The agency used more than five million gallons of cleaner burning R99 diesel since December 2021, decreasing environmental pollution and lowering maintenance costs
What happens when you take hundreds of buses that travel millions of miles and run them on renewable diesel? You start making a big difference–for the environment and for the people who live, work and play across TriMet’s 533-square mile service district. Since Dec. 2, 2021, our nearly 700 fixed-route buses have run on R99, a blend of 99% renewable diesel and 1% petroleum. Our diesel LIFT paratransit vans and buses along with our diesel WES commuter rail trains made the switch to the greener, cleaner-burning fuel on May 1, 2022. In the past year, we’ve used more than five million gallons of R99, a move which created cleaner air for our community, reduced maintenance costs and helped TriMet exceed milestones on our road to net-zero emissions by 2050.
The move to renewable diesel, combined with our shift to renewable electricity for the MAX light rail system and all TriMet-owned facilities in June 2021, reduced TriMet’s greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 70%. We estimate that these climate actions will help TriMet avoid more than 193 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year. That is equivalent to taking almost 19,000 automobiles off the road annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
What is renewable diesel?
Renewable diesel is chemically identical to petroleum, but it contains nearly no fossil carbon. It is made from 100% renewable and sustainable resources like natural fats, vegetable oils and greases. Also referred to as renewable hydrocarbon diesel, it produces fewer emissions, resulting in a cleaner, low-carbon fuel.
R99 replaced the B5 biodiesel blend TriMet had been using in our buses since 2006. Unlike higher concentrations of biodiesel, renewable diesel requires no changes to engines. Renewable diesel is processed in the same way as petroleum and performs better than biodiesel in cold air. In addition, it requires no blending and burns cleaner than biodiesel or petroleum diesel.
Renewable diesel (left) is chemically identical to petroleum but contains nearly no fossil carbon
Benefits add up
As renewable diesel burns much cleaner than traditional diesel fuel as well as biodiesel, TriMet expects to see significant maintenance cost savings over time. Since making the transition to R99 in our fixed-route fleet one year ago, we have experienced a notable decrease in maintenance issues related to our buses’ emissions systems. That’s because renewable diesel is easier on the exhaust after-treatment systems that are installed on our buses. That ultimately lowers the time and cost required to maintain them. In fact, TriMet estimates annual maintenance cost savings could reach as much as $100,000 per year.
The road to net-zero emissions
TriMet began using R99 in our fixed-route buses on Dec. 2, 2021
As TriMet pursues net-zero emissions by 2050, our adoption of renewable energy helps meet milestones defined in our Climate Action Plan. By purchasing renewable electricity and renewable diesel in the past year, we estimate exceeding our 2022 goal for a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (from a 2020 baseline), by about 10%.
TriMet continues to test and vet electric bus technologies in our move to a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040. Earlier this year, we made our first bulk purchase of electric buses, 24 long-range battery-electric buses manufactured by GILLIG. The buses will start arriving in 2023, and will expand TriMet’s current electric bus fleet to 34 vehicles by mid-2024. We continue to explore the potential of emerging technologies including four diesel-to-electric conversion buses, and what is believed to be the world’s first 60-foot, articulated bus converted to 100% electric. Learn more at trimet.org/bettertransit/environment.
TriMet can take you to and from many of the season’s celebrations, but always plan ahead before you go
Following two years of virtual winter holiday events, TriMet is excited to welcome you back for this year’s tree lighting when it returns to Pioneer Courthouse Square in person on Friday, Nov. 25. Expect Portland’s living room to be bustling with holiday cheer beginning in the afternoon ahead of the 6 p.m. lighting.
With thousands anticipated to pack into Downtown for the event, we’ve got you covered and can help you get there and back home conveniently. But the crowd will also mean some adjustments to our service will be needed to help keep everyone safe and moving. Before leaving, check trimet.org and plan some extra time in case you experience delays.
Plan ahead, go early
In past years, as many as 15,000 people have made the trip Downtown for the tree lighting. A big crowd is expected this year as well to catch 14,000 lights blink to life on a 75-foot-tall Douglas Fir —and all the fanfare surrounding it!
