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

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

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.

TriMet’s Tilikum Crossing, Washington Park MAX station serve up wonder while speeding up transit

They are some of the region’s most spectacular architectural landmarks, and they can’t be reached by car. TriMet’s Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People and the underground Washington Park MAX Station are awesome achievements in transportation that were built to be experienced by transit. These brilliant structures are more than beautiful, they are integral parts of our regional transit system. They are where form meets function, giving buses, trains and the people who ride them an advantage–a faster, more reliable ride, with a one-of-a-kind view. 

We are moving another bus line to the car-free Tilikum Crossing as part of the Forward Together Service Improvements that go into effect Sunday, Aug. 27. In the meantime, we’re continuing progress on “A Better Red,” a project that benefits from the dedicated right-of-way of the Robertson Tunnel. The tunnel was created as part of the Westside MAX Project, which extended MAX Blue Line west of Downtown Portland to Beaverton and Hillsboro. MAX Red Line trains would later share the track. Today, both lines serve the Washington Park MAX Station–-the deepest transit station in North America. 

Tilikum Crossing improves transit service

Take TriMet to experience the towering light and splendor of the Tilikum Crossing, a first-of-its-kind crossing of the Willamette, accessible only by transit, by bike, mobility device or foot. Completed in 2015 as part of the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail project, Tilikum Crossing was the first bridge of its kind in the United States. The four-pier, cable-stayed-type bridge rises 78 feet above the Willamette River, with twin towers that soar another 180 feet into the sky! The bridge opened as the first new span across the Willamette since the Fremont Bridge in 1973. 

TriMet will move Line 19-Woodstock/Glisan to the Tilikum Crossing as part of Forward Together, to help avoid delays caused by traffic congestion on the neighboring Ross Island Bridge. And that’s not all. We’re improving service so that Line 19 buses arrive every 30 minutes for more hours of the day, every day. And, we’re adjusting the route in Southeast Portland through the Eastmoreland neighborhood. Buses will no longer travel on Southeast Rex Street or 32nd Avenue, to speed up travel time.

The changes coming to Line 19 are part of the first large package of updates that TriMet will roll out with Forward Together, a sweeping overhaul of transit service that we took on coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forward Together is focused on equity and will make it easier for more people to connect with opportunities throughout the region. It moves some service from areas with low ridership and higher incomes to those where there are more people with lower incomes, who rely on transit to connect with opportunities throughout our region.

Additional improvements include upgrading Line 54-Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway to Frequent Service and adding buses on lines 8, 15, 35, 43, 56, 44, 70, 75 and 94 to increase the hours of day, frequency and days of the week when our service is convenient, robust and reliable.

The Forward Together plan moves buses to where they’re most needed and most likely to be used. As a result, we are reallocating some of our services. We are discontinuing lines 61, 64, 65, 66 and 68 due to low ridership. The limited, commuter-hours service will be replaced by improvements on lines 43, 54 and 56 and the current service on lines 8, 9 and MAX. Line 36-South Shore will also be retired due to very low use.

About 30% of our bus lines will see some sort of change with this package of improvements, and we ask all riders to visit trimet.org and plan a trip for Aug. 27 or later, to see how to adjust their travel after the changes take effect. 

A Better Red work continues

We’re rolling out Forward Together as A Better Red—our MAX Red Line extension and reliability project continues. Less than two months remain in our ongoing, 126-day disruption required for the current phase of the project. The work includes the replacement of the Portland Airport MAX Station and the installation of a second track along the alignment between the airport and Gateway Transit Center. During the project, shuttles are serving MAX stations between PDX and Gateway, running about every 15 minutes throughout most of the day. 

When the work is completed in 2024, the MAX Red Line will extend to 10 additional stations into Hillsboro. The entire MAX system will benefit from the track improvements, resulting in more reliable light rail service across the region.

Transit tunnel moves MAX trains past traffic

MAX Blue and Red lines benefit from another architectural wonder: the Washington Park MAX Station. At 260 feet underground, it’s the deepest transit station in North America, sitting some 90 feet further below ground than any station in New York City’s famed subway system. 

Located within Portland’s West Hills, the station serves as a gateway to Washington Park and some of the region’s most beloved treasures, including the Oregon Zoo. It’s a one-of-a-kind stop along our 60-mile light rail system. Because of its underground location, the Washington Park MAX Station stays a cool 50-55 degrees year-round. Riders coming in from a warm day relish the rush of cool air as trains arrive after traveling 55 miles per hour through the underground tube. A geological timeline—created from a drilling core sample—runs along the platform, highlighting historical milestones. The walls of the tunnel are awash with colorful vinyl panels that capture the natural beauty of the Washington Park experience. 

