With continuing investments in safety and security, cleanliness, service improvements, system reliability, workforce development and climate action, TriMet looks to sustain and grow ridership into the future

As we head into our next budget year, TriMet is thinking big for our agency and our region. We’ve put a priority on ridership and getting more people on board our buses and trains. Why? Because the more people ride, the more our region benefits. Whether it is better access to schools, jobs and healthcare; helping to ease traffic congestion or doing your part for the environment, this is bigger than transit alone. It’s about connecting people with opportunities and making our communities and the Portland region a better place to live. We need you on board to make it happen. 

Our proposed, $1.75 billion budget for the 2025 Fiscal Year provides the financial framework to grow ridership, improve the customer experience and add service, as staffing allows. It includes nearly $849 million for daily operations; $201 million for capital investments; and about $58 million in pass-through and contingency funds. It also includes $642 million in ending fund balance totals, which are unappropriated and unavailable for spending in FY25. TriMet’s FY25 fiscal year begins on July 1, 2024, and runs through June 30, 2025.

TriMet’s mission – our purpose –  is to connect people with transportation that is safe, clean, convenient, reliable, accessible and welcoming for all. A robust transit system that is well-used by the community supports our regional climate action goals, helps ease congestion, improves freight movement and supports the economy. But most of all, it increases access to opportunities throughout our region. 

What’s inside our FY25 budget? A lot more for you.

The proposed budget continues investments that are critical to improving the experience of every rider who uses our transit system, so they’ll feel comfortable and confident each time they come on board.

Transit Service

As Oregon’s largest public transportation provider, our proposed FY25 budget focuses on providing exceptional transit service and proposes service improvements guided by our Forward Together service concept. In addition to continuing to run a robust network of buses and trains across our 533-square mile service district, in FY25, we would like to:

• Add four new Frequent Service bus lines.
• Add new bus lines in East Portland, Sellwood and West Linn.
• Extend service in East Multnomah County and I-205 between Tualatin and Oregon City.
• Add more buses to well-used lines that do not currently have Frequent Service.
• Continue to streamline routes and discontinue service with less ridership and demand.  

TriMet’s service improvement and expansion plans must be supported by the appropriate staffing levels to be successful and sustainable. Hiring and training additional operators and maintenance staff will continue to be an important emphasis in FY25, as will efforts to increase retention of both new and long-time employees. 

In addition to their focus on the safe operation of vehicles, the maintenance team also heads up a key initiative to increasing ridership, and that’s the cleanliness of our buses, trains and the overall transit system. The FY25 budget includes more resources for ongoing spot cleaning, deep cleaning, graffiti cleanup and aesthetic repairs that make the system feel more desirable and welcoming overall.

Safety & Security

Safety & Security remains a priority in FY25. TriMet more than doubled the number of security personnel on our transit system in the last year, as we continue to adopt a comprehensive and layered approach to safety and security. Today, there are more than 350 unarmed security personnel providing presence, assistance and resources to riders – more than ever before. Among them, is our innovative Safety Response Team, whose members carry Narcan, a life-saving, FDA-approved nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The Safety Response Team, increased personnel and a number of other efforts were the result of our Reimagining Public Safety on Transit initiatives, which grew out of the social justice movement of 2020. In addition to the increased presence on board our buses and trains and across our transit system, TriMet has established a Safety Operations Center, which helps coordinate our response to non-emergency security concerns that occur on our system. Riders can reach the team 24 hours per day by texting or calling 503-238-7433 (RIDE) or by using the security button on our homepage, trimet.org. 

Capital investments

Our capital projects are focused on making our transit system safe, comfortable, reliable and convenient. We’ll complete A Better Red in FY25. That’s a project that brought over $100 million in federal investments to our region, creating jobs and modernizing our light rail system to create a better experience for all riders. The project, set for completion in late August, has already improved train movement at key sections of the system near Portland International Airport and Gateway Transit Center. It will also extend the MAX Red Line an additional 10 stations into Hillsboro, helping to provide more capacity in a growing job center of Washington County. We’re also replacing our oldest light rail vehicles with our new Type 6 models, expanding the SE Park Avenue Park & Ride as originally planned and developing our Columbia Operations Facility, which is pivotal for testing and expansion of our Zero-Emissions Bus Program.

