TriMet News

  • Open house provides peek inside plans for TriMet FX® service on 82nd Avenue

    TriMet welcomes feedback on the plans at an in-person open house and online, starting Jan. 22

    TriMet will share plans this month for faster, higher-capacity bus service on 82nd Avenue. We’re holding an open house, and people will have opportunities to provide feedback both in-person and online. On Wednesday, Jan. 22, we’re hosting an in-person open house on the 82nd Avenue Transit Project, our next TriMet FX® — Frequent Express – bus line. The event will be held at PCC Southeast. TriMet staff will be on hand to answer questions and share fact sheets and maps of the proposed route and station locations. We’ll also post the information at trimet.org/82nd, where you can leave feedback about the plan starting Jan. 22. If the project continues to move forward as planned, tens of thousands of riders along 82nd Avenue will be using the new and improved bus service in 2029.

    82nd Avenue Transit Project Open House
    Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
    PCC Southeast – Community Hall Annex
    2305 SE 82nd Ave.

    A TriMet bus serves a stop near Southeast 82nd Avenue and Division Street

    What is the 82nd Avenue Transit Project?

    TriMet’s 82nd Avenue Transit Project will bring high-capacity bus service to 10 miles of 82nd Avenue, between Clackamas Town Center and Northeast Portland’s Cully Neighborhood. Like our first Frequent Express bus line, FX2-Division, the future FX line along 82nd Avenue will use 60-foot articulated buses with three doors for faster boarding, bike storage on board and more room for riders to relax. Buses will arrive every 12 minutes or better and help riders reach their destinations faster, with next-generation transit-signal priority improvements that keep buses moving past traffic congestion. Riders will also have access to new bus stations with weather protections, lighting and real-time arrival information.

    The 82nd Avenue corridor is currently served by Line 72-Killingsworth/82nd. It is the busiest of TriMet’s 78 bus lines, with more than 65,000 weekly rides. Line 72 is also among the most delayed in TriMet’s system, due to increasing congestion along 82nd Avenue. The busy thoroughfare was a state highway until 2022 when the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) transferred ownership to the City of Portland. The transfer came with a commitment of $185 million for critical, safety improvements along 82nd that lay the groundwork for TriMet’s next FX – Frequent Express – bus line.

    With more than 65,000 weekly rides, Line 72 is the busiest of TriMet’s 78 bus lines

    Timeline and next steps

    What’s next? TriMet will collect and review comments and take all of the feedback into consideration as plans move forward. We aim to reach 30% design of the project by mid-year. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with service opening to the public in the summer of 2029.

    Join the 82nd Avenue Transit Project Community Advisory Committee

    TriMet’s recruitment for our 82nd Avenue Transit Project Community Advisory Committee (CAC), a group that will play an important role in shaping the 82nd Avenue Transit Project, is ongoing. Members of the CAC will represent community interests and provide feedback to project decision-makers. Apply today through Monday, Jan. 27, at trimet.org/82nd.

    Project funding and additional support

    The total cost of the 82nd Avenue Transit Project is estimated at $320 million. TriMet expects up to $150 million to come from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Small Starts Program.

    Last month, Portland’s Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) awarded TriMet $55.5 million for the 82nd Avenue Transit Project – the largest local funding allocation to date. 

    The project gained momentum last summer after U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg toured the corridor and saw firsthand, the safety and congestion challenges people who live and work along 82nd experience daily. Within weeks of the visit, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded TriMet a $630,000 Areas of Persistent Poverty Grant, toward the project’s design.

    Also last summer, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded TriMet $39 million to purchase up to 14 zero-emissions hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses and related infrastructure for the project. TriMet received an additional $25 million USDOT grant to develop our Columbia Operations Facility, where the fuel-cell electric buses will be based, and to support our goal of a 100% zero-emissions bus fleet.

    Special thanks to our partners

    Thanks to the continued support of project partners who coordinated planning efforts and funding opportunities, including Metro, the City of Portland, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Multnomah County, Clackamas County and Port of Portland. 

  • All aboard! First of TriMet’s newest MAX trains – ‘the Type 6’ – start serving riders

    Two of the new vehicles entered regular service for the first time on Thursday, Jan. 16

    The first riders hopped on board TriMet’s new “Type 6” MAX trains on Thursday, Jan. 16, signaling another major advancement in our light rail system.

    Two of the new vehicles, paired together to create one train, rolled out of TriMet’s Ruby Junction Rail Operating Facility at 6:06 a.m. to meet riders for the morning commute. In total, 30 new vehicles will enter service in the months ahead, operating on all five MAX lines. As TriMet’s most advanced trains, the Type 6s are part of an overall effort to boost reliability and the rider experience. 

