Note: Due to extreme winter weather in January 2024, the completion date for the project shifted. The following media release has been edited to reflect that change.

Some MAX riders encouraged to use other transportation as contractors finish construction at the Gateway Transit Center and perform additional improvements

TriMet is preparing to put the finishing touches on our A Better Red construction at the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center, capping off a major part of a project that broke ground in September 2021. To reach this milestone, the Gateway Transit Center will be closed to trains. During that time, crews will connect the new track and systems that were previously constructed just north of the transit center, and they’ll get the new Gateway North station ready for service beginning on Monday, March 4.

We encourage those who ride MAX Blue, Green and Red lines to use alternative modes of transportation during the disruption. MAX will not serve the Gateway Transit Center while construction is taking place, with MAX Blue and Green lines disrupted and MAX Red Line suspended. Fixed-route and shuttle buses will continue to serve the transit center, however. Elsewhere, mainly along Interstate 84, contractors will use the closure as an opportunity to make improvements to our oldest part of the MAX system.

The work will be the last piece of a yearslong effort to rebuild segments of the MAX Red Line near the Gateway Transit Center and PDX. This part of the Better Red MAX Extension and Reliability project will improve train movement between the transit center and airport by adding another track to previously single-tracked sections. It also includes new bridges and a new MAX station for inbound trains heading toward City Center, which will be located just north of the transit center. The bridges, along with the new station, will be mostly completed and in use when trains resume regular service on Monday, March 4. 

https://youtu.be/Aun9g4jnrDQ?si=T0RWXJpCLYooTrRb

Stay informed and plan ahead

As the connection point for three MAX lines and seven bus lines, the Gateway Transit Center is a major hub of transit activity. Due to the complexity of the work, riders will notice more shuttle buses than during previous projects, and in some cases, riders will need to transfer from one shuttle bus to another to make connections.

We encourage riders to use alternative modes of transportation during the project if they can. Bus lines 12, 15, 19, 20 and 77 can be used as alternatives for some MAX trips, but they may experience higher ridership as a result of the project. LIFT Paratransit and the Columbia Gorge Express will also continue to serve the Gateway Transit Center.

Here’s how the MAX Blue, Green and Red lines will be affected:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4igjRBdREc

• MAX Blue Line: MAX Blue Line will operate between Hatfield Government Center and NE 7th Ave, as well as E 102nd Ave and Cleveland Ave. Trains will arrive about every 15 minutes throughout most of the day. Shuttle buses will serve stations between NE 7th Ave and E 102nd Ave, departing every seven minutes. Connect to shuttle buses to PDX or SE Main St at Gateway.
• MAX Green Line: MAX Green Line will operate between Clackamas Town Center and SE Main St. These will be single-car trains due to their shortened travel distance and the impacts of the project. They will arrive every 15 minutes. Shuttle buses will travel between SE Main St and the Gateway Transit Center every 15 minutes as well.
• MAX Red Line: MAX Red Line will not operate during the disruption. For trips toward Portland International Airport, board a MAX Blue Line train, then take a shuttle bus to the Gateway Transit Center. At Gateway, exit and transfer to a shuttle bus to the airport. These shuttle buses will depart every 15 minutes.

MAX Orange and Yellow lines will be operating on regular schedules during the disruption. With MAX Green Line being shortened, riders heading to Portland State University can board Yellow Line trains at Interstate/Rose Quarter.

Look ahead and start planning

We apologize for the inconvenience! We know disruptions can be challenging, but they are necessary, an investment in the long-term reliability of our rail system that lead to major reliability investments down the road. By doing this work, we will reduce the need for further disruptions along this stretch of the MAX system for many years. You’ll be able to plan ahead. Right now, you can visit our disruption page at trimet.org/improvements to view videos on how the shuttle buses will run and to learn more information about the project.

At Gateway and select stations, we will have customer service personnel to help you. Also, look for directional signs at shuttle bus locations and watch for the destination signs on buses to make sure you’re boarding the right one. 