Climate action

In response to global warming and the ongoing climate crisis, we are continuing our transition to a zero-emissions bus fleet, with the expansion of electric bus charging infrastructure at our Merlo and Powell Operations facilities. We currently have buses arriving from our first bulk purchase of 24 battery-electric buses (BEBs). When the delivery is complete, TriMet will have 34 BEBs operating throughout our transit system, making up about 5% of our total bus fleet. In FY25, TriMet will continue to build capacity for our goal to transition to a full zero-emissions fixed-route fleet by 2040. 

Understanding our funding

TriMet’s FY25 is estimated at 1.75 billion. About 91% of funding for FY25 operating resources comes from three sources: payroll tax revenues, passenger revenues and federal funds. For FY25, TriMet expects to receive about $540 million in payroll taxes; $62 million in passenger fares; and about $139 million from federal operating grants. We also receive a small portion of our funding from accessible transportation and service contracts and advertising. The FY25 budget includes the first full year of revenues from our 2024 fare increase.

Let us know what you think!

We want to hear your thoughts on the proposed budget. We’ll be accepting comments and feedback through Wednesday, March 27, online and through our Customer Service channels including phone and text at 503-238-74333 (RIDE) as well as X (formerly known as Twitter) at @trimethelp. The public can also provide testimony at upcoming TriMet Board Meetings on March 27, April 24 and May 22. The Board is scheduled to consider adopting the budget at the May meeting. TriMet must adopt a Final Budget by July 1, to stay in compliance with Oregon Budget Law and to begin spending funds allocated for FY25.

TriMet has named two new members to the executive leadership team: Dan Blair is the Executive Director of the agency’s newly developed Transit Systems and Asset Support Division and John Weston is the new Executive Director of Maintenance Operations, the position that Blair had been serving in an interim capacity since early 2023. Both executives will report directly to TriMet Chief Operating Officer, Bonnie Todd, and serve critical maintenance functions, directing activities around the management of TriMet’s vehicles, facilities, systems, assets and training. 

Experience drives the selection of Executive Director of Maintenance

John Weston comes to TriMet with nearly 40 years of experience in the transit industry, including extensive work on and management of systems in Washington, D.C., Miami and Seattle. Most recently, Weston served as Corridor Operations Director for Sound Transit.

“John has held a number of impressive maintenance, safety, quality assurance and construction management roles over the course of his career,” said TriMet Chief Operating Officer Bonnie Todd. “TriMet, our riders and our employees will benefit from his extensive knowledge and skills to keep our vehicles rolling and our system in a state of good repair.”

Weston will direct and oversee TriMet’s Maintenance Operations Division, which is responsible for the maintenance, repair and management of TriMet’s buses, light rail vehicles, track, buildings, transit station facilities and non-revenue vehicles. 

His first role in transit was as a union mechanic, working in rail power distribution. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maryland. 

New division gets leader with proven TriMet track record

Dan Blair has been growing his career with TriMet for the last 30 years. Dan started out as a Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) apprentice mechanic and graduated from TriMet’s esteemed apprenticeship program. He served as Director of Rail Equipment Maintenance before being asked to take the interim Executive Director of Maintenance position in March 2023. In naming Blair to the Executive Director role of the newly created Transit Systems Asset Support Division, COO Bonnie Todd noted his expertise and in-depth knowledge of the agency, as well as his enthusiasm and personal style. 

“In addition to his technical ability, experience in management and extensive knowledge of TriMet, Dan brings a sense of humor, great leadership abilities, and a no-nonsense approach to his work,” offered Todd. “As we work to increase ridership, Dan’s skills will be invaluable to elevate TriMet’s role in our community.” 

The Transit System and Asset Support group that Blair will direct and oversee, was established in 2023 as a new division at TriMet. It is focused on maintenance and document control, asset management, key performance indicators, zero-emissions program training and more. Blair will serve as the division’s first dedicated full-time executive director. 

Blair also served in the U.S. Marine Reserves, where he was trained as a helicopter mechanic. 

Blair and Weston were selected following a nationwide search. They are already beginning to transition to their new roles.

Use your contactless bank card, mobile wallet or smartwatch to purchase Adult fare and earn a Month Pass as you ride!

TriMet is always looking for ways to make riding our transit system faster, easier and more convenient. And we’re excited to let you know about our newest innovation— one that saves you time, stress and possibly money!