Experienced best by transit

Like Tilikum Crossing, the Washington Park MAX Station was built to support the region’s transit system. These architectural wonders make riding faster and more convenient by giving transit vehicles opportunities to move past traffic, maintain speed and avoid delays. Each was a first of its kind–the Tilikum Crossing, as the nation’s longest car-free bridge and the Washington Park MAX station, the nation’s deepest. And neither can be experienced by car. TriMet invites you to take in the awe the next you ride. Visit trimet.org and plan a trip.

Roll out of Forward Together improvements starting Sunday, Aug. 27, to bring increased frequency, more hours and days of service on multiple bus lines; route changes to speed up service; schedule updates to keep buses on time; reduced or discontinued service on some lesser used, low-ridership bus lines

Here we go! Starting Sunday, Aug. 27, TriMet will expand and improve bus service, as we implement the first major package of changes from our Forward Together service concept. The plan, which was developed in partnership with the community as travel changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, includes a sweeping overhaul of transit service for our tri-county service area. Forward Together is focused on equity and will make it easier for more people to connect with opportunities throughout the region. It moves some service from areas with low ridership and higher incomes to those where there are more people with lower incomes, who rely on transit to make important daily connections – like getting to work, school, health care and other services.

In this first bulk delivery of improvements and adjustments, we’re expanding our Frequent Service network and making it easier and more convenient to ride, with buses arriving more often, at more times and on more days. However, with limited human and financial resources, these improvements come with trade-offs. Some lesser-used bus lines will be discontinued, while others will be streamlined to reduce duplication, move service closer to those who need it most and make our transit system work more effectively for everyone.

More buses at more times on more lines and days of the week

TriMet’s Frequent Service buses and MAX lines arrive every 15 minutes or better, for most of the day, every day. We’re expanding upon our existing network, with more service for Line 54-Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy. Previously, the popular bus line combined with Line 56-Scholls Ferry Road to provide 15-minute service. Starting Aug. 27, we’re adding buses to Line 54, to keep them arriving about every 15 minutes, every day of the week.

You can also look for more buses arriving more often or for more hours of the day, or route adjustments or schedule changes to keep buses on time on the following lines:

• Line 8-Jackson Park/NE 15th: We’re increasing weekday service to Marquam Hill during the morning and afternoon commute.
• Line 15-Belmont/NW 23rd: We’re improving the existing Frequent Service so that buses on NW 23rd arrive every 15 minutes starting at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Line 19-Woodstock/Glisan: We’re improving service with buses arriving every 30 minutes for more hours of the day, every day. We’re also changing the route, moving the line from the Ross Island Bridge to Tilikum Crossing to avoid auto traffic. And, we’re adjusting the route in Southeast Portland through the Eastmoreland neighborhood. Buses will no longer travel on Southeast Rex Street or 32nd Avenue, to speed up travel time.
• Line 35-Macadam/Greeley: We’re improving Line 35 service with buses arriving every 30 minutes for more hours of the day, every day. We’re also changing the route with buses between Johns Landing and Lake Oswego alternating between Highway 43/Riverside (35R-Macadam/Riverside) and Taylors Ferry and Terwilliger Blvd (35T-Macadam/Terwilliger) to serve Lewis & Clark College and South Burlingame. 
• Line 44-Capitol Hwy/Mocks Crest: We’re increasing weekday morning service in Southwest Portland to help riders connect with Lines 43 and 56 and Marquam Hill. 
• Line 70-12th/NE 33rd Ave: We’re increasing evening service to NE 33rd Ave on weekends.
• Line 75-Cesar Chavez/Lombard: We’re extending evening service to Milwaukie on weekends. We’re also moving lines 75 and 77-Broadway/Halsey out of Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center due to construction. Buses will serve temporary stops on Northeast 42nd, Broadway and Halsey.
• Line 94-Pacific Hwy/Sherwood: We’re improving Line 94 service between Tigard and Sherwood with buses arriving every 20 minutes for more hours of the day, every day. We’re also changing the route by removing Line 94 service between Tigard and Portland. Line 12-Barbur/Sandy Blvd will continue to serve that area.