We suggest planning your trip in advance and heading to the celebration early.
MAX service
Starting Friday afternoon, TriMet will be adjusting MAX service through Downtown due to crowds. From 3-7 p.m., MAX Blue and Red line trains will stop serving both the north and south Pioneer Courthouse Square stops, while the MAX Green and Yellow lines will bypass the Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Station. During the closures, trains will stop at the stations for safety but will not open their doors.
Bus service
Bus stops along a portion of Portland’s Transit Mall will also be affected. From 4-7 p.m., all bus lines on SW 6th Avenue (1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 12, 17, 19, 35, 36, 43, 44, 54, 56, 94 and 99), along with C-TRAN buses, will not serve stops between SW Salmon and Washington streets. Buses will detour via SW 4th Avenue.
Around the time that Santa Claus flips the light switch at 6 p.m., riders should expect delays extending into the evening. Trains will stop for longer to allow people to safely leave the square. We’ll get the trains rolling and back on schedule as soon as possible!
Other sparkling holiday events
Downtown’s Pioneer Courthouse Square celebration won’t be the only holiday tree-lighting event this year. And for many of the others, TriMet can be your safe, reliable and convenient travel option. Here are a few events where TriMet provides quick and easy access:
Spirit of Gresham Tree Lighting: 5-6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, Gresham’s Arts Plaza, 401 NE Second St.
Gresham is kicking off the holidays with its annual tree lighting at the Arts Plaza, located within walking distance of the Gresham Central Transit Center, served by MAX Blue Line.
Beaverton Winter Lights Holiday Bazaar and Tree Lighting Event: 2-7 p.m.,Beaverton City Park, SW Hall Boulevard and SW Third Street.
Beaverton’s celebration promises to be a day filled with festivities culminating in the tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. at Beaverton Central Park. The park is located about a half mile from Beaverton Central MAX Station, served by MAX Blue Line. A number of bus lines also stop near or around the park. To plan your trip, go to trimet.org/planner.
Milwaukie Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting: 4-6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, South Downtown Plaza, 11222 SE Main St.
Milwaukie’s tradition of decorating umbrellas and parading them through downtown before the tree lighting continues this year at the South Downtown Plaza. The plaza, located at 11222 SE Main St, is just a three minute walk from Milwaukie/Main St MAX Station, served by MAX Orange Line.
Just remember, a day pass costs $5 for adults and $2.50 for youth (ages 7-17) and honored citizens (ages 65+). Kids 6 and younger ride free. Make sure you tap the Hop reader with your contactless credit/debit card, phone equipped with a mobile wallet or your physical or virtual Hop card (stored on your phone) every time you board. It’s your proof of payment.
Be safe and courteous
We hope you have a happy and safe time at whatever holiday celebration you attend this year. With more people out and about, remember to be aware of your surroundings and courteous to others. Pay special attention while crossing MAX tracks and streets. Bring a light or wear reflective clothing if you can to help stay visible, and above all have a great time!
Annual holiday detours of 11 bus lines begin on Black Friday, return for season’s busiest shopping days through December 26
It’s that time of year, when TriMet teams up with holiday helpers to keep people moving around Clackamas Town Center. The influx of shoppers on the busiest days of the season can bring parking lots to a standstill. That’s why we’re getting ready for our annual holiday detours around the mall, to help our riders avoid congestion and do our part to keep everyone moving.
Starting Friday, Nov. 25, we will begin detours on 11 bus lines that serve the mall at Southeast 82nd Avenue and Sunnyside Road. The detours are temporary and will be in place between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on select dates through Monday, Dec. 26. We understand that this temporary change will mean some inconvenience for our riders, and we thank them for their patience as we do our best to keep the “Bah! Humbug!” out of the holiday season!
2022 holiday detour details
Lines
29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 71, 72, 79, 152, 155, 156
Dates
Friday, Nov. 25
Saturday, Dec. 17 – Saturday, Dec. 24
Monday, Dec. 26
Hours
1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Clackamas Town Center Transit Center will remain open, and the detour will not affect MAX Green Line service. We encourage riders to plan an extra 15 minutes for travel while the detour is in place.