A Better Red plus other improvements

Not only will the disruption end with the completion of a major Better Red milestone, there will be other improvements. This type of construction project provides an opportunity to make upgrades within areas of the system closed to train traffic, making it less likely that we’ll have to do this work in the future.

In addition to the work at Gateway, TriMet will replace around 9,000 wooden rail ties with more durable concrete ones, and we’ll install 14,000 feet of new rail, including curved rail at NE 97th Ave. This part of the system is part of the original MAX Blue Line and has been in near-constant use for the past 37 years. 

Closing sections of the system for rail improvements also provides a chance to remove litter and graffiti in the MAX right of way, which can be challenging during regular service or the brief overnight window when trains aren’t running.   

A Better Red

Thank you for your understanding and patience! We are now about 85% done with the entire A Better Red MAX Extension and Reliability Project. Once it’s fully completed next summer, riders will have a one-seat trip between Hillsboro Airport and PDX — an extension of the MAX Red Line by 10 new stations west! Improvements around Gateway and the airport — including the addition of a second track, a rebuilt PDX station and a new Red Line station north of Gateway for inbound trains heading into Downtown Portland — will improve reliability across the entire system. 

For more information about A Better Red, go to trimet.org/betterred. 

Facilities across the transit system are going through thorough deep cleaning and daily improvements as part of refresh

You may notice more activity at TriMet’s stations and transit centers: painting, power washing, litter pick up and more. It’s all part of a focused effort to refresh our most heavily used rail stations and transit hubs, along with our track areas and equipment. More than a simple clean up, TriMet is also replacing damaged signs, glass, older bus shelters and trash receptacles.

Repairing and renewing TriMet facilities

Enter the “Clean Team,” a TriMet group dedicated to sprucing up the system. They are working with an initial emphasis on some of our oldest stations, which are also among our most heavily used. These include several stations along Interstate 84 and in Downtown Portland, which are now more than 37 years old. 

At the Gateway Transit Center, crews have replaced bus shelters and begun deep-cleaning efforts, including repainting the MAX shelters on the platforms. Elsewhere, the Clean Team is working to revitalize public art, eliminate graffiti and improve landscaping.

Making it better on board and off

TriMet’s commitment to maintaining a safe and clean transit system shines through in our daily efforts to target vehicles, stations and transit centers. In a strategic move to enhance cleanliness, end-of-line cleaners are stationed at seven key transit Centers and MAX stations where operators take their breaks. Working seven days a week, they take care of spills and trash to make sure vehicles remain welcoming while in active service.

Those cleaners focusing on trains and buses are joined by other cleaners, whose daily efforts emphasize the platforms at rail stations. But with a service area stretched across 533 square miles, and with about 1.3 million trips made each week, there’s a lot to do! TriMet’s Clean Team helps by going deeper and reaching more areas than we can with daily cleaning.

This includes:

• Repainting structures, such as poles and shelters
• Deep cleaning shelter roofs and station platforms
• Cleaning or covering over graffiti 
• Repairing damaged equipment, such as tactile pavers, pylons and signs 
• Improving landscaping, including making sure tree roots don’t damage walkways
• Removing tripping hazards
• Picking up litter from the track area and nearby

The work comes as TriMet has increased security, and we’re rolling out better service as part of Forward Together, the service plan developed with the community. The COVID-19 pandemic posed the greatest public health crisis in over a century and pushed limited resources toward health and sanitation initiatives for nearly two years. Now, as more people return to the system, we want to make sure we’re looking our best and giving our riders the customer experience they want and deserve.

Keeping TriMet safe and clean

Rider safety and comfort are always TriMet’s top focus, no matter the circumstance. This year has seen more efforts aimed at making riding easier, faster and friendlier. TriMet has doubled the number of Customer Safety Supervisors on the system and deployed a diverse and growing security presence, with more than 300 people across various teams.

