.m. tree lighting. Take TriMet for an easy trip. The Gresham Central Transit Center, serving the MAX Blue Line, is just a quarter mile away.
    • ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo: The annual tradition returns, bigger and brighter than ever. This year promises new displays plus old favorites, with a brand-new magical meadow light show. The dazzling displays will light up through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. The MAX Blue and Red lines stop every few minutes at the Washington Park MAX Station, with a surface-level plaza steps away from the zoo.

    With more people traveling during the holidays, we’ll be looking out for your safety. If you witness or experience inappropriate or disruptive behavior, see broken or vandalized equipment or have anything you would like to report, don’t hesitate to reach out to our security hotline. You can text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) 24 hours a day to reach someone in our Security Operations Center. 

    TriMet keeps you skating

    Back by popular demand, Portland’s Woodsy Winter Village — featuring an enchanting ice rink and holiday marketplace — returns to Southwest Naito Parkway near the west end of the Morrison Bridge. Woodsy Winter Village offers an ice rink that will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except on Christmas Day.

    With MAX Blue and Red line stations just a short walk away, as well as nearby stops for Line 15-Belmont/NW 23rd, getting there is a breeze. The Portland Transit Mall, offering access to multiple bus and rail lines, is also within half a mile.

    Other ice skating rinks open this year include:

    Lloyd Center Ice Rink: Conveniently located near MAX Blue, Green, and Red lines at the Lloyd Center/NE 11th Ave MAX Station, plus multiple bus routes, the Lloyd Center offers public skate hours daily.

    OMSI on Ice: For a unique indoor skating experience on a synthetic ice rink, head to OMSI. The museum is served by the MAX Orange Line (South Waterfront/S Moody), the Portland Streetcar and bus lines 9, 17, 35 and 36. Ice skating will be available between Nov 23, 2024 and Jan 1, 2025. 

    Winter Village at Orenco Station: From Nov. 30, 2024, to Jan. 12, 2025, enjoy outdoor ice skating at Jerry Willey Plaza in Hillsboro. This event offers open skate sessions, private rentals and festive theme Fridays. It’s located just feet away from the Orenco MAX Station, served by the MAX Blue and Red lines as well as Line 47-Main/Evergreen.

    Stay safe and shine bright

    The holidays can be dazzling — and possibly distracting. As you navigate busy streets and MAX platforms, stay alert this holiday season and remember to:

    • Stop and look both ways at crossings.
    • Avoid blocking your view with hoods or umbrellas.
    • Wear reflective clothing or carry a light to stay visible during dark evenings.

    Stay aware and alert when you’re riding this holiday season. Riders may experience more crowded buses and trains than usual, with more people expected to be out shopping or going to tree lightings and other holiday events. Trips may also take longer due to increased traffic. 

    If you see something unusual, let us know. For non-urgent concerns, text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) anytime. Save the number to your contacts for easier access. For emergencies, alert the operator or dial 911. Learn more about staying safe at trimet.org/security.

    Plan ahead for the holidays

    The holidays bring bustling crowds, and that can mean occasional travel delays no matter your mode of transportation. Patience is key, especially when visiting popular spots or attending big events. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Use trimet.org to plan your trip and track your ride in real time. Be sure to check trimet.org/alerts before you go for the latest service updates.

  • TriMet seeks community feedback on future development of two eastside park and rides

    Feedback to help form potential development plans near  E 122nd/Menlo Park and E 181st Ave stations

    TriMet is seeking community input on two new potential developments — one at the E 122nd/Menlo Park Park & Ride and the other at our E 181st Ave Park & Ride. We are exploring opportunities to reimagine how the park and rides are used, as we look to boost transit ridership and create benefits for the surrounding neighborhoods.

    Community input will help shape the vision for these locations through TriMet’s Transit-Oriented Development program. The program works with local partners to create mixed-use and mixed-income developments that enhance neighborhoods located near our transit service.

    Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts on the types of development they would like to see at these sites. TriMet will hold in-person open houses on Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Thursday, Dec. 5. Feedback can also be submitted by emailing tod@trimet.org or visiting trimet.org/tod/parkandrides.

    The feedback collected will be considered alongside real estate market data, building code regulations and zoning requirements to recommend ideas to potential developers. This early planning work is funded by a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant.

    Open House Information

    181st Ave Park & Ride

    When: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-7:30 p.m.

    Where: Rockwood Market Hall, 458 SE 185th Ave, Portland

    122nd Ave/Menlo Park Park & Ride

    hen: Thursday, Dec. 5,  6-7:30 p.m.

    Where: East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave, Portland

    Building communities through park and rides

    The completed Fuller Station Apartments, located along the MAX Green Line.

    TriMet’s service area covers 26 cities across three different counties, and each of these have their own land use and transportation systems. This makes collaboration and partnership essential to TriMet’s planning process. Our Transit-Oriented Development Plan is designed to guide our processes, actions and priorities for development on TriMet-owned properties, including park and rides.

    As part of TriMet’s property portfolio, park and rides can, at times, serve as suitable locations for development due to their accessibility to public transit. That was the thought behind the development of the Fuller Station Apartments in Happy Valley, a 100-unit affordable housing complex built on a portion of the MAX Green Line’s SE Fuller Rd MAX Station Park & Ride. The 129,000-square-foot building offers apartments to people who earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income.

    A rendering of Multnomah County’s East County Library, under construction at the Gresham City Hall Park & Ride along the MAX Blue Line.