First, did you know you can use your personal credit or debit card (NFC-enabled) to purchase Adult fare at any of our 1,000 Hop readers? The same with your mobile wallet or smartwatch. Skip the ticket vending machine and just tap your phone at the Hop reader. It’s that easy!

And now, when you use your contactless bank card, mobile wallet or smartwatch to pay your fare—and ride regularly— you’ll automatically get the main benefit of a Hop Fastpass® card: earning a Month Pass as you ride, with free rides after you reach $100.

With Hop, you’ll never pay more than the cost of a Day Pass in a single day and never pay more than the cost of a Month Pass in a single month. Just make sure you always tap with the same card – whether a physical payment card, a card stored in your mobile wallet, a device such as a smartwatch or your Hop card.

How to use your bank card, phone or smartwatch to purchase fare at the Hop reader

Your contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch can be used to purchase Adult fare – not only at ticket machines on rail platforms– but also at the green Hop readers. If your card has an NFC symbol – that’s four curved lines that get bigger from left to right – then you can use it to pay at a Hop reader. Find a Hop reader next to the fare box when you step on board a bus or when you board a Portland Streetcar. Hop readers are located at the entrance to your MAX or WES station. There are two Hop readers at each station, one at each end. Currently, this option is available to purchase Adult fare.

Simply touch the card to the NFC symbol on the Hop reader. The NFC symbol is located below the Hop display screen. Listen for the tone as the Hop reader confirms your purchase. It will also display a green check mark and the time remaining on the valid fare. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Prefer your mobile wallet, no problem!

You can also pay Adult fare using Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Just tap your phone to the Hop reader each time you ride. Again, listen for the tone or look for the green check mark on the Hop reader screen to verify your payment.

Whether you pay with a contactless credit or debit card, mobile wallet or your Hop card, please keep your payment method close at hand. It is your proof of payment if one of our Customer Safety Supervisors asks to see your fare. 

Use the same card or device each time you ride and one per rider!

Use the same card or device every time you ride and ride more frequently to get the benefits of Hop. Tap your card or phone once to purchase a 2 ½-hour Adult ticket, and your card will show a charge for $2.80. Use the same card or device and tap to purchase fare again within the same day, and earn a Day Pass. Continue tapping to validate your fare with every ride, but you won’t be charged again that day. You’ll never pay more than $5.60 to use our buses and trains to get wherever you need to go, for the entire day.

Keep using the same card or device to purchase fare throughout the month, and watch your savings add up. After you’ve paid for your 18th-Day Pass within a calendar month, you’ll ride the rest of the month for free! Keep tapping with each ride to validate your fare, but don’t worry about getting charged. Hop does the math for you and ensures you’ll never pay more than you should.

When you’re paying with a contactless credit card, Hop links the rider to the card. So, each Adult rider must use their own card, phone or smartwatch. When you tap the card after the first 2 ½-hour ticket purchase, it will validate your fare and show you how much time is remaining, but you cannot purchase a separate fare with the same card or device.

Let your guests know that using a contactless credit card or their mobile wallet to ride is a great option for less frequent travelers too!

Are you heading to PDX for Spring Break or expecting out-of-town guests? Skip the ticket machine at the airport or any other MAX station. Instead, use your contactless credit card or mobile wallet and simply tap it to a Hop reader. Your tap is your ticket to ride.

Learn about TriMet fares

TriMet has reduced fares for Youth and Honored Citizen riders. Qualify automatically for Honored Citizen fare with age (65+) and enrollment in Medicare. Register to qualify based on disability, income or military status. Learn more about our fares here.

Since 2018, more than 60,000 people have signed up for our reduced Honored Citizen fare based on income, and we’ve expanded ways to qualify to include active duty military and veterans, as well as people 65+, on Medicare or experiencing a disability

Are you living on a low income? Serving in the U.S. military or a veteran in good standing? Are you 65 or older, on Medicare or experiencing a disability?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could be riding TriMet for less — much less. That’s because you qualify for our Honored Citizen reduced fare.

For years, we’ve made this cost-saving benefit available to adults over 65, people on Medicare and those experiencing disabilities. Now we’re bringing even more people on board, with new options to help you sign up and save. Since 2018, we’ve invited people with low incomes to qualify to ride for less. Late last year, we expanded this benefit to another group of people: those with military service.