Temporary stop locations
When detours are in effect, bus stops near the Clackamas Town Center Transit Center will be closed. These stops (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 closed and 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 12922).
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).
Signs will be posted and Customer Service staff will be on hand at the closed stops to help riders find their buses and answer questions.
Tips for going from a bus to the MAX Green Line
Stay onboard your bus and continue to SE Fuller Rd MAX Station.
Board a bus at the temporary stop between the cinema and Monterey Avenue and transfer to MAX at the SE Fuller Rd MAX Station.
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.
Tips for going from the MAX Green Line to a bus
Proceed about ½ mile from Clackamas Town Center Transit Center to Clackamas Town Center Mall stop (ID 12922) to catch a bus.
Get off MAX at SE Fuller Rd MAX Station and board a bus at the temporary stop in the parking lot.
Thank you and happy holidays!
We appreciate our riders’ understanding as we make adjustments to safely and efficiently serve the community. If you need help or have questions, our Customer Service team is available by phone and text at 503-238-7433 (RIDE) and on Twitter @trimethelp from 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., seven days a week. Happy Holidays from TriMet!
The initial improvements, part of TriMet’s extension of the MAX Red Line to Hillsboro, are scheduled to finish this weekend
The first phase of trackway construction for TriMet’s A Better Red MAX reliability and extension project near Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport is on schedule to finish on time this weekend.
MAX Blue Line trains will resume regular service Sunday, Nov. 20, following an eight-day disruption for construction that is part of TriMet’s multi-year A Better Red project. The work is laying the foundation to extend the MAX Red Line west 10 stations, from Beaverton Transit Center to Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport. This section of the light rail system dates back to TriMet’s Westside Blue Line extension.
Improvements to Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport
Crews have been working since Nov. 12 to improve components of the light rail system near the Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport MAX Station. Once TriMet completes work on A Better Red in 2024, the station will be the new west side terminus for the MAX Red Line, the end result of a 10-station service extension of the line from Beaverton Transit Center into Hillsboro.
When it was completed in the 1990s, an auxiliary track at Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport wasn’t planned to accommodate regular train movements. Crews have been working to make important improvements that will allow more trains to move around each other, including replacing critical track components used to turn back trains. They do this by crossing from one track to the other. Crews have also been replacing switch machines to automatically align the track direction—the devices that physically move parts of the track—along with worn, wooden rail ties.
In addition to preparing Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport for more train traffic in the future, crews have also been taking the opportunity to revitalize other parts of the system between Orenco/NW 231st Ave and Hatfield Government Center. They’ve been grinding the rail and clearing brush and debris to help create smoother, more enjoyable trips for our riders.
Since the start of the project, field staff, customer service personnel, volunteer Ride Guides and others have been out at key locations to help riders navigate the changes. We appreciate our riders’ patience and understanding as crews spend the next few days completing the project.
A Better Red
Since 2001, the MAX Red Line has provided a convenient, cost effective way for riders to go to and from Portland International Airport, jobs and other destinations. As our region grows, it’s important for transit to grow with it to connect more people to the places that matter to them. With A Better Red, not only will the Red Line be extended 10 stations west into Hillsboro, additional improvements around the Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport will improve train traffic by alleviating bottlenecks that impact the entire rail system.
“The City is ready to welcome the Red Line into the heart of Hillsboro,” said Don Odermott, Transportation’s System Director for the City of Hillsboro. “With the future terminus at Hillsboro Airport/Fair Complex Station, this extension provides the service and frequency for our community that we envisioned when we celebrated its grand opening in 1998.”
Crews have been working on the project since breaking ground in September 2021:
Moving a 200-foot section of special trackway to make room for the bridges.
Constructing retaining walls that will support tracks connecting the bridges.
Working along the trackway at Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport to build a new walkway for MAX operators.
Constructing a new breakroom at Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport for operators.
Relocating utilities near Portland International Airport to make room for a second track.
We are very appreciative of our riders and thank them for their understanding and support as we work to make A Better Red. For more on the project, visit trimet/org/bettered.