    Another project is taking shape on a TriMet parking facility in Gresham. In the summer of 2023, the underused Gresham City Hall Park & Ride closed to make room for Multnomah County’s new East County Library, a 95,000 square foot building currently under construction, less than 200 feet from the Gresham City Hall MAX station. The new East County Library is scheduled to open in the spring 2026. 

    Transit-Oriented Development

    TriMet’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) program focuses on creating vibrant, walkable communities near transit stations. By transforming underused properties into mixed-use spaces, the program aims to provide housing and commercial spaces that enhance the surrounding neighborhoods.

    Projects developed under the Transit-Oriented Development program prioritize accessibility and sustainability while emphasizing community connections. Through collaborations with local governments, developers and community members, Transit-Oriented Development initiatives support regional growth, reduce reliance on cars and contribute to a greener future.

    The exploration of new possibilities next to our E 122nd/Menlo Park and E 181st Ave MAX stations is another step forward in TriMet’s commitment to urban development.

    For more information about TriMet’s TOD program and updates on these projects, visit trimet.org/tod.

  • TriMet lanzará nuevas máquinas expendedoras para mejorar el acceso a las tarjetas de tarifa Hop Fastpass

    Las máquinas con pantalla táctil permitirán obtener tarjetas Hop en las estaciones y reemplazarán los boletos de papel

    In English

    TriMet lanzará una forma más conveniente de comprar y recargar las tarjetas de tarifa Hop a partir en diciembre, con la introducción de nuevas máquinas expendedoras con pantalla táctil en cinco ubicaciones. Estas permitirán a los pasajeros comprar y recargar tarjetas Hop plásticas en las estaciones de MAX y centros de transporte, en lugar de los boletos de papel.

    Con la introducción de las nuevas máquinas para tarjetas de tarifa, los pasajeros tendrán una forma más conveniente de comprar una tarjeta Hop, recargarla con efectivo, tarjeta de crédito o débito.

    Después de una fase piloto inicial de las nuevas máquinas, que durará hasta principios de 2025, planeamos comenzar a reemplazar todas las máquinas expendedoras de boletos en el sistema MAX en febrero de 2025, a medida que eliminamos nuestras máquinas expendedoras de boletos para mejorar la confiabilidad.

    Nuevas máquinas de tarjetas de tarifa: Lo que necesita saber

    Las primeras máquinas nuevas se instalarán en cinco ubicaciones: Willow Creek Transit Center, Beaverton Transit Center, Rose Quarter Transit Center, Gateway Transit Center y Portland International Airport. Aunque la instalación de las máquinas comenzará el miércoles 20 de noviembre, no estarán listas para que los pasajeros las usen hasta diciembre. 

    Las máquinas ofrecerán tarjetas para Adultos, así como para Ciudadanos Honrados (aquellos de 65 años o más o que reciben Medicare) y tarifas para Jóvenes. Todas las nuevas tarjetas compradas costarán $3, pero una vez que tenga la tarjeta, no habrá tarifas adicionales por servicio. Simplemente recárguela en una de las máquinas o en línea en myhopcard.com. También hay una opción para configurar recarga automática.

    Uso de las máquinas de tarjetas Hop en 6 sencillos pasos

    Las nuevas máquinas expendedoras de tarjetas Hop tendrán un diseño actualizado y más opciones para los pasajeros. Sabemos que esto será un cambio para los pasajeros. Por eso estamos aquí para explicarle cómo funcionan: 

    1.     Toque la pantalla para comenzar: Presione cualquier parte de la pantalla para comenzar cuando vea el protector de pantalla.

    2.      Elija “comprar” o “recargar”: Seleccione “Comprar una nueva tarjeta Hop” si necesita una o “Recargar su tarjeta Hop” si ya tiene una. Si está comprando una tarjeta Hop nueva, una vez comprada, caerá en el compartimento en la parte inferior de la máquina.

    3.     Cargar o recargar su tarjeta: Para cargar la tarjeta nueva o recargar una tarjeta Hop existente, toque su tarjeta en el lector debajo de la pantalla.

    4.      Seleccione el monto de carga: Elija entre las opciones de carga rápida o cargue cualquier monto entre $1.40 y $250.

    5.      Complete el pago: Siga las instrucciones para pagar con efectivo, tarjeta de débito o crédito, o una tarjeta sin contacto en su dispositivo móvil. La máquina NO DA cambio cuando paga en efectivo.  

    6.     Toque cada vez que suba: Recuerde, tocar el lector Hop cada vez que suba o haga transbordo. El toque de su tarjeta Hop es su prueba de pago.

    TriMet tendrá personal en las estaciones y centros de transporte durante el lanzamiento inicial para ayudar a los pasajeros con el proceso y si tienen preguntas.

    Para mejorar la accesibilidad, las máquinas ofrecen opciones de idioma en español, coreano, vietnamita, ruso y chino. Para los pasajeros con dificultades visuales tienen a su disposición instrucciones sonoras. Además, los botones y letreros están marcados en Braille y letras en relieve.

    Las primeras cinco máquinas forman parte de un proyecto piloto. Haremos los ajustes necesarios antes de comenzar a agregar las máquinas de tarjetas Hop a más estaciones de MAX y centros de transporte en febrero, mientras eliminamos las máquinas expendedoras de boletos de papel en 2025.

    Mejorando la conveniencia y accesibilidad de las tarjetas Hop

    Una opción más conveniente para los pasajeros será comprar tarjetas de Hop directamente en las estaciones MAX o centros de transporte. Actualmente, las tarjetas de Hop recargables están disponibles en cientos de supermercados, farmacias y tiendas de conveniencia en toda el área metropolitana. Sin embargo, con las máquinas de la tarjeta Hop en las estaciones, los pasajeros tendrán acceso a las tarjetas cuando y donde más las necesiten, con una opción fácil para recargarlas, especialmente para aquellos que pagan en efectivo o con tarjeta. En total, se agregarán 169 máquinas en las estaciones por todo el sistema de MAX.