    TriMet is excited to introduce the new trains. Before service, each one undergoes thousands of miles of testing to ensure they will provide a safe and reliable ride. With these trains being our most advanced, they require an even more exacting level of attention.

    The Type 6 trains hold another notable first. They’re the first that are not entering service alongside an extension of the MAX system. That has been the norm since TriMet introduced the MAX system in 1986. Testing took place after hours, during regular service and during a short disruption in June 2024.

     Better rides, more reliability

    On the outside, the newest MAX trains look similar to our last generation of vehicles, the “Type 5,” introduced in 2015 when the MAX Orange Line opened. Both are manufactured by Siemens Mobility. They’re the same length – 96 feet, 11 inches – and the same width – 8 feet, 8 inches.  They’re also both blue with orange stripes. But look closely on the inside, and it’s a different story.

    Video-enabled destination screens: On the ceiling are digital destination displays, enhanced by graphics and video. Not only do they show the station the train is approaching, they’re capable of displaying special messages and video packages. By using improved accessibility features, riders will have more information available to them as they ride.

    Improved lighting and temperature control: New LED lights around the doors indicate when they’re available for boarding and getting off trains. The lights will display in green when a door is ready for use, red when it’s closed and cannot be used and flash yellow when the doors are operating to provide better visual aids for riders. Improved temperature controls will help the trains stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

    Predictive maintenance for reliability: One thing riders may not notice – at least not at first – is the ability to use predictive maintenance to improve the trains’ reliability. Sensors in the trains will communicate digitally with our maintenance teams, giving them better information to troubleshoot and solve issues before they occur.  

    Advanced security system: On board security cameras are better, too. They will provide clearer pictures and feature wireless data for remote downloading of footage.

    Here’s another way to know you’re on a Type 6: Check the train number! Every Type 6 is labeled with a three-digit number that starts with 6. From the outside of the train, you’ll see the number on the top near the light and on both sides of the vehicle. Inside, the train number is displayed on both ends near the operator cab

    Introducing a better MAX

    The new Type 6 trains are an investment in the future, as light rail vehicles typically last for decades. The Type 1s are evidence of this, serving the MAX system for nearly 40 years. 

    Introduction of the Type 6 means our first generation MAX trains will retire. They have been a reliable source of transportation for riders across the MAX system since 1986, a 39-year period where some of the trains have surpassed 2 million miles. That’s the equivalent of about 80 trips around the Earth’s equator! 

    The decommissioning process for the Type 1s began when the first Type 6 trains began arriving for their extensive testing period. TriMet will continue phasing out our original Type 1 vehicles in 2025. Not only have the trains exceeded their lifespan, parts for the vehicles are no longer available. 

    TriMet plans to donate one of the Type 1 trains to the Oregon Electric Railway Museum in Brooks, Ore., for preservation. 

    Improving the overall system

    TriMet has been working on ways to reduce travel times and improve the overall rider experience on MAX. This is achieved through investments in technology and personnel, along with improvements projects that keep the MAX system running reliably. Recently, the multi-year A Better Red MAX Extension and Reliability project was completed, with the extension of the MAX Red Line to Hillsboro opening to riders on Aug. 28, 2024. 

    Along with major reliability projects aimed at improving the light rail system, TriMet has also invested in enhanced cleaning efforts focused on our MAX system. Our Clean Team is out every day, power washing, removing graffiti, picking up litter and more to make our facilities feel safe and welcoming. 

    We’ve also added more safety and security personnel than ever before, along with other safety resources, such as our Security Operation Center and blue-light security phones, for reporting issues. Remember, you can always text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) to report suspicious or illegal behavior.

  • TriMet, law enforcement partners welcome changes to make transit a drug-free zone

    Ingesting, inhaling, igniting, injecting or consuming an illegal controlled substance on public transit vehicles in Oregon is now punishable under the crime of Interfering with Public Transportation

    General Manager Sam Desue Jr. speaks to reporters at TriMet’s Public Safety Office

    Illegal drug use on board transit vehicles in Oregon, including on TriMet’s buses and trains, is now classified as a crime under the state’s Interfering with Public Transportation statute. The offense is now a Class A misdemeanor – the most serious of misdemeanors under Oregon criminal law – thanks to the implementation of Senate Bill 1553 on Jan. 1, 2025. Those found guilty face up to 364 days in jail, a $6,250 fine or both. TriMet and law enforcement partners with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office stood together on Jan. 7, to welcome the new effort to address the public use of illicit drugs.   

    “What sets this drug law apart from others is its focus on public transit,” TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. said. “We believe public transit merits distinct treatment due to the greater harm on board drug use causes, as you cannot simply move away from it. This new law is helping make public transit vehicles into ‘safe zones,’ where not only is drug use illegal, it comes with stiffer penalties.”