We also know cleanliness matters. Nothing is better than when everyone takes pride and ownership in the space they share with others. Here are some things you can do to help us keep buses, trains, stations, stops and other locations looking and feeling good. Your help is greatly appreciated!

• Set a good example by not leaving your trash behind. Not only is litter a nuisance and bad for the environment, it can also attract pests.
• Don’t feed the pigeons! As friendly as they seem, pigeons can spread diseases, mites and cause damage to the areas we all use. Feeding them only encourages their behavior, diminishing the hard work of TriMet’s cleaners. 
• Report unwanted behavior, which can be anything from smoking to vandalism to other forms of disruptive conduct. Because we want to know of bad behavior as soon as you see it, we recently made it easier to report security concerns 24 hours a day. For non-urgent matters, text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) or submit a report at trimet.org by clicking the security button. If it is urgent, tell the operator or other TriMet employee, or contact 911. 

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

Los pases de un  día, de un sólo sentido o de ida y de 2 ½ horas aumentarán, mientras que los pases mensuales y los límites para los pasajeros que usan su tarjeta Hop Fastpass™ NO tendrán ningún aumento

Versión en inglés

TriMet quiere recordarle a los pasajeros que algunas tarifas aumentarán el 1 de enero de 2024, pero los pasajeros frecuentes que paguen con su tarjeta de Hop Fastpass™ y viajen lo suficiente para ganar un pase mensual no verán un aumento. En mayo de 2023, la Junta Directiva de TriMet optó por mantener los pases/límites mensuales de Hop al precio actual. Last tarifas que tendrán incremento son las tarifas para adultos y ciudadanos honorables (Honored Citizen), los pases de un día para jóvenes, los boletos de 2 ½ horas, y los boletos de un sólo sentido o de ida para el transporte LIFT. Este es el primer aumento en la tarifa base para adultos de TriMet en más de una década.

Se proyecta que estos cambios en TriMet generen $5.3 millones adicionales en ingresos por tarifas anualmente, y se anticipan mayores aumentos a medida que el servicio se expanda y el número de pasajeros aumente. Este aumento de ingresos no solo ayudará a estabilizar las finanzas de TriMet, sino que también permitirá la implementación del plan de servicio Forward Together que tiene como objetivo aumentar el servicio de autobús en más de un 30 % con respecto a los niveles de la pandemia. La expansión del servicio beneficiará a más personas, con especial énfasis en aquellos con ingresos más bajos, brindándoles un mejor acceso al transporte público y ayudándolos a viajar a sus lugares de trabajo y otros destinos importantes. El compromiso de TriMet de ampliar sus servicios ayudará a la comunidad en general y creará más oportunidades para todos.

Aquí hay un vistazo a las tarifas que aumentarán el 1 de enero de 2024:

Adulto:

• Boleto de 2½: aumentará 30 centavos, con precio final de $2.80
• Pase de un día: aumentará 60 centavos, con precio final de $5,60

Tarifa reducida para ciudadanos honorables (Honored Citizen):

• Boleto de 2 ½ horas: aumentará 15 centavos, con precio final de $1.40
• Pase de un día: aumentará 30 centavos, con precio final de $2,80

Jóvenes

• Boleto de 2 1/2 horas: aumentará15 centavos, con precio final de $1.40
• Pase de un día: aumentará 30 centavos, con precio final de $2,80

LIFT Paratránsito:

• Boleto de un sólo sentido o de ida: aumentará 30 centavos, con precio final de $2,80

Estas son las tarifas que NO aumentarán a partir del 1 de enero de 2024 para los pasajeros que utilicen su tarjeta Hop:

Adulto:

• Pase mensual con un límite de $100

Tarifa reducida para ciudadanos honorables (Honored Citizen):

• Pase mensual con un límite de $28

Jóvenes

• Pase mensual con un límite de $28

Si bien los límites mensuales siguen siendo los mismos, con el aumento en las tarifas diarias los pasajeros alcanzarán el límite mensual más rápido y el resto de los viajes durante ese mes serán gratuitos:

Ahora más personas pueden aplicar para obtener tarifa reducida

Actualmente, después de comprar 20 pases diarios para adultos dentro del mismo mes, se alcanza el límite mensual de $100 y todos los demás viajes durante ese mes son gratuitos. A partir del 1 de enero de 2024, después de comprar 18 pases diarios para adultos dentro del mismo mes, se alcanzará el límite de $100 el cual es equivalente al pase mensual y todos los demás viajes durante ese mes serán gratuitos.