    La tarjeta Hop ofrece a los pasajeros el control sobre cómo viajan con tranquilidad, sabiendo que nunca pagarán de más. Nunca tiene que pagar más que el costo de un pase diario por un solo día o un pase mensual por un mes calendario.

    ¿Por qué cambiar de boletos de papel a tarjetas

    La introducción de las máquinas de las tarjetas Hop significará que retiraremos nuestros boletos de papel que se venden en las estaciones. Aunque estas máquinas nos han servido bien durante décadas, están obsoletas, ya que las piezas ya no se fabrican. Las nuevas máquinas para tarjetas de tarifa serán más confiables y ofrecerán a los pasajeros más opciones. Usando las máquinas, podrán comprar o recargar rápidamente una tarjeta usando tarjetas de crédito/débito o en efectivo.

    Estas viejas máquinas solo emitían boletos que no se podían reutilizar después de un día. Además, Estas máquinas antiguas sólo emitían boletos de papel que no podían reutilizarse al cabo de un día. Esto generaba más derroche. También no tienen las ventajas de limitación de tarifa mensual de las tarjetas Hop, en las que los pasajeros nunca pagan más de 100$ al mes por la tarifa normal de adulto o 28$ por la tarifa reducida de ciudadano honrado/joven. Los boletos Hop de papel seguirán estando disponibles en nuestro Centro de Atención al Cliente y en los autobuses de TriMet para los usuarios que paguen en efectivo.

    ¿No tiene tarjeta Hop? Así se paga el transporte.

    Los usuarios que no tengan la tarjeta Hop podrán seguir comprando el boleto de adulto por $2.80 para 2 horas y media o $5.60 para todo el día. Pueden comprar su boleto tocando con su teléfono el lector verde de Hop. Si utiliza el mismo dispositivo durante todo el día y todo el mes para pagar el billete de adulto, obtendrá las mismas ventajas de limitación de tarifa que los usuarios de la tarjeta Hop. Nunca pagará más de $5.60 al día o $100 al mes. Si viaja con frecuencia, la tarjeta Hop le ofrece protección en caso que pierda la tarjeta y la opción de recarga automática.

    Para más información, visite trimet.org/cardmachines.

    Programas de tarifas reducidas disponibles

    En 2018 TriMet extendió por primera vez nuestra tarifa reducida de Ciudadano Honrado a los habitantes de Oregón que califican basados en ingresos bajos, más de 65,000 personas se han inscrito. Se benefician de descuentos de hasta el 72% en las tarifas mensuales y asegura que el costo no sea una barrera para aquellos que necesitan viajar. El programa de tarifas reducidas para ciudadanos honrados también está disponible para las personas mayores de 65 años, los beneficiarios de Medicare, las personas con discapacidades y los miembros activos y veteranos del ejército.

    El apoyo de TriMet a los usuarios con dificultades económicas va más allá de la tarifa reducida para ciudadanos honrados. Nuestros programa, Access Transit se asocia con organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro y organizaciones comunitarias para ofrecer tarifas gratuitas a los que más lo necesitan. Para obtener más información sobre nuestros programas Access Transit, visite trimet.org/accesstransit.

  • TriMet to launch new vending machines to improve access to Hop Fastpass fare cards

    The touchscreen machines will make Hop cards available at stations and replace Hop tickets

    En español

    TriMet will be rolling out a more convenient way to purchase and reload Hop fare cards beginning in early December with the introduction of new touchscreen vending machines at five locations. They will allow riders to buy and reload plastic Hop cards at MAX stations and transit centers rather than the single-day-use Hop tickets dispensed by ticket vending machines today.

    With the introduction of the transit fare card machines, riders will have a more convenient way to buy a Hop card or reload their card using cash or a credit or debit card.

    Following an initial pilot of the new Hop card machines, running through early 2025, we plan to start replacing all ticket machines across the MAX system in February 2025 as we phase out our ticket vending machines to help improve reliability. 

    New Hop fare card machines: What you need to know

    The first of the new machines will be installed at five locations: Willow Creek Transit Center, Beaverton Transit Center, Rose Quarter Transit Center, Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport. While installation of the machines will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 20, they will not be ready for riders to use until early December. 

    The machines will offer Adult as well as Honored Citizen cards (people 65 and older or who receive Medicare cards) and Youth fare. All new cards purchased cost $3, but once you have the card in hand, there are no additional service fees. Simply reload at one of the machines or online at myhopcard.com. Card holders also have the option of setting up auto reload.

    Using Hop card machines in 6 simple steps

    The new Hop card vending machines will come with an updated look and more options for riders. We know this will be a change for riders. That’s why we’re here to walk you through how they work:

    1. Touch the screen to start: Press anywhere on the screen to start when you see the screensaver.
    2. Choose “buy” or “reload”: Select “Buy a new Hop card” if you need one or “Reload your Hop card” if you already have one. If you’re buying a new Hop card, you also have the option to load value to that card.
    3. Reload your card: To load the new card or reload an existing Hop card, tap your card on the reader below the screen.
    4. Select your load amount: Choose from quick-loading options or load any amount between $1.40 and $250.
    5. Complete payment: Follow the prompts to pay using cash, debit or credit card–or a contactless card on your mobile device. 
    6. Tap Every Time You Ride: Remember, tapping the Hop reader each time you board or transfer is your proof of payment.