    “Every rider of public transportation has a right to breathe air that is not polluted with fentanyl or other illegal smoke,” Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said. “Smoking illegal drugs on a bus or train is dangerous and wrong. This new law does not allow deflection, and it’s a crime that we will prosecute.”

    “Senate Bill 1553 provides law enforcement a valuable tool to address drug use on public transportation and in the community,” Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell said.

    Differences in recent Oregon drug law changes

    The Oregon Legislature passed two laws in 2024 that recriminalized illicit drug use – House Bill 4002 and Senate Bill 1553. The laws gave law enforcement new tools to address open use of hard drugs, which has become both a public safety and a public health issue.  

    Here are the differences between the two laws:

    House Bill 4002:

    • Recriminalized the possession of small amounts of hard drugs, giving law enforcement the authority to cite and arrest people for the Class B misdemeanor of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
    • Punishable by up to 180 days in jail or, where offered, a drug deflection program.

    Senate Bill 1553:

    • Added use of illegal drugs on board transit vehicles to the offenses that fall under the Interfering with Public Transportation criminal statute.
    • Punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a $6,250 fine or both, and individuals may receive access to state-funded treatment.  

    What riders should do if they see drug use on TriMet

    If someone witnesses illicit drug use or possession, whether on board a TriMet bus or train, or at a train station, bus stop or transit center, text or call TriMet’s 24-hour security hotline at 503-238-7433 (RIDE).  

    Please provide basic details, like the name of the MAX station or transit center, your vehicle number (located inside all buses and trains) and any other information that may be helpful.

    In an emergency, always alert the operator or text or call 911.

    Increased safety for transit riders and employees

    Despite TriMet’s continued safety and security efforts, the open use of drugs in the communities we serve extends onto our transit system at times. That creates an unpredictable and potentially dangerous situation for transit riders and employees. Public spaces, including public transit, should feel safe and comfortable for everyone to use, particularly for families, essential workers, high school students, individuals with disabilities, and other Oregonians who depend on transit to reach jobs, education and health care.

    The passage of Senate Bill 1553 was due to the hard work of the Oregon Transit Association, TriMet and our fellow transit agencies in Oregon, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757, the legislators who actively worked to get it passed and those who supported it, including state Sen. Kate Lieber, who sponsored the legislation, and Gov. Tina Kotek, who signed it into law.

    TriMet continually works to improve security on our transit system for the safety of our riders and employees.

    • We have more than doubled the number of safety, security and customer service staff on our transit system since 2022. Today, we have about 475 personnel who are dedicated to helping keep our system safe.
    • We’ve recently added a 24-hour Security Operations Center, where dispatchers coordinate safety and security responses to issues such as vandalism and loud or disruptive behavior reported by riders via our security hotline set up in 2023.
    • We have also improved lighting at stations and parking lots, upgraded security cameras and installed blue-light security phones as some MAX stations that connect riders directly with our Security Operations Center.  

    Learn more about security on TriMet at trimet.org/security, and find more information about our teams at trimet.org/personnel.

  • Take TriMet to festive lights and local delights for free this New Year’s Eve

    Beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, hop on board and ride responsibly to and from your New Year’s celebration of choice

    With 2025 right around the corner, there’s one annual tradition that’s even more predictable than making (or breaking) a list of resolutions, and that’s riding TriMet for free on New Year’s Eve. 

    TriMet wants you to celebrate responsibly, travel smart and kick off 2025 on a high note. Free rides on buses and MAX trains start at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and will last until the end of service after midnight. Bus service and extended late-night service on the MAX Blue, Green, Orange and Yellow lines will make it safe and convenient to get to and from events across the area.

    Three celebrations to remember

    • Portland’s New Year’s Eve Drone Show at Pioneer Courthouse Square: Let’s go to the drone show! This year, Portland’s New Year’s Eve Drone Show at Pioneer Courthouse Square will be a dazzling, family-friendly way to ring in the new year. The event will feature a display of 200 synchronized drones lighting up the night sky. Two shows are scheduled — one at 9 p.m. to celebrate midnight on the East Coast and another at midnight for the West Coast countdown. This free and open-to-all celebration promises a memorable experience in the heart of Downtown Portland. 

    You will want to try to get there early, as MAX service through Downtown will temporarily pause during the drone shows. All MAX riders should plan for some delays while the drone shows are taking place.

    Getting there: The MAX Blue, Green, Orange, Red and Yellow lines serve stations near Pioneer Courthouse Square. Numerous TriMet bus lines stop nearby, particularly along the Transit Mall — Southwest Fifth and Sixth avenues — and surrounding streets. 