Actualmente, después de comprar 12 pases de ciudadano honorable (Honored Citizen) o pases de un día para jóvenes dentro del mismo mes, se alcanza el límite mensual de $28 y todos los demás viajes durante ese mes son gratuitos. A partir del 1 de enero de 2024, después de comprar 10 pases de ciudadano honorable (Honored Citizen) o pases diarios para jóvenes dentro del mismo mes, alcanza el límite de $28 el cual es equivalente al pase mensual y todos los demás viajes durante ese mes serán gratuitos.

Cada vez son más las personas que pueden solicitar la tarifa reducida de ciudadano honorable (Honored Citizen), y puede que algunas ni siquiera lo sepan. Además de las personas mayores de 65 años, las personas con discapacidad y las que reúnen los requisitos con base a su nivel de ingresos, los miembros activos y veteranos del servicio militar pueden viajar a la mitad del costo de las tarifas diarias para adultos y viajes ilimitados por sólo $28 al mes. Esto representa un ahorro del 72% sobre el precio de nuestra tarifa mensual para adultos. Puede averiguar si cumple los requisitos para beneficiarse de la tarifa reducida para ciudadanos honorables (Honored Citizen) en trimet.org/honoredcitizen.  

Primer aumento de la tarifa diaria desde septiembre de 2012 

El aumento de las tarifas diarias para adultos en enero del 2024 será de un 12% y es el primer aumento desde el 2012. En la última década, la personas ha pagado más por todo, desde el combustible a los comestibles, incluidos los servicios y productos básicos. Las tarifas del agua subieron más de 110%, las del alcantarillado más del 50% y las de recolección de basuras más del 20%. 

TriMet también ha visto aumentar sus gastos. El precio de las llantas de los autobuses han subido un 30% en la última década. El precio promedio de un galón de combustible fue un 18% más alto el año pasado que en el año fiscal 2018, y desde mediados del 2021, hemos visto un aumento del 10% al 25% en los precios de muchas de las piezas y partes de nuestros autobuses y trenes.

TriMet ayuda a las personas a pagar por su viaje

Desde julio de 2018, cuando TriMet amplió el programa de tarifas reducidas a quienes ganan hasta el 200% del nivel federal de pobreza, más de 53,000 personas se han inscrito. Obtenga más información en trimet.org/income.

Desde el 2013, los programas de Access Transit de TriMet han brindado asistencia con tarifas y subsidios de alivio de tarifas a organizaciones 501(c)(3) elegibles sin fines de lucro que trabajan directamente con la comunidad. Brindamos tarifas a más de 150 organizaciones a un costo reducido o sin costo, para que puedan ponerlas en manos de quienes las necesitan. Desde 2015, TriMet ha proporcionado a esos socios comunitarios más de $15.3  millones en tarifas. Obtenga más información en trimet.org/accesstransit.

Si bien la tarifa de TriMet para jóvenes entre los 7 a 17 años es la mitad del costo de una tarifa para adultos, también tenemos programas para escuelas secundarias que brindan a los estudiantes tarifas gratuitas o con descuento. Obtenga más información en trimet.org/summerpass. Niños de 6 años y menores viajan gratis con un adulto acompañante.