    TriMet will have personnel on hand at the stations and transit centers during the initial launch to help guide riders through the process if they have questions. 

    To improve accessibility, the machines offer Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian and Simplified Chinese language options. For visually impaired riders, audio instructions are available, and the buttons and labels are marked in Braille and raised letters. 

    The first five machines are part of a pilot. We will make any needed adjustments before we begin adding the Hop card machines to more MAX stations and transit centers in February as we phase out ticket vending machines in 2025.

    Improving convenience and Hop card accessibility

    Buying Hop cards directly at MAX stations or transit centers will be a more convenient option. Currently, reloadable Hop cards are available at hundreds of supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores throughout the metro area. But with Hop card machines at stations, riders will have access to the cards when and where they need them most with an easy reload option, especially for those using cash or a payment card. In all, 169 of the machines will be added to locations across the MAX system.

    Hop gives riders control over how they ride with peace of mind, knowing they’re never overpaying. You never have to pay more than the cost of a day pass for a single day or a month pass for a calendar month. 

    For people with a disability or who qualify for Honored Citizen Fare based on income or military status, you must apply in advance to receive an Honored Citizen photo ID Hop card.

    Why switch from tickets to cards?

    The introduction of Hop card vending machines will mean the retirement of our paper Hop tickets sold at platforms. While these machines have been serving us well for decades, the machines are obsolete, with parts no longer made. The  new transit fare card machines will be more reliable  and give riders more options. Using the machines, they will be able to quickly buy or reload a card using credit/debit cards or cash.

    The old machines only issue tickets that cannot be reused after a day, leading to extra waste. They also lack the monthly fare-capping benefits of Hop cards, where riders never pay more than $100 for standard Adult Fare or $28 for reduced Honored Citizen/Youth fare in a calendar month. Paper Hop tickets will still be available at our Customer Support Center and on TriMet buses for riders who pay with cash.

    No Hop card? Here’s how to pay your fare.

    Riders without Hop cards will still be able to purchase adult fare–$2.80 for 2 ½ hours or $5.60 for all day –by tapping a contactless payment card or their mobile wallet on a green Hop reader. If you use the same fare payment device throughout the day and month to pay adult fare, you will receive the same fare-capping benefits as a Hop card user and never pay more than $5.60 per day or $100 in a month. If you ride often, a Hop card provides lost card protection and an auto-reload option.

    For more information, visit trimet.org/cardmachines. 

    Reduced fare programs available

    Since 2018 when TriMet first extended our Honored Citizen reduced fare to Oregonians who qualify based on income, more than 65,000 people have enrolled. They benefit from discounts of up to 72% on monthly fares, helping ensure that cost is not a barrier for those who need to ride. The Honored Citizen reduced fare program is also open to people age 65 and older along with people on Medicare, people with disabilities and active and former military members.

    TriMet’s support for riders struggling financially extends beyond the Honored Citizen reduced fare to our Access Transit Programs. We partner with local nonprofits and community organizations to provide free fares to those most in need. For more information about our Access Transit programs, visit trimet.org/accesstransit. 


  • (VIDEO) Transit-Oriented Development near TriMet’s Hollywood MAX Station reaches milestone with accessibility improvements

    As part of the hollywoodHUB development, a new permanent ramp structure leading to the MAX station opens

    Improved connections have arrived near the Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave MAX Station, with the first phase of public investments completed for a new transit-oriented development project. With TriMet’s leadership and funding, a new and permanent ramp connecting the MAX station to a pathway leading to Northeast Halsey Street opened on Friday, Nov. 1, near the future home of BRIDGE Housing’s hollywoodHUB project.

    Artist's rendering of hollywoodHUB
    The rendering shows the hollywoodHUB’s public plaza, looking south, with the ramp and stairs leading to the Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave MAX Station in the background.

    The new ramp gives all riders access to the Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave MAX Station. It replaces the temporary structure that has been in place since fall of 2023, which TriMet installed to replace the previous concrete structure to make room for the construction of hollywoodHUB. The mixed-use development will bring 222 new affordable housing units to Portland. 

    In addition to the new ramp, TriMet’s public investments will include an updated substation to power MAX trains, along with stairs running alongside the ramp, which will open soon.

    Making way for hollywoodHUB

    hollywoodHUB is the latest project to come out of TriMet’s Transit-Oriented Development Program, which works to deliver high-density housing and community-centered uses of available properties near our transit services. The hollywoodHUB project is a partnership between TriMet, developer BRIDGE Housing and resident services provider Impact NW*, with major funding coming from the region’s affordable housing bonds. 
    *Service provider updated

    One hundred and fifty-one of the homes will be for residents with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and 71 units for residents with incomes at or below 30% AMI. Fifty-five of the homes will have rental assistance vouchers ensuring residents only pay 30% of their income on rent and utilities. BRIDGE Housing will break ground on hollywoodHUB at the end of this year.

    During construction, there will be a temporary 20-foot pathway providing access to TriMet’s new ramp, leading people to the I-84 pedestrian bridge and Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave MAX station. When construction of the complex is complete, the new ramp and stairs will offer safer crossings of Northeast Halsey Street by connecting to hollywoodHUB’s public plaza. 

    What is transit-oriented development?

    Transit-oriented development is a concept as old as mass transportation itself: create new buildings and infrastructure around transit. Today, this typically means development that includes a mix of uses–as well as a mix of housing affordability. These projects maximize density while creating walkable neighborhoods near transit, relieving congestion by reducing car dependence and increasing the supply of affordable housing and community resources accessible by transit. 