    • ‘Bing’ in the New Year: Did you know the Bing cherry was developed in Milwaukie and named after the horticulturalist, Ah Bing, who first cultivated it in 1875? It will be easy to remember after attending Milwaukie’s New Year celebration, which will honor this bit of cultural heritage with live music, Chinese cultural performances, food vendors, a beer and mead garden and a cherry drop! The family-friendly fun starts at 6 p.m. Make sure you arrive at 10723 SE Main St, Milwaukie (site of the Milwaukie Farmers Market) for the lowering of an illuminated, seven-foot, sparkling  Bing cherry at 9 p.m.!

    Getting there: Take the MAX Orange Line to the Milwaukie/Main St MAX Station. It’s a short walk to the market, located at Southeast Main and Harrison streets. Several TriMet bus lines also serve downtown Milwaukie, including Line 33-McLoughlin/King Rd, Line 70-12/NE 33rd Ave and Line 75-Cesar Chavez/Lombard. 

    • New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow: You can also celebrate New Year’s Eve in a safe and sober way with the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) at their annual New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow. This family-friendly event features youth activities, drumming, dancing, and a special sober countdown to ring in the new year. Attendees are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes and join the festivities. This year’s powwow takes place at the Oregon Convention Center (Exhibit Halls A-A1), a convenient location whether you’re traveling by bus or MAX.

    Getting there: Take the MAX Green, Blue or Red Line to the Convention Center MAX Station. Bus Line 6-Martin Luther King Jr Blvd stops near the Convention Center on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, while Line 8-Jackson Park/NE 15th stops at the Lloyd Center/NE 11th area, within walking distance. Also within walking distance is the Rose Quarter Transit Center, where multiple bus lines stop.

    Plan your trip today

    With so many celebration options available this New Year’s Eve, we encourage riders to start planning their trips now! TriMet covers 533 square miles and 24 cities, all spread across three counties. With free rides returning this New Year’s Eve, this makes us the most expansive free travel option in the state! Portland Streetcar and C-TRAN are also offering free rides, so you have even more ways to get around for free.

    This year, MAX Blue, Green, Orange and Yellow Line trains will operate two to three hours later than usual and arrive at stations every 30 minutes. MAX Red Line trains will end service on their regular schedule, with the last train to Portland International Airport departing the Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station at 10:34 p.m. For more information about schedules, go to trimet.org/NYE.

    You can also start planning now by going to trimet.org/planner. Just remember to set Jan. 1 as your departure time for trips back home if you’re leaving after midnight. 

    We know that plans can change when you’re already out. You can check trimet.org at any time for the latest information — including real-time locations for all of our buses and trains. When you are out, we want to hear from you if you see disruptive, illegal or inappropriate behavior. Call or text non-urgent concerns to 503-238-7433 (RIDE). In an emergency, always dial 911. 

    Stay safe and have a happy New Year!

    The New Year brings promise and opportunity. But with all the celebrating taking place on New Year’s Eve, it can also be a dangerous night to be out on the road — even if you aren’t driving. Make sure to stay alert, check your belongings and report any security concerns to TriMet personnel.

    Along with our transportation partners, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), TriMet wants to help people avoid impaired driving. In addition to TriMet’s free rides on New Year’s, PBOT will also offer Safe Ride Home this year, which provides discounts on Uber and Lyft rides on New Year’s Eve between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. 

  • TriMet’s 82nd Avenue Transit Project fueled by $55.5 million grant from Portland Clean Energy Fund

    TriMet FX®–Frequent Express bus service will reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions and provide better access to jobs along 82nd Avenue, home to TriMet’s busiest bus line

    Riders can experience crowding and delays on TriMet’s Line 72-Killingsworth/82nd which provides more than 65,000 weekly trips, primarily along 82nd Avenue

    TriMet is celebrating a $55.5 million grant awarded by the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) for the 82nd Avenue Transit Project. The Portland City Council’s approval of the funding this week formalizes the partnership between TriMet and PCEF, and it authorizes an investment that helps set the transit improvement project in motion, with a strong foundation in a collaborative planning process led by Metro. With continued support from local and federal partners, our next Frequent Express bus line will be serving riders throughout the 82nd Avenue corridor within five years. 

    Currently, TriMet’s Line 72-Killingsworth/82nd serves 82nd Avenue, a corridor with the unique distinction of being one of the state’s most culturally diverse and historically disenfranchised areas. A lot of people who live and work along 82nd use Line 72. It is by far the busiest of our 78 bus lines, with more than 65,000 trips taken each week. Unfortunately, due to 82nd Avenue’s former development as a state highway, combined with increasing traffic congestion, Line 72 is also the most delayed.

    The 82nd Avenue Transit Project will complement the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) Building a Better 82nd Project, which brings a number of safety improvements to the corridor. Once completed by the summer of 2029, the transit project will improve the ride for thousands of people who rely on TriMett to connect to opportunities throughout the region, with safe, fast and more reliable bus service that benefits the community and the environment.