TriMet también ofrece viajes de LIFT paratránsito a una tarifa reducida para aquellos que dependen de este servicio. La cantidad que pagan los pasajeros ($2,80 por viaje a partir del 1 de enero de 2024) es mucho menor que el costo operativo real del viaje ($79,93 por viaje, octubre de 2023). TriMet cobra por esos viajes la mitad del costo que el gobierno federal designó para este servicio.

TriMet can take you to and from many of the season’s celebrations, and trimet.org makes it easy to plan before you go

All the good cheer of the most wonderful season of the year tends to disappear in holiday traffic. But before your heart shrinks three sizes too small and your skin sprouts green shag, remember there’s an easier way around congestion with TriMet. In the spirit of the season, the biggest and most useful gift we can give riders is a convenient trip where we’re in the driver’s seat and finding parking isn’t an issue.

It wouldn’t be the holidays without crowds, which may lead to delays no matter how you decide to travel. Being patient will be important, especially when traveling to busy shopping destinations or during popular events. You can easily plan and track your trip at trimet.org. Just check trimet.org/alerts before you go.

Pioneer Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

This year’s holiday festivities start with the flip of a switch, as the City of Roses will once again turn into the City of Lights. Portland’s Tree Lighting returns to Pioneer Courthouse Square the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 24. The annual event will take place between 5:30-6:30 p.m. and feature a sing-a-long led by Thomas Lauderdale from Pink Martini, local musicians and chorale singers.

With as many as 15,000 on hand for the festivities, MAX platforms at and across from the square will be closed for safety from 3 p.m. until about 7 p.m., or when the crowds disperse. They include:

• Pioneer Square North
• Pioneer Square South
• Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave Station

To reach the square, get off one stop before or after.

All MAX lines may experience minor delays due to the large crowd. Buses will detour off of SW 6^th Ave. until about 7 p.m.

We will have extra personnel out during the tree lighting providing security and helping people get around. They will include bus and rail supervisors who serve multiple roles, including operator support, encouraging safe behavior and assisting riders with questions. Let them or other TriMet personnel know if you need help or if you have an issue to report.

If you see something out of the ordinary, you can text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE), or submit a report online, to report a non-urgent concern directly to TriMet Security 24 hours a day. For an urgent concern, alert the operator or text or call 911 in an emergency.

Bus detours around Clackamas Town Center

The Clackamas Town Center’s parking lot can become busy during heavy holiday shopping. With the Clackamas Town Center Transit Center nearby and buses serving the parking lot directly, TriMet will detour buses around the Clackamas Town Center on the three busiest shopping days of the year.

The bus detours will be in effect between 1-6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, Saturday, Dec. 23, and Sunday, Dec. 24. The Clackamas Town Center Transit Center itself will remain open, and the bus detours will not affect MAX Green Line service.

The stops that will be temporarily closed (ID 13247 and ID 13248) are located off of Ring Road, which loops around the parking lot. The stop for eastbound Clackamas Town Center buses (ID 12921) will be moved to a temporary location between the entrance of the Cinema and Monterey Avenue.  From the temporary stop, buses will travel to the SE Fuller Rd MAX Station, where riders can transfer to the MAX Green Line.

At the Fuller Rd MAX Station, riders can board a Green Line train to continue to the Clackamas Town Center mall stop (ID 13132). Westbound buses will serve a temporary stop at the SE Fuller Rd MAX Station before continuing to the Clackamas Town Center Mall stop (ID 12922). We will have signs posted and customer service representatives out to help people make their connections if needed. Riders can also get off at the Clackamas Town Center Mall stop (ID 12922) and proceed about ½ mile to Clackamas Town Center Transit Center to board MAX.

Take TriMet to holiday events!

A new tradition is starting this year, with the City of Portland’s introduction of an ice rink and holiday marketplace, Woodsy Winter Village, near the west end of the Morrison Bridge. The marketplace and ice rink will be located on Southwest Naito Parkway between Harvey Milk and Morrison streets. They’ll be open from Dec. 16 through Jan. 28, with the ice rink operating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through December except for Christmas Day. Stations for MAX Blue and Red line trains are located within a few hundred feet, as are stops for bus lines 15-Belmont/NW 23rd and 16-Front Ave/St Helens Rd. The Portland Transit Mall, with bus and rail service serving multiple lines, is also located less than half a mile away.