We’ve also made it easier to sign up for reduced fare, with a quick and easy process that you can complete in the privacy of your home. We believe everyone has a right to access transportation to connect with opportunities like work, school, healthcare and services. Why not give yourself a break and save big on your transportation costs? 

Honored Citizen fare: Reduce your transportation costs to no more than $28 per month

With TriMet’s Honored Citizen reduced fare, you can ride our buses and trains as much as you want, at a fraction of the cost. With Honored Citizen fare, 2 ½ Hour tickets are $1.40 and Day Passes are $2.80. That’s half the cost of Adult fare, a significant savings, but you’ll save even more with Hop Fastpass®.

With Hop, you will never pay more than $28 per month for unlimited access to our transit services. That’s 72% less than Adult fare, or $72 off the cost of an Adult Month Pass, which is currently limited to $100 per month.

Here’s another way of looking at it: With Honored Citizen fare and Hop, you can ride TriMet anywhere in our service area for an entire month, for less than the cost of a single tank of gas.

More than 60k sign up for income-based reduced fare in five years

Since 2018, more than 60,000 people have signed up to receive TriMet’s reduced fare for riders who qualify based on income. You also qualify, if you earn less than 200% of the federal poverty rate. For an individual in 2024, that’s more than $30,000 per year. You are also eligible for reduced fare if you participate in a program such as Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Find a complete list of qualifying programs at trimet.org/income. 

While you’re there, go ahead and complete the short, online application for a reduced fare Hop card based on your income. Near the end of the application, you will see easy-to-follow guidelines for submitting a photo for your personalized Honored Citizen Hop card. TriMet will process the application and put your card in the mail. As soon as you have your card and load fare to your Hop account, you can start tapping, riding and saving.

Need your card sooner? Representatives at our Customer Support Center at Pioneer Courthouse Square can process your application, take your photo, print your card and help you load fare, all in one stop. The Customer Support Center is open Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Check trimet.org/income before you go, to make sure you have proper documentation.

Active-duty military, reservists and veterans qualify for Honored Citizen fare too!

In 2023, TriMet expanded enrollment options for our Honored Citizen reduced fare again, this time to allow active-duty members of the U.S. military, veterans and reservists to ride for less, in honor of their service. And now, we’ve also made it easier to sign up for the military benefit. Visit trimet.org/military to apply. The process is quick, easy and completely available online. Follow the instructions on the application to submit a photo and have your personalized Honored Citizen Hop card mailed to you. Or, come down to the Customer Support Center, and our staff can walk you through the process, take your picture and print your new Hop card. Please check the webpage to learn which documents to bring with you, before you head Downtown.

Get a month of free fare!

Need more incentive to get signed up? Enroll today, and TriMet will reward you with one month of free fare! Please note that the free month promotion is only valid for the month in which it is issued, to help encourage people to get their Honored Citizen reduced fare Hop card and start using it as well.

Older adults, people on Medicare and those experiencing disabilities can still ride for less

If you’re over the age of 65 or on Medicare, you automatically qualify for Honored Citizen fare. Older adults and Medicare recipients should have their I.D. or Medicare card with them when they ride. People who are experiencing a verifiable mental or physical disability may also use TriMet’s Honored Citizen reduced fare. However, you must apply for and receive a personalized photo I.D. Hop card. Learn more about the process at trimet.org/disability.

Find additional details about our fares and our Hop Fastpass electronic fare system at trimet.org/fares.

TriMet will not collect fares on buses or MAX trains on Sunday, Feb. 4, in our fourth annual tribute to the civil rights icon

On Dec. 1, 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her act of defiance and resulting arrest sparked protests from the streets of Montgomery that inspired change across the United States. Rosa Parks’ brave act became a cornerstone of the civil rights movement and the catalyst for a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affirming transportation equity as a civil right.

Celebrate with us! TriMet will not collect fare on Sunday, Feb. 4, in honor of Rosa Parks, on what would have been her 111th birthday. Ride the bus, MAX or LIFT paratransit, and take time to reflect on the great contributions of the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Our partners at Portland Streetcar and C-TRAN join us in our annual tribute to Rosa Parks by also not collecting fares every February 4.