    The Portland metro area has a history of developing successful transit-oriented development projects, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s. In recent years, TriMet has reinvested in our Transit-Oriented Development program, recognizing there was untapped potential to build on or around the transit system and ease the region’s affordable housing crunch.

    TriMet’s solution takes underutilized properties that can accommodate residential and mixed-use buildings. While not a developer, TriMet works with developers to envision and deliver these projects that benefit the community. 

    Transit-oriented development projects completed in the last five years have increased the region’s affordable housing supply by 477 units. They have also added another 241 market-rate units. Our Transit-Oriented Development program accelerates the amount of housing that is delivered. At the same time, it promotes economic and social opportunities through the development of new commercial or community developments.

    Other recent examples include the new East County Library, under construction on the former site of TriMet’s Gresham City Hall Park & Ride, and the Fuller Station Apartments. Completed and opened for residents at the end of 2021, Fuller Station features 100 apartments for families and individuals who earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income.

    hollywoodHUB: investing in the community

    The Portland Housing Bureau and Metro pooled resources to provide $33 million of affordable housing bond funding for hollywoodHUB. All together, this is the largest funding award ever issued for an affordable housing project in Portland, reflecting the scale and impact of this project and the urgent need for affordable housing across the region. Voters approved Metro’s $652.7 million bond program in 2018, earmarking money for permanent affordable housing projects across Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.

    Of the contractors working for TriMet on the project, 20% are state-certified Small Business Enterprises. For construction of hollywoodHUB itself, BRIDGE Housing hired O’Neill-Walsh Community Builders, a general contractor that is 49% minority owned.  

    TriMet is proud to be working alongside regional partners to add more affordable housing and help more people reach work, recreation and opportunities within the larger Portland metro area. Transit-oriented developments like hollywoodHUB allow for more people and neighborhood businesses to thrive and prosper. For more information about TriMet’s Transit-Oriented Development program, visit trimet.org/tod. 

  • TriMet construction near SW 11th & Morrison to improve reliability on MAX Blue and Red lines

    A weekend disruption from Nov. 16-17 will help upgrade a 100-foot section of the original MAX system in Downtown Portland

    This November, TriMet crews will make improvements to a 100-foot section of the MAX system in Southwest Portland. This will require a short disruption to the MAX Blue and Red lines near the Galleria/SW 10th Ave MAX Station, with work taking place on Southwest 11th Avenue and Morrison Street. 

    TriMet encourages riders to plan ahead Saturday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 17, as construction will disrupt service between the Galleria/SW 10th Ave and Providence Park MAX stations. Trains will be disrupted for less than a half mile. Only the westbound platform of Providence Park will be closed. For westbound trips from Providence Park, riders will use the eastbound platform. Regular MAX Blue and Red Line service will resume on Monday, Nov. 18. MAX Green, Orange and Yellow Line trains are not affected by the project and will operate on their regular schedules.

    While the SW 11th Ave & Morrison MAX Improvement Project will not completely close any MAX station, TriMet will provide shuttle buses to move riders around the construction zone. Riders may also choose to walk, bike or use a mobility device to travel a little over 0.40 miles, which takes around eight minutes.

    A view of the MAX turnout. Left, the turnout is under construction in the 1980s, ahead of the opening of MAX. Right, how the turnout looks today. It sits between Southwest Morrison and Yamhill streets at 11th Avenue. The switch on Southwest Morrison Street, which moves trains off the mainline through the turnout, will be removed during the project.

    During the project, crews will remove a rail switch, used by trains to move from one track to another. It was part of the original Downtown endpoint of the MAX Blue Line from 1986 to 1997, a period when trains regularly used the switch as a way of turning around to head back in the opposite direction. In 1998, the MAX Blue Line’s Westside Extension to Washington County was completed, creating what remains the longest uninterrupted MAX line in TriMet’s light rail system, stretching more than 30 miles between Gresham and Hillsboro. Nowadays, the switch and the original MAX turnout at Southwest 11th Avenue and Morrison Street is typically used by extra service trains serving Timbers and Thorns games or other special events.

    The weekend disruption will allow crews to work around the clock to complete the work.

    Shuttle buses will arrive about every five minutes to take riders between the Galleria/SW 10th Ave and Providence Park MAX stations. Riders can sign up for service alerts and receive reminders about this and other planned or unplanned service adjustments by going to trimet.org/alerts. 

    Plan ahead

    While the scope of the project will be contained to a small area, we encourage riders traveling through Downtown on the MAX Blue and Red lines to plan an extra 15 minutes for their trips. There will also be minor impacts to auto traffic along Southwest Morrison Street between Southwest 10th and 12th Avenues while the project is underway. Construction flaggers and signs will direct motorists around the workzone.

    We will have staff near the shuttle bus locations for most of the day to help riders make their connections. Signs will also direct riders to these stops.

    Eastbound trains from Hillsboro

    Trains heading from Hillsboro to Downtown Portland will stop and offload riders at Providence Park. To continue your MAX trip, board a shuttle bus on Southwest 18th Avenue near Southwest Morrison Street. It will take you to a stop at Southwest 10th Avenue. From there, go south to the Library/SW 9th Ave MAX Station to board a MAX Blue Line train to Gresham or MAX Red Line train to Portland International Airport. 

    Westbound trains to Hillsboro

    MAX Blue and Red Line trains heading west to Hillsboro will stop and offload riders at the SW 10th Ave/Galleria MAX Station. To continue on MAX, board the shuttle bus at Southwest 10th Avenue and Morrison Street. It will take you to Southwest 18th Avenue, with the Providence Park MAX Station nearby. From the Providence Park eastbound platform, you can board a MAX Blue Line to Hatfield Government Center MAX Station or MAX Red Line to Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station.