The always popular Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo has also returned through Jan 7, 2024. With the Washington Park MAX station, served by the MAX Blue and Red lines, located near the entrance of the Oregon Zoo, Zoo Lights remains an ideal destination for those looking to leave their car at home.

In Washington County, the annual Tree Lighting at Orenco Station will happen on Nov. 25 from 4-6 p.m, with the lighting itself happening at 5:30 p.m. The MAX Blue Line serves Orenco Station, as do bus lines 47-Main/Evergreen and 48-Cornell. 

The Spirit of Gresham Holiday Tree Lighting is set to dazzle and delight on Dec. 2 at the Arts Center, 488 NE Third Ave. The event starts at 5 p.m., with the tree lighting scheduled to happen at 6 p.m. The Arts Center is about a five minute walk from the Gresham Central Transit Center, which is served by MAX Blue Line as well as bus lines, 2, 9, 20, 21, 80, 81, 82 and 84.

There are many other events, marketplaces, festivals and concerts happening throughout the season, and we don’t want you to miss out. Check events calendars to see what’s happening near you and then go to trimet.org to see the best way of getting there.

Stay alert and use caution

There are bound to be a lot of distractions during the holidays. Don’t get so caught up that you aren’t being safe, especially at MAX and road crossings. Look both ways and make sure an umbrella, hood or other clothing doesn’t block your view. And if you can, bring a light or reflective clothing to help our operators and other drivers see you better. It’s going to be dark and busy, so stay alert, safe and seen.

While riding, if you see something that doesn’t seem right, let us know. Text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) to report non-urgent security concerns 24 hours a day. For emergencies, alert the operator or contact 911. Learn about other efforts to make your ride safe at trimet.org/security.

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.

Activities to take place at Washington Park MAX Station, will help better prepare the region for potential emergency events

TriMet and public safety partners will be conducting a full-scale emergency response exercise on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. Activities will involve at least 225 people from more than 20 agencies and emergency management partners. The drill will better prepare our region, first responders and TriMet personnel for the potential of threats against the transit system. The exercise will take place at our Washington Park MAX Station—both at the station’s surface-level plaza and some 260 feet below on the platforms in the Robertson Tunnel. This will require disrupting MAX Blue and Red lines for the day. 

Scenarios to test and increase regional preparedness

The regional, full-scale exercise will involve fire, medical and police personnel, as well as TriMet staff. It will include two simulated events: an active attacker and a hazardous materials incident. 

The drill is funded through a Transit Security Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Those grants are awarded to agencies “to protect critical transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from terrorism and to increase transportation infrastructure resilience.”

“There is no known threat to TriMet’s system, but it is vital that we as a public transit provider and our regional first responders remain vigilant and prepared for a coordinated response in the event that ever changes,” TriMet Executive Director of Safety and Security Andrew Wilson said. “We appreciate our riders for their understanding about the disruption to our service for the day, as this exercise is an important part of our comprehensive safety and security efforts and preparedness.”

Washington Park Station closed, MAX Blue and Red lines disrupted

The Washington Park MAX Station will be closed and off limits to the public on Sunday, Nov. 5, and MAX Blue and Red lines will be disrupted for the entire service day. This will allow crews to prepare for and conduct the exercise, then clear personnel and equipment and prepare for the return of regular MAX service on Monday, Nov. 6. Shuttle buses will provide service between Sunset Transit Center and Providence Park stations. MAX Red Line trains will run only between Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport. Trains and shuttle buses will run on regular Sunday frequency—every 15 minutes. 