“As TriMet’s first Black General Manager and a person of African American heritage, Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a bus affects me personally,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “I am humbled and beyond proud to lead an organization that provides a public service where all are welcome. TriMet connects people — all people, no matter the color of their skin or where they came from — with opportunity. Ride with us on Rosa Parks’ birthday and think about how we got here. And give thanks.”

We ride with Rosa!

The TriMet Board of Directors passed a resolution in 2020, declaring Parks’ birthday as a day of remembrance across our 533-square-mile service district. Outgoing District 5 Director Keith Edwards, a leader in the local Black community and a lifelong community activist, proposed the annual observation.

“Rosa Parks revealed to the nation the inequities borne from ignorance. She said no more,” said Edwards.

Riding on Rosa Parks Day? Here’s what you need to know: 

As Rosa Parks’ birthday falls on a Sunday this year, TriMet buses and trains will be following their regular Sunday schedules. 

• You won’t need to tap your Hop card or buy a ticket at the station. Just come on board!
• If you tap your Hop card, you will receive a confirmation, but no fare will be deducted.
• Ticket machines will not allow any ticket purchases on Feb. 4. 
• Fare collection resumes at 3 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5.

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

Rosa Parks

TriMet’s more than 2,500 union employees receive 4% wage increase starting Dec. 1 under Working & Wage Agreement extension negotiated with Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 757 in 2022

***UPDATE (June 2025): Hiring bonuses for new operators have now closed.***

TriMet employees who are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 757 are getting a raise this December. The 4% wage increase takes effect Friday, Dec. 1, for the 2.538 employees who are represented by the union. TriMet and ATU agreed on the increase as part of an extension to our Working & Wage Agreement signed in August of 2022. This year’s boost comes on the heels of a 7.5% raise last December.

In addition to competitive wages, TriMet employees receive a generous package of benefits that includes health insurance, retirement plans, access to our employee assistance program and more. Plus, when you work for TriMet, you get the satisfaction of helping to provide a vital service to our community, and the peace of mind working in a position of stability for a transit provider serving our region for more than 50 years!

Higher pay for bus drivers, mechanics, customer service and more!

With nearly 80% of TriMet employees represented by ATU 757, union members support every aspect of our agency’s work – from driving buses and operating trains to maintaining vehicles and systems, communicating with riders and helping people find their way around the region. As TriMet continues to grow and respond to the transit needs of our region, we’re growing our team and actively recruiting new members! All new union employees who come on board after Dec.1 will work under the terms of the new pay scale. Here are just a few of the opportunities currently available:

Bus and rail operators

Our bus and rail operators are the heart and soul of TriMet. We’ve been steadily hiring new operators over the past two years, and we’re still going strong! Our agency must have operators to provide the reliable service our riders expect and deserve. We also need more operators to continue expanding service. Our Forward Together plan provides a roadmap to increase bus service by 30% in the coming years, but we need trained operators behind the wheel. We continue to offer a $7,500 hiring bonus to all new operators, as well as a wealth of opportunities to grow with TriMet. Bus drivers can move on to become MAX operators, supervisors or move into a variety of other positions at TriMet. Still, many choose to keep driving because they love what they do. 

With the Dec. 1 wage increase, the starting pay for bus operators goes up to $28.22 per hour, and the top rate increases to $37.62 per hour. Bus operators reach the top rate of pay with their third year of employment with TriMet. MAX operators earn about a dollar more per hour. Apply today at trimet.org/drive.

Maintenance service workers 

From cleaning buses, trains and transit centers, to repairing vehicles and conducting routine maintenance, we depend on the hard work and dedication of the union members who make up our Maintenance Division. We are currently hiring for multiple positions that are looking for a maintenance background, from diesel mechanic to substation maintainer, to light rail body and paint technician. Many of the roles in maintenance are so highly desired that we are offering a $2,500 hiring bonus to help recruit applicants. The Maintenance Division is also a great place to start a career with TriMet, with opportunities to for addiitional education and experience to help you move up.

We are also hiring more Maintenance Service Workers to help keep our transit system safe, clean and welcoming to riders and employees. The Dec. 1 increase pushes starting pay for Maintenance Service Workers to $21.75 per hour, with a top pay of $31.48 per hour after three years. The pay scale for positions within our Maintenance Division varies widely, depending on the role, education requirements and experience needed.