    Fuller shuttle buses expected Nov. 17

    The Portland Trail Blazers are playing a 3 p.m. game at the Moda Center on Sunday, Nov. 17, which will likely result in more riders near Providence Park and a greater demand for shuttle buses. Walking, biking or using a mobility device to go between Providence Park and the Library/SW 9th Ave MAX Station may be an option for some. The two stations are less than half a mile apart via Southwest Yamhill Street. 

    Improvements and reliability

    By making improvements to the light rail system, TriMet is ensuring that MAX trains remain a consistent and reliable means of transportation for years to come. With roughly 60 miles of track connecting 97 stations spread across three counties, MAX is the third largest light rail system in the Western United States–and the second oldest.

    Improvements help boost reliability and improve the customer experience with smoother rides. In recent years, that has meant adding track between the Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport, improving train movement through the Gateway area and extending the MAX Red Line to Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds, all part of our recently completed A Better Red MAX Improvements and Reliability Project.  


    Crews work hard to keep the system moving. We appreciate your understanding as they complete this work, and we thank you for your patience. For information on the project, go to trimet.org/improvements.

  • (VIDEO) Graduation day stirs excitement in new MAX operators, among the first hired externally

    Graduation marks another recruitment milestone for TriMet’s ongoing hiring initiative

    It’s unheard of for every graduate of a TriMet training class to share one unique trait. But that’s what happened earlier this month when more than a dozen MAX trainees made the jump into the operator’s seat.

    The graduates were part of the first rail training class dedicated entirely to MAX operators hired from outside of TriMet. Prior to this, MAX operators were required to spend time operating a bus first. The change came as part of TriMet’s hiring push, an ongoing initiative to fill open operator and maintenance positions. 

    The new operators will join TriMet at an exciting time, with the agency being ranked as one of the five best places in Oregon to work, based on a survey of current employees. With their title of MAX Operator now official, the new graduates say they’re excited to help riders reach their destinations. That’s the most fulfilling part of the job, according to Larry, who graduated from the training class.

    “There are people who will go out of the way to thank you,” Larry said. “And it makes you happy that you went through all the steps to help people get from point A to point B.”

    Zoe, another recent graduate, said new operators feel prepared to operate a 100,000-pound train.

    “Now that I’m at the end of all this experience and all this training, I feel like I’m ready,” Zoe said. “I feel lucky to have made it this far. It’s definitely a pretty unique experience.”

    It’s also an experience that remains open to others throughout the community. TriMet has once again posted the job and is accepting applications from the general public. In addition to joining the ranks of a select number of well-trained MAX operators, new hires also receive a $7,500 hiring bonus!

    Twelve weeks of rail training

    When TriMet first began recruiting external candidates for MAX operator positions in spring 2024, it led to 851 applications, the single largest number of applications ever received over a two-month period. Of those who applied, 50 candidates received job offers.

    But first, they had to go through training.

    MAX light rail training is rigorous. Prior to training, candidates must have a Commercial Driver’s License permit, which is earned by passing a written test. Then they need to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License, a process for which TriMet provides the training. After that, rail training begins: 12 weeks of classroom instruction, weekly tests and lots of time spent behind the controls of every type of light rail vehicle in our fleet. Currently, TriMet has six types of light rail vehicles, covering four decades of train technology.

    Those who don’t pass rail training are offered the opportunity to enter the bus training program, an eight-week course. They also receive the same $7,500 hiring bonus.

    Whether they’re operating a bus or train, new operators join the more than 2,800 TriMet employees who are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757, a critical partner to TriMet. In addition to operators, the ATU represents maintenance workers, mechanics, customer service employees and others across the agency. TriMet and the union recently came together to negotiate a four-year contract that expands benefits and gives union workers a raise. 

    Great pay, benefits and opportunities

    The new union contract enhances employee benefits and secures a 13.64% pay increase for union employees over the coming four years, with the first raise effective December 1, 2024. This agreement aims to improve service reliability while supporting TriMet’s diverse workforce. This helps them build rewarding, long-lasting careers with competitive salaries and benefits that often surpass those of private employers.

    TriMet’s commitment to career growth, with excellent pay and benefits, is one reason why Forbes Magazine recently named the agency one of the top five places in Oregon to work. TriMet even claimed the title of the top Oregon-based employer and the leading transportation and logistics employer in the state!

    Benefits include low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance, health spending accounts, paid leave and two retirement plans with employer contributions. Additionally, employees receive annual transit passes valued up to $1,200.

    Everyone is valued–apply today!

    At TriMet, diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. We welcome and support employees from all backgrounds. To help foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, TriMet offers nine Employee Resource Groups, each representing a community of employees with shared life experiences. These groups provide a space for employees to socialize, reflect, innovate, and grow, empowering them to contribute their unique perspectives to the company.

    Larry and Zoe both say they are proud and excited to be joining a team that will value their contributions and help them grow as employees.



    “I’ve always admired people who drove trains and buses–and the efficiency of TriMet,” Zoe said. “I always looked at operating a train as something I wanted to do someday.”

    Larry said he is eager to see how far his career at TriMet will take him.

    “Being a rail operator was my end goal,” Larry said. “But now being here, learning about TriMet’s opportunities, I’m definitely looking up ahead now–either a supervisor role, the control room or even a station agent. You have so many opportunities, honestly.”

    With positions at TriMet suited for various skills and backgrounds, the right one might be waiting for you.  To find out more about all of TriMet’s career opportunities, visit trimet.org/careers.