    “When our buses are stuck in traffic, people can’t get to work, school or appointments on time, and that’s an equity issue,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “This generous grant from the PCEF begins to break down the barriers that exist along 82nd Avenue. The 82nd Avenue Transit Project is a gateway to opportunity, and this grant unlocks its potential.”

    The 82nd Avenue Transit Project received a $630,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) following Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s visit to Portland in July, pictured with TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr.

    With the support of our partners at PCEF, the project will also help develop and train the local workforce and invest in strategies to lower greenhouse emissions and cool the climate locally, such as planting trees along 82nd Avenue. These elements reflect priorities from a community-driven process aimed at equitable development. 

    “We hear time and again from people along the corridor: They no longer want a high-speed, loud and dangerous highway to cut through their neighborhood,” said 82nd Ave Coalition and Project Manager and Executive Director of Oregon Walks, Zachary Lauritzen. “The 82nd Avenue Transit Project is the opportunity to transition that highway into a multimodal street that prioritizes the bus riders who make Line 72 the highest ridership bus line in Oregon. By giving this line the space and priority it deserves, this project has the potential to make 82nd safer and cleaner, with the fastest, most reliable bus service in the state!”

    82nd Avenue Transit Project: the next FX bus line

    This route is based on a preliminary vote by the 82nd Avenue Steering Committee. A final vote is expected in early 2025.

    TriMet’s 82nd Avenue Transit Project will bring high-capacity bus service to 10 miles of 82nd Avenue between Clackamas Town Center and Northeast Portland. Like our first Frequent Express bus line, FX2-Division, the future FX line along 82nd Avenue will use 60-foot articulated buses, with more room on board for riders. Buses will arrive more often and help riders reach their destinations faster, with transit-signal priority improvements that keep buses moving past traffic congestion.

    Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded TriMet $39 million to advance the 82nd Avenue Transit Project. The grant will help TriMet purchase up to 14 zero-emissions hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses for the project, as well as the supporting infrastructure and workforce development. TriMet received an additional $25 million USDOT grant to develop our Columbia Operations Facility, which will one day house a fleet of fuel-cell electric buses as part of our transition to a 100% zero-emissions bus fleet.

    “PCEF’s support of the 82nd Avenue Transit Project is a major investment in creating a more sustainable, accessible and economically prosperous corridor,” said Duncan Hwang, a Metro councilor and Community Development Director at APANO. “Investing in this important project helps ensure that people and businesses along SE 82nd Avenue continue to have opportunities to thrive, grow and stay in the community.” 

    The project will include fuel-cell electric buses powered by hydrogen (Pictured: New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE FC™ 60-foot bus)

    Join the Community Advisory Committee

    TriMet is putting together a Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which will play an important role in shaping the 82nd Avenue Transit Project. Members of the CAC will represent community interests and provide feedback to project decision-makers. Learn more and apply at trimet.org/82nd. Applications will be accepted through Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

    Timeline and next steps

    TriMet will host an open house in late January, to share information about the 82nd Avenue Transit Project with the community. We expect to select a contractor for the project by mid-year. The project’s Steering Committee, which includes representatives from community-based organizations including Oregon Walks, Clackamas Resource Center, Unite Oregon and the 82nd Avenue Business Alliance, will vote on a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) in early 2025. The LPA will include the final routing and general station locations. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with service opening to the public in the summer of 2029.

    Project costs are estimated at $320 million, with up to $150 million projected from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Small Starts Program.

    Thanks to the continued support of project partners who coordinated planning efforts and funding opportunities, including Metro, the City of Portland, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Multnomah County, Clackamas County and Port of Portland. 

  • Your ticket to Providence Park soccer games and concerts is your fare on TriMet

    TriMet to continue successful partnership with Portland Timbers, Thorns FC in 2025 and 2026

    Image of Portland Timbers fans leaving a TriMet bus stop.

    Your ticket to the game is also your ticket to ride!

    TriMet is extending our partnership with the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

    If you have a ticket to a Timbers or Thorns game at Providence Park, you can use it as your proof of fare on TriMet buses and MAX trains on match days — all thanks to a partnership between TriMet and our professional soccer teams. We began accepting match-day tickets as fare on TriMet during the 2024 season. Starting in 2025, and through 2026, we’ll also accept Providence Park concert tickets as fare!

    For up to three hours before or after the event for which the ticket is valid, you can present your Timbers, Thorns or concert ticket to your TriMet bus operator or TriMet Customer Safety Supervisor as proof of payment. Digital tickets can be displayed on a smartphone or other device. Learn more at trimet.org/providencepark.

    Keep an eye out for the upcoming season schedules, and plan your trip at trimet.org.