On-street Customer Service 

We’re looking for more than a dozen people to join our On-Street Customer Service team! The on-street team helps TriMet riders use our transit service to enjoy Trail Blazer games, Timbers and Thorns matches, concerts and other big events. They also help riders find their way around busy transit centers and major service disruptions. The 13 currently available positions are limited in duration.

As members of ATU 757, these On-Street Customer Service team members will start out at $20.28 per hour. This is a great way to get your foot in the door at TriMet and feel good as you help people get around our region.

Find these and even more opportunities to join our team at trimet.org/careers.

Higher pay and bonuses are just the start 

In addition to a competitive wage, TriMet employees receive a generous package of benefits, which includes low- to no-cost health, life and disability insurance; paid vacation and sick time; a retirement account with a guaranteed employer contribution and more. Benefits for positions with ATU representation include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance plans at low or no monthly cost
• Two retirement plans, with an 8% agency base pay contribution to the employee’s 401a
• One week of paid vacation and up to 40 hours of sick leave in the first year of employment, with paid time off increasing over time
• Paid holidays
• Health and dependent care spending accounts
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program with mental health and counseling services, legal assistance, financial coaching and home ownership programs
• Annual transit pass (valued up to $1200) for employee and eligible family members
• 24-hour access to five exclusive, low-cost, on-site fitness centers
• Representation by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 757

Forward Together improvements starting Sunday, Dec. 3: Frequent Service upgrade for Line 48-Cornell, route change for Line 62-Murray Blvd, more weekend service on Line 70-12th/NE 33rd Ave, plus changes at Sunset Transit Center and schedule improvements to help keep buses on time

***UPDATE (June 2025): Hiring bonuses for new operators have now closed.***

Better bus service is coming to Washington County! Starting Sunday, Dec. 3, we’re upgrading Line 48-Cornell to Frequent Service, with buses arriving every 15 minutes or better for most of the day, every day. The Line 48 upgrade is part of our latest Forward Together service improvements. 

As part of these updates, we’re also moving part of the Line 62-Murray Blvd route, adding weekend service on Line 70-12th/NE 33, reorganizing bus stops at Sunset Transit Center and updating schedules to keep buses on time. Visit trimet.org and plan a trip for Dec. 3 or later to see how your ride might change!

More Frequent Service for Washington County

With the upgrade, Line 48 will become the 18th bus line in our Frequent Service network, with buses that are ready when you are! In addition to providing more buses at more times, we’re also speeding up Line 48 by moving the route to Barnes Road. We’ll replace Line 48 service to Cedar Hills by moving Line 62-Murray Blvd. to Cornell Road.

Line 48 provides daily bus service between Hillsboro Transit Center and Sunset Transit Center in Beaverton. Along the way, it offers connections to MAX and additional bus lines, some of which also offer Frequent Service. Line 48 provides more than 7,000 weekly trips according to data collected in spring 2023, with access to major regional health care and event centers, as well as the Hillsboro Airport.

More weekend bus service on Line 70

Line 70-NE 12th/33rd Avenue is also getting an improvement! We’re increasing weekend bus service between Milwaukie and Northeast Portland.

Schedule adjustments to keep buses on time

We’re adjusting schedules between four and seven minutes to help keep buses on time. The following bus lines will see notable changes starting Dec. 3:

• Line 20-Burnside/Stark

• Line 39-Arnold Creek/Hillside

• Line 51-Vista

• Line 74-162nd Ave

• Line 87-Airport Way/181st

Some bus lines will see smaller adjustments, but every minute counts when you’re riding transit. That’s why we encourage all riders to plan ahead and double-check the schedules before heading out on Dec. 3 or later.

Making way for more buses at Sunset Transit Center

Our planned service improvements will bring more buses through Sunset Transit Center in Beaverton, so we are reorganizing stops to help reduce confusion and keep everyone moving. Riders on lines 20, 48 and 59-Walker/Park Way will use new stops at Sunset Transit Center. Our partners with the POINT, Forest Heights Shuttle and PCC Shuttle are also moving bus stops at Sunset Transit Center, starting on Dec. 3.

Forward Together

Forward Together is our roadmap for increasing service by more than 30% in the coming years. The comprehensive service concept, which was developed in close partnership with the community, focuses on increasing ridership and improving connections to destinations for people with low and limited incomes. 