If riding MAX Blue or Red lines on Sunday, plan an extra 15 to 30 minutes for trips through the disrupted area. Consider using bus lines 20-Burnside/Stark and 58-Canyon Rd to avoid the disruption. If heading to PDX, use Blue or Green Line trains to reach Gateway Transit Center and transfer to Red Line trains. Plan and track rides at trimet.org.  

Tunnel exercise required by FTA

The Federal Transit Administration requires transit agencies to conduct emergency exercises related to critical tunnel infrastructure such as TriMet’s Robertson Tunnel through the West Hills. The tunnel consists of twin, three-mile tunnels spanning between Multnomah and Washington counties. Elevators take people some 260 feet between the surface level at Washington Park and the platforms below, making it the deepest transit station in North America and the fifth deepest in the world. MAX operations through the tunnel began in September 1998, when the MAX Blue Line extension between Downtown Portland and Hillsboro opened. 

Emergency response exercise participants

This is TriMet’s first full-scale drill in the Robertson Tunnel since 2014. In addition to TriMet staff, personnel from the following agencies are involved: American Medical Response (AMR), Dikason Medical Services, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Gresham Fire Department, Gresham Police Department, Kaiser Permanente, Multnomah County Emergency Medical Services, Multnomah County Health Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, NW Oregon Health Preparedness Organization, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), OHA Health Security Preparedness and Response, Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU), Portland Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland Police Bureau, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA), Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Department of Health, SenseMakers LLC.

Construction activities to make way for hollywoodHUB, a community-centered, mixed-use, transit-oriented development with affordable housing, neighborhood-gathering space and modernized transit facilities

Big changes are coming to TriMet’s Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center in Northeast Portland. Construction has begun on a series of projects that will transform the transit center into affordable homes, bustling retail and community-gathering spaces – all just feet from TriMet buses and trains.

Turning underused land into homes, community space

In the coming years, what had been nearly 35,000 square feet of underutilized land will become the site of hollywoodHUB, a mixed-use building and community space, with some 224 permanently affordable apartments. The former dead-end portion of Northeast 42nd Avenue will become a new public walkway, featuring a redesigned connection to the Hollywood MAX station.

For TriMet, the project represents an opportunity to fully realize the potential of an underutilized site. The Hollywood Transit Center opened in 1986 as part of the original 15-mile MAX line between Gresham and Downtown Portland. Changes over the past 37 years, including the city’s need for more affordable housing, spurred a closer look at the site as a new home for transit-oriented development and modernized transit facilities.

Temporary tribute mural being removed

To make way for the hollywoodHUB, TriMet’s must first demolish the existing ramp and stairs. A temporary, accessible structure will be installed to maintain access to and from the MAX station before TriMet creates a new, permanent ramp later in the construction. This does mean removing the tribute mural that has graced the walls of the ramp structure since 2018.

The “We Choose Love” mural, designed by artist Sa’rah Farahat, was commissioned as a temporary tribute following the devastating attack on a MAX train pulling into the Hollywood Transit Center on May 26, 2017. Ricky Best and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche were killed and Micah Fletcher was seriously hurt after coming to the defense of two teenagers targeted by an individual spewing hate.

A spontaneous outpouring of emotion, support and community filled the walls of the ramp structure in the weeks after. People shared expressions of grief and gratitude in colorful chalk. That was inspiration for the design of Farahat’s temporary mural that weaved together color, text and images across nearly 2,000 feet of wall space at the Hollywood Transit Center.

“I remain committed to the words that were written, spoken and made into action by citizens of Portland who demand safety and love for all,” artist Sar’ah Farahat said. “To you who visited We Choose Love as a way to mourn and spread care, may the words sprout like seeds in your heart. Now is your time to bloom.”

While the memorial was intended to be temporary, it will be reflected in the design of the final development. The vivid colors and calls for peace will be incorporated into the permanent ramp and walkway area as a long-lasting remembrance of that tragic day and the outpouring of love and community.

Bringing permanently affordable homes to the heart of Hollywood

The entire hollywoodHUB development project is a partnership between TriMet, developer BRIDGE Housing, and resident services provider Impact NW*.
Service provider has been updated.