  • (VIDEO) TriMet’s new Security Operations Center unifies years of investments for better monitoring and response

    Improvements now allow TriMet dispatchers to watch over the system and deploy safety and security staff 24 hours a day

    Behind a pair of chrome and glass sliding doors sits the new nerve center for TriMet’s security operations: the Security Operations Center. Now, in a first for TriMet, the center pulls together the agency’s security resources under one roof–including the security hotline, first established last year. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it anchors TriMet’s ongoing safety and security efforts.

    Inside the center, an array of screens cycle through more than 3,000 closed-circuit camera views, providing live broadcasts from across our system. Dispatchers are stationed in front of computers with software that helps them send TriMet’s safety and security staff and contractors to where they’re needed. Members of the public can  reach security dispatchers to report incidents or security concerns by calling or texting the Security Operations Center at 503-238-7433 (RIDE), using a blue-light security phone or by visiting trimet.org and clicking the security icon in the shape of a badge in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

    More resources than ever before

    Over the past two and a half years, TriMet has more than doubled the number of safety and security personnel we have on the system, improved lighting at stations and parking lots and upgraded closed-circuit security camera views. Those improvements come in addition to TriMet’s recent efforts to enhance station and vehicle cleaning, as well as boost enforcement of our rules. The Security Operations Center combines all of these investments into one centralized location. 


    Two years in the making, the Security Operations Center fully opened this September. TriMet now has seven dispatchers that have received specialized training. The dispatchers monitor the system and respond to rider and employee concerns in real-time. The center aims to improve security response and address other concerns on the system. With anyone and everyone able to report incidents, acting as the eyes and ears for the system, the aim is to deter and reduce the number of incidents that occur. 

    “This is really just the beginning,” TriMet’s Executive Director of Safety & Security Andrew Wilson said. “We continue to build out our emergency response capabilities at TriMet. We’ve heard it from our riders, and we’ve heard it from our employees—that we need to be able to react to the needs that are out there with the tools that we have developed.”

    Have a concern? TriMet wants to know

    Calls and texts to 503-238-7433 (RIDE) go directly to our Security Operations Center staff. Here are the steps for making a report:

    • If you see something concerning, out of the ordinary or illegal–even vandalized or broken equipment–call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) and press option 9.
    • If you are texting, provide basic details. This may be the name of a MAX station, transit center,  your vehicle number (located inside all buses and trains) and line/direction of travel or stop ID. 
    • You will receive a response saying that your concern has been routed to TriMet’s security team. 
    • You may be asked to provide further details, including a description. If it’s safe to do so, you can also attach a photo.
    • Security dispatchers triage the calls and send personnel or contact the appropriate work group.

    TriMet continues to roll out new tools to deter unsafe, illegal or inappropriate behavior around the transit system. In early October 2024, TriMet began installing the first of our blue-light security phones, which give the public a direct line of communication to dispatchers in our Security Operations Center at the touch of a button. 

    A total of 14 of the security phones will be installed on platforms between the Rose Quarter and the Gateway Transit Center. The phones are distinctive and designed to stand out, some with red towers and the word “security” written down the side and topped with a blue light, visible day or night. They are similar to what college campuses have used for more than 30 years, which have been shown to help deter criminal behavior on the campuses. 

    In an emergency, always call or text 911 first. 

    Streamlining security responses

    TriMet has invested in more safety and security resources than ever before, including frontline employees and contractors.

    The Security Operations Center comes as TriMet has added more safety and security resources than ever before. Most visibly, TriMet now has around 475 field staff and contractors dedicated to the safety and well-being of riders and employees. They are spread across various teams, including Transit Security Officers, Customer Safety Supervisors, Customer Safety Officers, and Safety Response Team– all of whom can be dispatched through the Security Operations Center. They do everything from enforcing our rules for riding, including checking fares, to performing welfare checks and connecting people to social services. Their main goal is to provide a presence that reduces bad behavior. They are all trained in de-escalation techniques.

    TriMet also has On-Street Customer Service. While not security, they do provide an extra presence on the system. They will also report suspicious or inappropriate behavior. But mostly they’re there to help in any way they can. Whether they’re answering rider questions or supporting special events and service disruptions, their mission is to ease barriers to riding

    Our transit system is woven throughout the community. And the complex challenges that the region faces can, at times, extend onto it. That’s why we’ve been so committed to developing a diverse approach to security, using specialized teams to make the system as safe and welcoming as possible, while engaging state and regional leaders to address the challenges facing society.

    Behavior on or near the transit system has improved with changes in criminal law and community initiatives as well as the addition of more TriMet safety and security resources. Our Safety Response Team, which performs welfare checks on and around our transit system, assisted more than 4,000 people and connected another 6,000 to social services in 2023 alone. The Transit Police Division, overseen by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, now has more time to conduct safety and security operations–patrols and missions– which led to a reduction in calls for police service by more than 50% between 2021 and 2023. 

    More safety and security investments coming

    A blue-light security phone is installed at the Rose Quarter MAX Station.

    Further investments in safety and security are coming! TriMet continues to hire security officers, with the hope of bringing them directly onboard more trains. Even more changes will kick off next year.

    Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, a new drug law will be implemented statewide, making the use of illicit drugs on public transit vehicles the most serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail. It allows those convicted to access to state-funded treatment in many instances. TriMet advocated for the law’s passage through the Oregon Legislature, believing that it provides a framework for more enforcement with stronger repercussions, while at the same time providing opportunities for treatment and the expungement of criminal records.

    Remember, if you see something, say something. We’ve made it even easier. Just call or text 503-238-7433 (RIDE), press the button on a blue-light security phone or submit a security report online at trimet.org. For more information, visit trimet.org/security.