Spreading service where it’s needed most

The Forward Together plan aims to put buses where they’re most needed and most likely to be used. As a result, we are reallocating and realigning some of our services. This brings major changes for riders who use TriMet to connect with OHSU, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Portland VA Medical Center and other healthcare facilities on Marquam Hill. 

We are discontinuing several bus lines that provided service to Marquam Hill due to low ridership. Lines 61-Marquam Hill/Beaverton, 64-Marquam Hill/Tigard, 65-Marquam Hill/Barbur Blvd, 66-Marquam Hill/Hollywood and 68-Marquam Hill/Collins Circle will be retired. These weekday-only bus lines primarily offered service during the morning and afternoon commutes and were experiencing lower-than-expected ridership, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With Forward Together, the service that was dedicated to those low-ridership lines will be redistributed to nearby lines that offer more service throughout the day and week. This will help more people get to and from Marquam Hill, no matter when they need to be there. The service will be replaced by changes to service on lines 43, 54 and 56 and current service on lines 8, 9 and MAX, connecting with the Portland Aerial Tram. As Line 54 moves to Frequent Service, we will also make improvements to lines 43 and 56:

• Line 43-Taylors Ferry: We’re adding buses to Line 43 so that riders will see arrivals every 30 minutes. Line 43 will provide service between the Hillsdale neighborhood and OHSU. Riders should also know that we are changing the route of Line 43 between Tigard and OHSU. We’re moving buses off of South Corbett, as there are additional transit options nearby. Lines 12-Barbur/Sandy Blvd, 35-Macadam/Greeley and 99-Macadam/McLoughlin offer service nearby.  
• Line 56-Scholls Ferry Rd: We’re improving service on Line 56 with buses arriving every 30 minutes for more hours of the day, every day. When combined with Line 43, this change will bring 15-minute service between Hillsdale and OHSU. We’re also adjusting the route of Line 56 to OHSU, discontinuing service on Southwest Barbur Boulevard, where there’s service nearby on lines 12 and 44-Capitol Hwy/Mocks Crest. 

Additional adjustments

• Line 36-South Shore: We are discontinuing Line 36 due to low ridership.
• Line 39-Lewis & Clark: We are reducing weekday service due to focus on peak travel times for students at Ida B. Wells High School. We’re also extending the route to serve the Arnold Creek neighborhood and Barbur Transit Center, moving it off of Palatine Hill Road.
• Line 51-Vista: We’re extending Line 51 service on Dosch Road to Wells High School and Southwest Barbur and Bertha. Line 51 will no longer travel to Southwest 2nd but rather end at Goose Hollow, with service to Lincoln High School.
• Line 55-Hamilton: We’re reducing service on Line 55 due to low ridership and available service nearby on Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway. The remaining buses will be timed to serve Wells High School students.
• Line 99-Macadam/McLoughlin: We’re simplifying the route and moving buses to South Moody through the South Waterfront to help reduce delays.

More improvements

• Line 17-Holgate/Broadway: We’re adjusting the route of Line 17 to improve transfers and help keep buses on time, by moving the end of the line for eastbound travel to Southeast 122nd Avenue and Holgate Boulevard. Riders continuing to Southeast 136th can board Line 17 buses to Portland City Center to complete their trip.
• Line 44-Capitol Hwy/Mocks Crest and Line 78-Denney/Kerr Pkwy: We are restoring weekend service to PCC Sylvania.
• Tigard Transit Center: We’re reorganizing bus stops to accommodate more service at Tigard Transit Center. Riders of lines 43, 64, 76, 78 and 94 can expect to see changes.

Check the schedule and plan your trip

In addition to increasing service, we’re also adjusting schedules on about 30% of our bus lines. By adding or removing time from the schedule in response to traffic patterns, we can help keep buses on time. We’re planning adjustments of more than three minutes, to FX2-Division and Line 32-Oatfield. 

We encourage all riders to visit trimet.org by Sunday, Aug. 27, and use the online trip planner to see how your travel will change. Some lines will see smaller adjustments to help riders make transfers and give operators breaks.

Forward Together

Our Forward Together Service Concept provides a roadmap for increasing service by more than 30% in the coming years. Forward Together focuses on transportation priorities defined by our community: increasing transit ridership and improving connections to destinations for people with low and limited incomes. 

We began adopting proposals from the Forward Together Service Concept 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. We continue our work to overcome a historic operator staffing shortage and now have operators in place to continue adding back service. Watch for more improvements from the Forward Together plan in the years ahead, as provided by adequate staffing and financial resources.