We began adopting Forward Together service proposals in May, as we added back service hours that were reduced in 2020 when COVID-19 put the brakes on the largest bus service expansion in our history. This past August, we rolled out the largest package of Forward Together service improvements to date, and we’re building on that progress in December. 

We continue our work to overcome a historic operator staffing shortage, as plans for service expansion are closely coordinated with current and projected staffing levels. We’re hiring! Visit trimet.org/careers to see a complete list of opportunities. All new bus operators are eligible for a $7,500 hiring bonus.

Benefit grants active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and reserves greater access to jobs, educational opportunities, health care and services, at a fraction of the cost

TriMet is expanding our Honored Citizen fare program to honor active and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces in a lasting salute to their courage and sacrifice. We’re rolling out this new, reduced-fare military benefit on the day before Veterans Day is observed, but it extends well beyond a single day of recognition. Granting Honored Citizen fare to members of the military who have valiantly served this country is year-round recognition of their heroism and sacrifice.

With Honored Citizen fare, those who currently serve or have been honorably discharged from the military can ride TriMet buses and trains for half price. Frequent riders save even more. TriMet’s Hop Fastpass® system guarantees that riders with Honored Citizen fare pay no more than $28 per month for unlimited rides on TriMet. That’s a 72% savings off the cost of an Adult month pass, which is $100.

With this announcement, TriMet became the first large transit agency in the country to offer a reduced fare for both veterans and active duty military. 

“As a veteran of the U.S. Army and a proud American, this is personal to me,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “With this program expansion, TriMet will give active duty military and veterans recognition and respect, and we will improve their opportunities to access health care, educational services and jobs by providing rides at a reduced cost. I can think of no greater way for TriMet to honor the people who have valiantly served this country.”

TriMet’s Board of Directors adopted an ordinance at their October meeting that expands the Honored Citizen Program to include veterans and current members of the military. Their action came just six months after Vietnam-era Air Force veteran Dale Thaler first went before the Board to propose the change during the public hearing portion of its April meeting. He gave passionate testimony before the board again, when they began considering the ordinance in September. 

“For me, Honored Citizen status isn’t about the cost to ride. I don’t expect a free ride, and I’m not asking for one,” said Thaler. “It’s about giving the recognition, the respect and the gratitude to those who are willing to make sacrifices to allow every American the opportunities and unparalleled freedoms that we enjoy.”

How to sign up and start saving

TriMet’s Honored Citizen reduced fare program is open to riders based on age, disability, income level or military status. All participants must provide proof of eligibility to receive their personalized Honored Citizen fare card. Veterans, reservists and active duty military members must complete an application and provide any of the following information to the TriMet Customer Support Center in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

• CAC card for active duty military
• Uniformed Services ID card or driver’s license with veteran classification
• Copy of DD214 Certificate of Release/Discharged from Active Duty and photo ID

Members of the military will receive their initial Honored Citizen fare card free of charge. Cards will be valid for five years. Once loaded with value, the card must be tapped to a Hop reader with every ride to activate cost savings.

Committed to equity

As a public transportation agency, TriMet serves a broad and diverse community, and we are committed to equity and inclusion. Our values are rooted in ensuring all riders have fair and equal access to transit services. All are welcome on our transit system. Learn more at trimet.org/equity.

Eight in-person and online events from Oct. 10-25 give riders an opportunity to review proposals, talk one-on-one with TriMet’s service planning team   

TriMet is laser-focused on rolling out our Forward Together Service Concept. It’s our roadmap to expand bus service by more than 30% as we redesign our bus network to bring more service to more people. We’ve put together a bundle of improvements and adjustments that we’d like to start putting in place as soon as August of 2024. But we need the community’s help to make sure the plan we put together will best serve the transportation needs of our region. Does it fulfill our goals to increase our ridership and improve connections for people with low and limited incomes who rely on transit to get to work, school and important appointments every day?

The changes we’re proposing in 2024-25 include two new Frequent Service bus lines, with buses arriving every 15 minutes for most of the day, every day. We’re also looking to improve service on nine additional lines, where buses will arrive more often, for more hours of the day, every day. We’re considering combining some lines to streamline service and adjusting routes and schedules to keep buses on time. The plan calls for two new bus lines and several route extensions. It also suggests discontinuing some low-ridership bus lines. Visit trimet.org/plan for details, maps and to provide feedback online.

Attend an open house!