With colder weather around the corner, TriMet encourages riders to start getting ready now
When that first nip of morning air snaps at your skin, making your arm hairs rise to attention, you know what’s coming—winter! For TriMet, it’s a sign to get ready. We are, and we hope you are too! We’ve been arranging our gear and reviewing our plans to help keep buses and trains moving in the event of snow or ice storms in the coming months.
Winter can be unpredictable, which is why it’s important to consider early how a storm might impact your travel. To help guide you on your trips on TriMet, we suggest visiting our winter weather webpage, trimet.org/winterweather, which features detailed tips and information for when wintry conditions arrive.
Through coordination with our regional transportation partners, and the preparatory work of our employees, TriMet is primed for the potential of snow and ice. But if conditions are too icy and slick, or if it’s simply too cold for you to wait outside safely, please consider postponing your trip if you can.
Safety takes the driver’s seat
During winter storms, TriMet emphasizes safety over schedules. Snow, high winds and especially ice can impact travel and may result in delays or detours for trains and buses.
“The weather can vary throughout the region, so we encourage riders to check weather reports, monitor conditions in your area and refer to TriMet’s website before heading out this winter,” TriMet’s Executive Director of Transportation Inessa Vitko said. “Not only are our operators and supervisors prepared, but our facilities, maintenance and operations teams are also ready to step up to keep everyone moving as best we can this winter.”
Snow will mean slower, more cautious trips for buses. They will follow their normal routes as long as the streets are safe for travel. We work with city and state road crews to help make sure bus routes get salted or plowed first, and we’ll chain buses as necessary, especially on hilly routes. Once chained, all buses are limited to 25 mph.
Ice can impact the MAX system, especially if it builds up on overhead wires faster than we can remove it. It is possible your train may be delayed and you may have to make an extra transfer due to ice. In some situations, we may have to use shuttle buses to transport riders between stations.
Equipment on standby
Every autumn, TriMet takes stock of our winter equipment. This year, we have more of it than ever—more drop-down chains for buses and de-icer for our facilities—set aside for when the first snowflake falls.
We have five sets of chains designated for every bus.
Nearly all of our buses, about 95%, have drop-down chains that operators can deploy with a press of a button.
We have 25 light rail vehicles equipped with ice cutters to try to prevent ice from building up on our overhead wires.
To help prevent slips and falls, we have more than 82,000 pounds of de-icer on hand for our crews to spread on platforms, transit centers and our operating facilities.
And we have switch heaters and additional equipment to try to keep trains running.
Winter riding tips
As we’ve seen over the past few winters, cold snaps can happen anytime in the season, covering roads with snow and ice and slowing all travel, including transit. To help you stay safe and comfortable, here are TriMet’s tips for riding during wintry weather.
Make sure to dress warmly, in bright-colored or reflective clothing if you have it. Bring a small light, or use the flashlight on your phone, to help make yourself more visible.
Stand away from the curb, especially as your bus is approaching.
Watch your step on stairs and platforms and, if you can, wear shoes with good traction.
Be prepared for detours and delays—especially if there’s substantial snow in the forecast.
Buses may not always be able to pull all the way over to the curb in snow, so please be careful when stepping off the curb toward your bus. Accommodations will be made to assist riders with mobility devices.
Remember that in severe weather conditions buses and trains may get so far off schedule that our TransitTracker™ won’t be able to accurately predict arrival times. Instead, it will use “miles away” to give you a sense of where your bus or train is.
You can also monitor bus and train locations in real time at trimet.org.
If delays or disruptions happen, we will announce them as quickly as our staff can. You can also sign up to get email or SMS updates about snow/ice service now to stay one step ahead.
Ordinance for January 2024 fare increase will first go before the Board in April 2023, with Board action in May 2023
The TriMet Board of Directors has asked TriMet staff to formalize a fare increase proposal for its consideration that, if approved, would take effect Jan. 1, 2024.