  • TriMet begins rolling out new security phones at MAX stations

    Blue-light phones give people a direct line of communication with TriMet’s security staff around the clock

    A new resource for connecting to TriMet’s 24/7 security hotline has started to appear at MAX stations. To seek it out, just look for the blue light. In a first for TriMet, “blue-light security phones” are being installed at most MAX platforms, starting this week at the Rose Quarter Transit Center and the Convention Center Station. It’s the latest in a series of ongoing efforts to comprehensively address our riders’ safety concerns and deter crime. 

    The devices themselves are bright red towers with the word “Security” written down the side. They will also be easy to spot, day or night, due to the blue lights at the top. The phones let people connect immediately with TriMet security staff at the press of a button. The blue lights serve two purposes: they signal the location of the phones to those who need to use them in the dark, and they act as a crime deterrent. The phones also come equipped with cameras, giving TriMet’s security team more views of our station areas and show the person calling.

    The first phones have been installed at the Rose Quarter and Convention Center MAX stations. TriMet will continue installing the phones in the coming weeks at our MAX stations along Interstate 84 between the Rose Quarter area and the Gateway Transit Center. TriMet’s long-term goal is to have the phones at most MAX stations and transit centers across our transit system.

    Contacting TriMet security

    The phones are just another resource as TriMet continues our focus on safety and providing  people with more peace of mind when they’re using the transit system. 

    In recent years, we’ve increased our frontline safety and security staff to more than 460 personnel, and in 2023 we added a 24-hour-a-day security hotline. Just like with the new security phones, riders can reach our security staff on their own phones by texting or calling 503-238-7433 (RIDE). For emergency matters that require police, riders should contact 911 directly. The blue-light security phones add to the more than 8,000 cameras already on the system and, like those, can be monitored in real-time.

    Whether it’s reporting suspicious behavior, notifying us of graffiti or vandalism or requesting assistance, we want to hear from you. This allows us to take action and ensure our riders’ safety. For more information, visit trimet.org/security.

    Why blue-light phones?

    Despite the widespread use of mobile devices, blue-light security phones continue to demonstrate their value more than 30 years after they were first invented and installed at the University of Chicago. Today, nearly every college campus in the United States has them. Locally, Portland State University, the University of Portland and Portland Community College have them. Grocery stores and other transit agencies have begun adopting them as well.

    Blue-light security phones have been shown to increase overall awareness around security, deterring crimes from being attempted in the first place. After Rice University installed them in 2010, the school reported a decrease in crime, including a 68% drop in burglaries.

    While mobile phones are portable, not everyone has one handy. Even if they do, it may have low or no battery, and in a high-stress situation, it might be easier to push a button. There are also times when cell service drops completely, making blue-light security phones another layer of security and communication on our transit system.

  • (VIDEO) TriMet observes See Tracks? Think Train® rail safety week with six safety tips

    Recognizing the potential dangers is the first step in being safe around train tracks

    TriMet is asking everyone to pledge to make safe decisions around rail tracks, as we observe See Tracks? Think Train® rail safety week, Sept. 23-29. This is an opportunity to educate the public and raise awareness to reduce the number of rail incidents, which result in more than 2,000 deaths annually in North America.


    Across the Portland metro region, TriMet’s MAX and WES tracks run like a thread through the community, allowing trains to roll over city streets and zip through dedicated rail areas. They’re an important part of daily life, getting thousands of people to work, school, recreation and other opportunities.

    But it’s important for the public to remember that a single MAX train, with two cars combined, weighs nearly 100 tons, and it can take several times longer than an auto to come to a stop while operating at the same speed. Light rail operators also need to account for passenger safety and stability, which can influence a train’s braking distance.

    Safety requires everyone, looking out for ourselves and others, to stay safe around the tracks.


    Six tips for rail safety

    Ditch the distractions: Crossing train tracks might seem routine, but distractions can make them a gamble. A moment of awareness will make all the difference. Look up from your phone when walking through station areas or crossing the tracks. If you’re listening to something with headphones, remove an earbud or lower the volume so you can hear the train’s horn.

    Stay in your lane: Don’t linger on the tracks when walking, biking or driving. Stick to designated crossings and intersections. At stations, make sure you’re well behind the white bumpy safety strips. And never walk along the tracks.

    Stay alert: Treat the tracks like an active intersection. Always look both ways, and don’t forget: trains can come from either direction! Keep your eyes peeled for the possibility of a second train as you make your way across.

    Make yourself seen: As daylight fades, amp up your visibility. Wear bright or reflective clothing, or consider bringing a light with you. If you’re driving, always use your headlights and take your time, especially when you’re in areas where trains share the road with autos and visibility is low. 

    Slow down: We’ve all run late for something! But a missed train is not worth the risk. Running across tracks or through station areas can be dangerous, especially if you trip and fall. 

    Clear your view: Hooded jackets or hoodies are practically required clothing in Portland, but they can also obscure your vision. Make sure you move them out of your view when you’re walking around or over tracks. The same goes for umbrellas. If you’re driving, ensure your mirrors are positioned correctly and your windshield wipers are working.

    See Tracks? Think Train

    For another year, TriMet is joining in a national effort to raise awareness around rail safety. Every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is struck by a train. Coordinated through Operation Lifesaver, Inc., the national rail safety education nonprofit, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other organizations, this year’s See Tracks? Think Train® initiative (formerly known as Rail Safety Week) focuses on the importance of making safe choices when walking or driving near railroad tracks and trains. TriMet is proud to have supported the cause since it began in 2017.