In Person

• Tuesday, Oct. 10, 12-2 p.m., University of Oregon, Rooms 142/144, 70 NW Couch Street, Portland
• Tuesday, Oct. 17, 5-7 p.m., Rosewood Initiative, 14127 SE Stark Street, Portland
• Wednesday, Oct. 18, 5-7 p.m., Living Word Seventh-Day, 503 9th Street, Oregon City
• Thursday, Oct. 19, 5-7 p.m., Fairview City Hall, 1300 NE Village Street, Fairview
• Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5-7 p.m., Muslim Educational Trust, 10330 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Tigard

Information will be available in multiple languages, and some open houses will have representatives on-site who speak languages other than English.

Virtual

• Wednesday, Oct. 11, 5-7 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 21, 12- 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct 25, 5-7 p.m.

Visit trimet.org/plan for Zoom links and additional information to participate in virtual events. Please contact TriMet Customer Service at 503-238-RIDE (7433) for interpretation.

What’s next?

TriMet will collect comments and suggestions about the proposals through Oct. 31, 2023. We will review what we hear from the community and make adjustments based on your feedback before taking the revised proposals back to the public for another round of outreach early next year. Our Board of Directors will vote on the 2024-2025 service plan next spring. Riders could see the first changes in August of 2024. Meanwhile, we are continuing to adopt plans from our first major rollout of Forward Together improvements, which began in August of this year and will continue through early 2024. 

Maintenance service workers play an important role in keeping our buses, trains, buildings and grounds in top-notch condition for our valued customers and employees

Looking for a job with room to grow? Come join TriMet as a Maintenance Service Worker! Maintenance Service Workers are responsible for keeping our buses, trains, stops, shelters, buildings and other facilities clean and comfortable for the benefit of our riders and employees. This is an entry-level position, with a starting pay of $20.91 per hour. It’s a foot in the door to a lifetime of opportunities at TriMet. Stay in the position and earn regular, guaranteed pay raises every six months to $30.27 per hour. Or, use the job as a stepping stone to future possibilities, including training programs and apprenticeships to help you gain experience to be a mechanic or technician. Approximately 44% of TriMet employees promoted to supervisory roles within the Maintenance Division got their start as service workers.

Come to our Maintenance Service Worker Hiring Event!

We’re expanding service and welcoming more riders back to the transit system daily. But with many Maintenance Service Workers growing into new positions at TriMet in the last year, we need new employees to fill these important roles. We’re holding a special Maintenance Service Worker hiring event on Wednesday, Oct. 4, and we want to see you there! 

TriMet Hiring Event at DoubleTree Lloyd Center

1000 NE Multnomah Blvd. – Portland

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Mark your calendar! It’s easy to steer your career in a new direction with TriMet when you attend our Maintenance Service Worker Hiring Event.

• Get ready: Complete the application to become a Maintenance Service Worker. Visit trimet.org/careers or fill one out when you arrive at the hiring event.
• Get set: Our hiring managers want to talk with you! They will be conducting interviews for the position on the spot.
• Go: Qualified candidates will receive a conditional job offer and information on the next steps to become a TriMet employee.
• Please bring an ID, resume and any additional documentation that will help streamline the hiring process. 

Maintenance Service Workers clean buses and trains, inside and out, and keep our vehicles fueled. They check fluids and perform other duties such as cleaning MAX station platforms, to ensure a safe, clean and comfortable environment for riders and employees across our entire transit system. 

Candidates must hold or be able to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License. However, we will consider your application even if you do not yet have the license or permit. In addition, applicants for the position should be able to provide:

• A complete 5-year (if applicable) work history, with the reasons you left previous employers.
• Out-of-state DMV record if you have held a license outside of Oregon in the past 10 years.

TriMet’s maintenance operations run 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Maintenance Service Workers must be able to work any shift, at any of our bus garages and rail yards, which are located in Beaverton, Gresham and Portland. Schedules are based on seniority, and most newly hired Maintenance Service Workers will be assigned to graveyard shifts. Maintenance Service Workers must also be able to report to work in all types of weather.

Join our team!

TriMet keeps the Portland metro region moving. We’ve been providing safe, reliable transit options for our tri-county region for more than 50 years. Our work is steady, reliable and going places. Join our team, and come along for the ride. Visit trimet.org/careers to learn more.