At a Board retreat on Nov. 9, 2022, several Board members cited the need for TriMet to increase fare revenue and overall revenue to provide financial stability for transit operations, as well as address the inflationary increases in the cost of operating the transit system. With a majority of the Board voicing support for a 2024 fare increase, Board President Linda Simmons directed TriMet staff to move forward on the process to bring a formal fare increase ordinance before the Board. The first reading of the ordinance will occur at the Board’s April 26, 2023 meeting, with a second reading and vote at its May 24, 2023 meeting.
The Board directed staff to further develop a package of fare changes, for its consideration, that include the following increases:
Adult 2 ½ hour ticket—increase 30 cents to $2.80
Honored Citizen 2 ½ hour ticket—increase 15 cents to $1.40
Youth 2 ½ hour ticket—increase 15 cents to $1.40
LIFT paratransit single ride—increase 30 cents to $2.80
If approved in May 2023, any fare changes would take effect January 1, 2024.
Title VI analysis and mitigation
TriMet will conduct a Title VI fare equity analysis to determine what impacts a fare increase would have on people of color and those who live on a low income, and we’ll work with the community to determine opportunities to mitigate such impacts.
Public outreach and engagement
TriMet will launch a public outreach and engagement campaign beginning in December 2022, to inform and educate riders, employees and community members about the proposed fare increase. This will include hosting several in-person and virtual events and an online portal to capture feedback. The public is also invited to attend TriMet Board of Director meetings, and they can sign up to provide comment during the public forum at the start of each meeting. People will also be able to testify after the reading of the ordinance at the April 26, 2023 meeting and during the public forum at the Board’s May 24, 2023 meeting. The Board will vote on the ordinance at the May meeting. All public comment will be shared with the Board. More on the public engagement will be announced in early December.
TriMet has retained our national reputation as a creditworthy and responsible steward of financial resources. Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA), one of the nation’s leading credit-rating firms, has reaffirmed our AAA bond status for the fifth straight year.
AAA is the highest possible rating from Kroll. The agency describes the esteemed position as “assigned only to the very highest quality” candidates, “able to survive extremely challenging economic events.” It has granted the top-tier rating to TriMet every year since 2018.
In its reaffirmation, KBRA recognized TriMet for “a diverse and growing economic base [and] a highly reliable revenue source, which demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The rating is largely based on the strength and stability of Oregon’s employer payroll tax, which is our highest revenue source.
Achievement of the AAA rating helps generate interest in our bonds, which lets us command a better price. TriMet is allowed to spend proceeds from bond sales for items like bus purchases and major construction efforts such as the Division Transit Project.
We issued more than $400 million in bonds on Oct. 5, 2021, of which $229 million was refunding bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates and $181 million was new money. The funds will be used for our A Better Red MAX extension and improvements project, our Powell Operating Facility renovation and the purchase of new light rail vehicles.
History of excellence
In 2015, TriMet became the first special tax-backed transit agency to achieve an Aaa rating from Moody’s Corporation. Then, in 2017, we became the only special tax-backed transit agency to achieve the triple A rating from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings, reflecting the creditworthiness of government bonds. In May 2018, TriMet received accolades from a third rating agency, Kroll, and became the first transit agency in the nation to have a special tax-backed bond rated triple A by the three top rating agencies at the time: Moody’s (Aaa); Standard & Poor’s Global (AAA); and KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency (AAA).
Budget accolades
In addition, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded our Budget & Grants department a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the third year in a row. The GFOA conducts a rigorous budget review process to ensure that organizations are not only spending their money wisely, they’re effectively telling their story to stakeholders.
About TriMet
TriMet provides bus, light rail and commuter rail transit services in the Portland, Oregon metro area. We connect people with their community, while easing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution — making our community a better place to live.
TriMet’s new FX2-Division line uses special signals at key intersections that let buses bypass red lights to skip congestion
When our new FX2-Division bus line opened last month between Downtown Portland and Gresham along Division Street, a lot of people asked: “What makes it faster?”
Everything about FX is optimized for getting people to their destinations efficiently, from the high-capacity bus with multi-door boarding to the station platforms that we placed at key locations, to avoid unnecessary stops. These are the types of tools that are more likely to get noticed by our riders.