Funding for the affordable housing element comes from many sources, reflecting the building’s size and its large number of units. Most notably, Portland Housing Bureau and Metro pooled resources to provide $31.95 million of affordable housing bond funding, sourced from the Portland Housing Bureau’s 2016 and Metro’s 2018 bond programs. With the combined resources of both bond programs supporting it, hollywoodHUB has received the largest funding award ever issued for an affordable housing project in Portland, an indication of the scale and impact of this project and the urgent need for affordable housing across the region.

On Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, TriMet and partners took part in an official groundbreaking to begin TriMet’s ramp demolition and construction work. That will be followed, in the summer of 2024, by the first phases of constructing the hollywoodHUB development.

“This project extends beyond mere transit infrastructure. It encompasses TriMet’s commitment to making our region one of the world’s most inclusive, sustainable and livable places,” TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. said. “We’re revitalizing this transit center into homes and community space seamlessly linked to TriMet’s bus and MAX service and other shared mobility options.”

“BRIDGE Housing congratulates our partners at TriMet on reaching this important milestone for the hollywoodHub, laying the foundation for an inclusive, equitable, transit-oriented community in alignment with our commitment to fostering vibrant and accessible neighborhoods,” President and CEO of BRIDGE Housing Ken Lombard said. “Today’s celebration reflects the power of our collective will to meaningfully address the housing crisis. While much work lies ahead, we’re proud to partner with this stellar team to help meet the needs of working families in the City of Portland.”

“We believe transit and housing are key elements to maintaining a healthy society,” Metro Councilor Mary Nolan said. “This project is an example of all of us working together to take care of one another. Providing families with a stable place to live, grow and thrive is essential in building stronger communities.”

“We are thrilled to be working closely with TriMet on this development,” Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio said. “In just a few short years, hundreds of low-income Portlanders will call the hollywoodHUB home and will be able to take advantage of fantastic transit access to get to work, school and play. Thank you to the voters of Portland for supporting the Housing Bond measures that made this project possible.”

The hollywoodHUB will bring 224 new units of affordable housing within steps of TriMet’s buses and trains. Overall, 151 of the homes will be at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), while 71 units will be at or below 30% AMI, including 55 homes with rental assistance vouchers ensuring residents only pay 30% of their income on rent and utilities. Impact NW will serve as the resident services provider, ensuring inclusive supportive services to building residents.

According to data from the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, the region is about 90,000 housing units short of meeting the needs of people living at or below poverty. In 2018, voters approved Metro’s $652.7 million bond program, which earmarks money for permanent affordable housing projects across Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.

Housing solutions through transit-oriented development

Once completed in 2026, the project will serve as another example of transit-oriented development in action. Such projects maximize density while creating walkable neighborhoods near transit, relieving congestion, increasing the supply of affordable housing and community resources. TriMet is not a developer, but we work with local partners or third parties to create better purposes for our underutilized properties, such as the Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center. Other recent examples include the new East County Library, under construction on the old site of TriMet’s Gresham City Hall Park & Ride, and the Fuller Station Apartments. Completed and opened for residents at the end of 2021, the Fuller Station development features 100 apartments for families and individuals who earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income.

For more information about TriMet’s Transit-Oriented Development program, visit trimet.org/tod.

Inclusive collaboration in Hollywood Transit Center transformation

TriMet and BRIDGE Housing share ambitious goals for disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE), minority-owned, women-owned, service disabled veterans business enterprises and emerging small businesses (ESB) participation in project design and construction. TriMet’s prime contractor for the Hollywood Transit Center Project is Raimore Construction, a federal and Oregon certified MBE & ESB, with minorities comprising more than 80% of its staff, including all supervisory and management personnel. BRIDGE Housing has brought on O’Neill-Walsh Community Builders to construct the hollywoodHUB. The general contractor is 49% minority owned.