    Go by bus or train

    The Timbers, Thorns and TriMet share a common goal: encouraging fans to take transit to and from Providence Park.

    By taking TriMet, you can save on gas and parking, as well as avoid the hassle of traffic and finding a space for your car. Wave goodbye to those match-day parking fees!

    TriMet is also the environmentally friendly way to go! MAX light rail provides 100% zero-emissions transportation, stopping just steps from Providence Park. TriMet bus service is provided by a mix of renewable diesel, hybrid and battery-electric buses.

    Both the MAX Blue Line and MAX Red Line serve Providence Park. The stadium is also served by several bus lines:

    Additionally, late-night MAX bus lines 287, 288 and 292 serve the Goose Hollow and Providence Park MAX stations after train service ends for the night.

    Park and ride

    TriMet has dozens of Park & Ride locations open nights and weekends throughout our service area. Just leave your car and catch the bus or train to Providence Park! Parking at all TriMet Park & Rides is free.

    TriMet is a popular way to get to Downtown Portland! Please keep in mind that close-in Park & Rides may fill up on match days and at peak travel times. Additional Park & Rides are conveniently located close to Highway 26, Interstate 84 and other major travel corridors.

    These Park & Rides along the MAX Blue and Red lines typically have parking available:

    Millikan Way

    SW Millikan Way and 141st Avenue (5-10 minutes from Highway 26)

    400 parking spaces

    Beaverton Creek

    SW 153rd Avenue and Millikan Way (5-10 minutes from Highway 26)

    417 parking spaces

    Elmonica/SW 170th Ave

    1200 SW 170th Ave (7-15 minutes from Highway 26)

    435 parking spaces

    Willow Creek/SW 185th Ave Transit Center

    375 SW 185th Ave (5-10 minutes from Highway 26)

    595 parking spaces

    Quatama

    NE Quatama Street and John Olsen Avenue (5-10 minutes from Highway 26)

    310 parking spaces

    Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds

    701 NE 34th Ave (5-10 minutes from Highway 26)

    396 parking spaces

    Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center

    9839 NE Multnomah St (1-5 minutes from Interstate 84 and Interstate 205)

    690 parking spaces

    A typical MAX ride from these Park & Ride locations to Providence Park takes around 45 minutes or less. You can also catch the MAX Green Line, MAX Orange Line or MAX Yellow Line and make a connection at Pioneer Courthouse Square or Rose Quarter Transit Center stations. Visit trimet.org to plan your trip and take advantage of your match or concert ticket doubling as your TriMet fare.

    Find more information and a list of Park & Ride locations at trimet.org/parkandride.

  • TriMet is prepared for winter weather. Are you?

    Deicer is stocked, tire chains are ready and contingency plans are made in case of snow and ice

    Image of TriMet MAX train at the Rose Quarter Transit Center, alongside workers shoveling snow on the platform.

    As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, TriMet is officially on watch for snow and ice.

    If a winter storm strikes this season, we’ll be ready, thanks to the hard work of our team here at TriMet — including our maintenance crews, operators, customer service agents, safety personnel, Operations Command Center staff and others — as well as our partners at the local and state levels.

    Although TriMet prepares for winter weather for months in advance, extreme conditions can challenge our ability to provide bus, train and paratransit service. Our priority is the safety of our riders, employees and everyone on the road, which may require adjusting service.

    No matter what the winter season brings, riders can prepare by remembering these simple tips: Plan ahead, leave yourself extra time and always check trimet.org/alerts before you go. Sign up to receive service alerts for your bus or MAX line directly via email or text message at trimet.org/email.

    Riders can find more information at trimet.org/winterweather.

    How we prepare

    TriMet has operating facilities for our buses and trains in Portland, Gresham, Beaverton and Wilsonville.

    We stock up on deicer every year. Currently, we have about 68 tons of magnesium chloride — a salt that can slow or prevent ice formation on surfaces. When we put down deicer, we prioritize areas like walkways and stairs at MAX platforms, for rider safety. Even so, we encourage riders to use caution on sidewalks, stairs and platforms as they head to their bus or train.

    New this year, we now have specialized tractors stationed in Downtown Portland and Gresham, which can help us clear snow and ice from the rails. We have snow plows, sanding trucks and other equipment on hand as well.

    Our buses are also ready for winter. We set aside five sets of tire chains for each bus. When winter weather is in the forecast, our hardworking maintenance crews will work overnight, if needed, to chain up buses and get them ready for morning service. Crews may also chain up buses on their routes if winter weather blows in unexpectedly. About 95% of our buses are equipped with drop-down chains, which are helpful when snow and ice begin to fall before our crews can put on the heavier-duty chains.