What drivers who share the road are starting to note is that FX buses use special lanes and signals that help keep them moving around traffic. The signals are new, and some look a lot different from your standard red/yellow/green traffic signals. That’s leading to claims that our buses are running red lights. The fact is they’re not. Our FX bus operators are following signals for buses only, that keep our riders moving and make FX the faster, better way to go.
Reports of green buses running the red
An FX bus proceeds through the intersection at Southeast 148th Avenue and Division
FX2-Division has the benefit of transit signal priority. In partnership with transportation teams at the cities of Portland and Gresham and ODOT, we’re using next-generation transit signal priority technology at 58 intersections along the route to keep FX buses moving. The technology can keep some green lights green longer or shorten red lights to keep the buses rolling. But at seven intersections between 117th and 162nd avenues, there’s a separate signal for our buses that many other drivers are overlooking.
Since FX service launched on Sept. 18, TriMet has received numerous claims that our big green buses are running red lights, among them:
“FX2… talked to him at light and said he is allowed to run them… I was in a dump truck at 122nd heading eastbound.” (Submitted Sept. 29)
“I am driving on 148th and Division … The bus operator had his blinker on, went up to the light and stayed in that lane, pulled up to the light and proceeded to go through the intersection at a RED LIGHT. Literally ran the RED light.” (Submitted Sept. 30)
Understanding the signals
“It’s likely that they can’t see the light that our operators are following,” said TriMet Bus Training Supervisor Jeff Muceus. “Therefore, it does appear that we’re running a red light.”
Seven intersections along the FX2-Division route have a bus-only signal separate from and in addition to traditional red/yellow/green traffic lights
The intersections at Southeast 122nd and 148th on Division are among those with the special transit signals for FX buses. Instead of the traditional red, yellow and green globes, the bus signal shows a white horizontal bar, a flashing triangle and a white vertical bar. Our bus operators are trained to proceed through the intersection on a vertical, prepare to stop when they see a flashing triangle and come to a complete stop for a horizontal bar.
The signals on Division are designed to keep buses moving as part of the faster FX service. Even when an operator is signaled to stop, the bus won’t be delayed for long.
“If a signal times out, the triangle will flash, then the horizontal bar will come on, and the bus will wait for another few seconds for the signal to come back on,” explained Jeff.
Speeding up buses and riders
While not all intersections along the FX2-Division route have dedicated signals for buses, they are all coordinated to move buses and riders faster. There is a constant stream of technology and communication taking place between the buses, signals, receptors and transmitters. Working together, these components can add up to big travel time savings for bus riders.
“FX means Frequent Express, so what we’re trying to do is keep our buses moving. Every one of those lights tries to help the buses keep moving,” said Jeff.
FX–Fast, frequent, efficient
The $175 million Division Transit Project laid the foundation for TriMet FX®—Frequent Express—a faster, higher-tier, high-capacity bus service for the Division Street corridor between Gresham, East Portland, Southeast Portland and Downtown Portland. Service opened on Sunday, Sept. 18, with TriMet’s new, 60-foot, articulated buses serving dozens of newly constructed stations throughout the route. Learn more about our service and plan your next trip at trimet.org.
Nearly 4,600 responses collected over four weeks of outreach and engagement will help shape Forward Together plan, with additional public comment periods held as individual bus line changes roll out
Forward Together, TriMet’s reevaluation and redesign of our bus service, moves into a new phase this week. As part of Forward Together, we took the most in-depth and comprehensive look at our bus network ever. We developed a draft service concept that includes a sweeping re-envisioning of when and where our buses might run to better serve our community, given changes in travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. And then we took that concept to you–our riders, members of the community and the general public–and asked: What do you think? Are we on the right track? Will Forward Together allow more people, especially those with low and limited incomes, more access to our services to reach more jobs and places at more times?
What we heard will now inform a revised Forward Together service plan that we will take to the TriMet Board of Directors for approval in December. If the overall plan is approved, the community will have more opportunities to provide feedback on any of the individual changes we plan to pursue in the future as part of our annual service improvements. Two rounds of outreach and public comment are held annually for our service improvements.
October outreach wraps up
We spent the month of October engaging the community around the ideas presented in the Forward Together draft concept. We hosted a series of more than half a dozen open houses, held in person and virtually, in English and Spanish, across our service area and in partnership with community-based organizations. We also posted details of the concept online and conducted a survey to gain a better understanding of how adjustments included in the concept might impact our riders. Nearly 4,600 people completed the survey, with about 125 responses submitted in languages other than English. In addition, we interacted with some 500 people during open house events, who were invited to speak with a TriMet Service Planner and leave hand-written comments on the concept.
Forward Together draft service concept map
What happens next?
Over the next several weeks, TriMet will review the feedback received with our Forward Together contractor, Jarrett Walker + Associates, and put together a plan based on what we heard. Then, we will present the findings from the survey, as well as a revised service concept, in a resolution to our Board of Directors at their December 14 business meeting. The resolution will request the Board’s approval on the direction of the Forward Together project to date and support for continued development. Additional outreach and public comment periods will come in the future when adjustments to individual bus lines or schedules are proposed as part of our annual service changes.
All meetings of the TriMet Board of Directors are open to the public, and business meetings include a public forum. During the public forum, members of the community can follow steps to offer testimony on any topic for the public record. Testimony can be made in person, virtually when possible and by email at boardtestimony@trimet.org.
Moving Forward Together
If the Board approves the Forward Together resolution, TriMet will take the comprehensive plan that we are developing back to our Mobility Planning and Policy, Scheduling and Operations teams to start talking about implementation. The soonest our riders and the public could see any of the changes identified in the Forward Together plan roll out would be September 2023. That will occur as budgets and operator staffing levels allow, but not before the public has opportunities to provide more comment about the individual bus line proposals.
Our goal is for Forward Together to become a guide that shapes annual service improvement plans for years to come. The annual service improvement process includes at least two rounds of public engagement and feedback periods on every proposed bus line change. We will hold more open houses, accept comments online and by phone, as well as provide opportunities for testimony and discussion during regular meetings of the TriMet Board of Directors during those feedback periods.
We are tentatively planning an open house in January 2023, which could include the first proposed Forward Together service adjustments that would go into effect in September 2023. Learn more and follow our process at trimet.org/forward.
Ordinance 369 makes eligible for long-term exclusions, up to a lifetime ban, those committing the most serious misdemeanors and further addresses chronic banned behavior
Newly proposed changes to TriMet Code would strengthen TriMet’s ability to help keep riders and employees safe. Brought before TriMet’s Board of Directors on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, for its first reading and public hearing, Ordinance 369 would amend the Code—the rules for operating and riding TriMet—to authorize the General Manager to impose stiffer penalties for prohibited conduct on the transit system. The ordinance addresses behavior-based conduct only, and does not change penalties for fare evasion.
The amendments to our Code would expand the types of offenses that could result in long-term exclusions, those that stretch from six months to a lifetime ban. While felonies already fall under the scope of our current long-term exclusion policy, Ordinance 369 would also permit those types of exclusions for attempted felonies and Class A misdemeanors—the most serious category, which includes fourth-degree assault and some bias crimes.
The new ordinance is being proposed eight months after the TriMet Board approved a change to the Code that increased penalties for spitting on operators. It is part of a larger effort to make it safer to work on and ride the transit system, while addressing nuisance issues to improve the customer experience.
“With the challenges happening in the community today, issues such as vandalism, crime, drug use and mental health are at a tipping point and, at times, spill over onto the transit system, despite agency efforts,” said TriMet Chief Operating Officer Bonnie Todd. “TriMet is working on a strategy to better address inappropriate behavior on the system, better support our operators and other employees, improve the cleanliness of our vehicles and property, and pursue coordinated efforts with external partners to address social issues and ensure safe access to transit.”