    If low temperatures are in the forecast, we have “snowbird” crews that can get out to areas that are prone to icing before the rest of our region, such as the higher elevations in the West Hills. These crews will report on the conditions they see, allowing us to coordinate with our local and state partners and adjust service, if necessary.

    Image of tire chains stored in a TriMet bus garage.

    What riders should expect

    Winter weather can be unpredictable! Keep an eye on the forecast, and be aware of weather conditions.

    Riders should always check trimet.org/alerts before setting out. Signing up for service alerts at trimet.org/email can help keep you in the know when conditions are changing.

    All riders should take precautions when going out in winter weather conditions:

    • Dress warmly, and wear bright or reflective clothing for visibility.
    • Always use caution and look both ways before crossing the street or train tracks.
    • Carry a flashlight or other portable light device for greater visibility. Many smartphones come with a built-in flashlight.
    • Consider using traction devices, such as ice cleats that can fit on your shoes or walking poles for stability. If using traction devices on your shoes, step carefully inside buses and trains as they could be slippery on those surfaces.
    • Be careful on and around stops and stations and when getting on or off transit vehicles, as surfaces may be slick.
    • Keep your phone charged so you can receive alerts. TriMet Customer Service is a call or text away: 503-238-7433 (RIDE).
    • Get other important tips for riding during winter weather at trimet.org/winterweather.

    Tire chains can help our buses get traction when road surfaces are slick. While chained, buses are limited to no more than 25 mph. Our priority is getting people to their destination safely, even if it takes more time to get there.

    Our MAX and WES trains typically handle snow well. During winter storms, we monitor conditions carefully. While we’ve taken steps to protect them against winter weather, ice can still build up on wires and tracks during extreme weather. We will adjust or suspend train service as needed for safety.

    LIFT paratransit service may be limited during extreme winter weather. We will reach out to LIFT riders if their trip needs to be rescheduled.

    Our partnerships

    When Jack Frost comes calling, everyone answers. No one faces a storm alone.

    We are grateful to have strong partners during extreme weather events. We work closely with the Portland Bureau of Transportation, the Oregon Department of Transportation and other agencies at the local and state levels — sharing information about road conditions and challenges we’re facing, and requesting support when snow, ice or debris block our routes. As always, we thank them for working to keep roads clear for our buses.

    We also work with utilities like Portland General Electric. Extreme weather threatens our region’s electrical grid. Many TriMet facilities have backup generators. However, power outages may result in delays for riders. Utility companies are important partners for us in restoring service and getting riders where they need to go.

    No mention of TriMet’s partnerships would be complete without acknowledging the hard work of first responders. We thank our regional firefighters, EMTs and law enforcement officers for going the extra mile when winter weather strikes. They provide invaluable support to TriMet, as they do for the rest of our region.

  • (VIDEO) TriMet’s ‘Clean Team’ continues major push to keep your system a welcoming place

    TriMet’s enhanced cleaning efforts score big for riders and the community following yearlong push 

    If cleaning were a sport, TriMet’s Clean Team would be winning gold. 

    More than a year after elevating our cleaning game with the introduction of the Clean Team, more stations are being power washed, more surfaces are being scrubbed and more litter is being removed than ever before. 

    Spearheaded in 2023 with a focus on sprucing up and deep cleaning MAX stations, transit centers and park and rides, the Clean Team–along with TriMet’s other daily deep cleaning efforts–has established itself as a daily force, tackling grime, grit and graffiti. The 15-member Clean Team is part of a larger effort, with employees made up primarily of TriMet’s maintenance teams and on-call contractors. While they are responsible for cleaning the transit system, their efforts extend to the areas around the system as well.

    Since July, these combined efforts have helped to remove nearly as much graffiti as in the previous 12 months combined. Altogether, TriMet’s cleaners spend about 80 hours per week removing graffiti–everything from large, spray-painted displays to small Sharpie markings and etchings. They’re also on track to pressure wash MAX stations more than 2,000 times in 2024, a feat never before accomplished. 

    When it started last year, the Clean Team focused on some of our oldest and most heavily used stations along Interstate 84. Since then, they have expanded to cover the entire MAX system and key transfer points. This is an important part of our ongoing focus on improving stations, as well as identifying and addressing safety and security issues and ramping up our overall maintenance efforts.

    Customer experience in mind

    TriMet is working to make it cleaner throughout the system, both on board and off. End-of-line cleaners are stationed at key transit centers and MAX stations, where operators take their scheduled breaks. These dedicated cleaning teams work seven days a week to address spills, remove trash and ensure buses and trains are tidy and ready for service throughout the day. This initiative reflects TriMet’s commitment to providing a cleaner and more comfortable experience for everyone.

    “We really want to provide the cleanest, safest system for our riders,” TriMet’s Facilities  Management Director Jeremy Rehfeldt said. “We heard that cleanliness and security were the two top priorities, so we want people to know: we’ve been listening, and this is for them.”