Part of the strategy involves increases in security presence on TriMet. In the past four months, TriMet has doubled the number of Customer Safety Supervisors from 18 to 37. These are TriMet employees who assist riders and operators, while enforcing the TriMet Code. In the same timeframe, we’ve increased the number of contracted transit security officers from 60 to 96, with hopes to grow that to more than 100 by the end of the year. We’ve also doubled our contracted Safety Response Team to 48 members. Safety Response Team members help people on and around our system, specifically those who are struggling with homelessness or are in need of other social services. TriMet employees and our contracted security staff are all unarmed and are separate from our Transit Police Division.
It’s important to note that any person issued a long-term exclusion can seek a later review of that exclusion to show changed behavior. A second reading of Ordinance 369, followed by a Board vote, will occur at the Board’s Dec. 14 meeting.
What the changes would do
Long-term exclusions have been in place since 2017, when the Board adopted an ordinance that authorized—for the first time—the General Manager to issue such exclusions to people who commit “serious physical offenses” against other people. The terms of the long-term exclusions have stayed the same since then, lasting anywhere from about 6 months to a permanent ban.
Ordinance 369 would make three principal changes to TriMet’s Code, focusing on individuals who commit serious physical offenses and repeatedly violate TriMet’s Code relating to conduct.
1: The most serious misdemeanors would be covered under TriMet’s definition of “serious physical offense”
People committing Class A misdemeanors against others, along with attempted felonies, would be eligible for long-term exclusions. In addition to assault and bias crimes in the second degree, Class A misdemeanors include public indecency, possession of a hoax destructive device and harassment that includes offensive sexual contact.
2: Remove distinctions between first and second offenses
Because most, if not all, of the actions that would trigger a long-term exclusion are physical and serious, Ordinance 369 would simplify the Code by removing the distinction between first and second offenses. The General Manager would have discretion on whether a year-long exclusion, or even a permanent ban, was warranted after the first offense, depending on the severity of the crime. Since TriMet instituted long-term exclusions more than five years ago, only one person has ever been permanently excluded. Anyone who receives a long-term exclusion does have the right to appeal it annually.
3: Further address chronic offenders
Chronic offenders who have repeatedly committed Code violations for behavior, whether they were Class A misdemeanors or not, and have not changed their behavior despite multiple attempts by TriMet to dissuade such conduct, would also be eligible for long-term exclusions of up to two years. The ordinance defines a chronic offender as a person with three or more violations for conduct within a 90-day period.
This change is specific to behavior and not simple fare evasion. Rather, this would address behavior that disrupts the safety and order of the transit system.
Decriminalizing fare enforcement
Nothing in the proposed Code amendment touches on fare evasion, which TriMet moved to decriminalize over the past six years. Efforts to improve the handling of fare evasion include:
Decriminalized fare enforcement by soliciting in 2017 a change in state law to allow TriMet to resolve fare evasion citations directly rather than citations automatically going to the court.
Changed TriMet Code in February 2022 to further clarify that police do not conduct random fare checks by specifically prohibiting police from asking individuals for proof of fare. (Police officers may continue to be present during fare inspection activities by TriMet personnel and investigate other offenses, assist in identifying a person and intervene when needed for the safety of TriMet staff and riders. Only under the General Manager’s direction may Transit Police Officers temporarily conduct fare checks in response to specific security concerns.)
Enabling a safer, more welcoming transit system
Strengthening the TriMet Code through this ordinance is one piece of a larger strategy to increase security for riders and employees. Our goal is a transit system that’s safe and welcoming for all, where inappropriate behavior is dealt with—and dealt with fairly.
TriMet aims to keep both its operators and riders moving safely, and it’s important to have a means to hold people accountable for inappropriate, threatening or dangerous behavior. While the district attorney’s office determines punishments for crimes, those punishments don’t always include long-term exclusions from TriMet.
Ordinance 369 would be one more way for TriMet to exert further accountability measures to improve the customer experience and protect employees. We look for ways to adapt to circumstances affecting our transit system and continuously move toward improvement. We’ve worked with community partners, riders and employees to identify solutions that focus on diversity, equity, access and inclusion. Learn more about our efforts to ensure fair access to our transit system at trimet.org/equity and follow our process to reimagine public safety at trimet.org/publicsafety.