    What elevated cleaning does

    Over one weekend this past summer,  TriMet’s maintenance staff, along with other TriMet contractors, removed 4,500 pounds of trash, cleaned 20,000 square feet of surfaces and used 355 gallons of paint to freshen up areas of the MAX system next to I-84. This major project, requiring the partial closure of I-84, came under the direction of Gov. Tina Kotek and in partnership with other local agencies, including the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and Metro.  

    It was just one significant and visible example of our elevated cleaning efforts. Littering, tagging and property damage are unacceptable and violate TriMet’s Rules for Riding. We address these issues swiftly to contribute to cleaner and safer rides. 

    Listening to our riders

    TriMet is listening to our riders who tell us their top issues are cleanliness, along with safety and security, according to our 2024 Attitude & Awareness Survey, conducted last spring

    The survey showed our ongoing focus on safety, security and cleanliness making a difference in how our riders view the system. It found that 77% percent of riders either strongly approved or somewhat approved of the job that TriMet is doing. That uptick in approval is an indication we’re on the right track, as it followed the introduction and expansion of the Clean Team and our other enhanced cleaning efforts.

    We believe that cleanliness and safety go hand-in-hand. Our riders thrive with a transit system that feels comfortable and inviting. The Clean Team helps TriMet improve the riding experience, and it comes as we continue building out our comprehensive series of safety and security initiatives, such as the introduction of TriMet’s Security Operations Center

    You can help

    TriMet’s Clean Team is nimble, moving from one location to another. But they can’t be everywhere at once. That’s where our riders can help. 

    • Report graffiti: You can help us keep TriMet clean, inviting and safe by reporting graffiti. Make a report by using the security reporting feature on the top right of our homepage or texting 503-238-7433 (RIDE).
    • Don’t feed the wildlife: Pigeons and other birds can spread diseases and create waste for our cleaners to wash off. Please do not encourage them with food. 
    • Use trash cans: Litter is a nuisance, bad for the environment and it can also attract pests. Always use trash receptacles at or near stations or onboard TriMet’s buses and trains. 

    If you want to help the Clean Team win, you can do your part. Remember, TriMet’s 24-hour security hotline, 503-238-7433 (RIDE), is the number to call or text to report non-urgent concerns. Dispatchers in our Security Operations Center then alert TriMet’s safety or security team members who are near the issue. Emergencies will always be handled by the police, so for urgent matters, we urge riders to contact 911 and alert the operator.

  • Free rides on TriMet are the easy, safe and affordable way to ring in 2025

    Free, late-night service returns this New Year’s Eve starting at 8 p.m.

    TriMet welcomes you to ring in the New Year with free rides on buses and MAX starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. 

    TriMet is proud to once again bring back our annual tradition, which provides a safe and affordable way to travel to and from year-ending festivities. TriMet’s transit partners, Portland Streetcar and C-TRAN, are also lifting fares on New Year’s Eve. All you need to do is hop on board and relax!

    TriMet and our transportation partners, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), urge people to avoid impaired driving, the leading cause of crashes involving serious injuries and fatalities.  
    Before heading out, plan your trip at trimet.org. Remember to set the date to Jan. 1 if you’ll be traveling after midnight.

    Extended MAX service returns

    On New Year’s Eve, MAX Blue, Green, Orange and Yellow Line trains will operate two to three hours later into the service day than usual and arrive at stations every 30 minutes. MAX Red Line trains will end service on their regular schedule, with the last train to Portland International Airport departing the Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station at 10:34 p.m.

    • The last eastbound MAX Blue Line train will leave Hatfield Government Center MAX Station to Portland City Center and Gresham at 1:35 a.m., and the last westbound train to Hatfield Government Center will leave Cleveland Ave MAX Station toward Portland City Center and Hillsboro at 2:01 a.m.
    • The last westbound MAX Green Line train will leave the Clackamas Town Center Transit Center MAX Station to Portland City Center at 1:46 a.m., and the last eastbound train will leave the Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Station to Clackamas Town Center at 1:52 a.m.
    • The last southbound  MAX Orange Line train will leave the Pioneer Place/SW 5th Ave MAX Station at 2:06 a.m., and the last northbound train to Portland City Center will leave the SE Park Ave MAX Station at 2:58 a.m.
    • The last eastbound MAX Red Line train will leave the Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station at 10:34 p.m., and the last westbound train will leave Portland International Airport MAX Station at 12:31 a.m.
    • The last southbound MAX Yellow Line train will leave the Expo Center MAX Station to Portland City Center at 1:36 a.m., and the last northbound train will leave the Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Station at 2:30 a.m.

    Late night buses, Safe Ride Home

    In addition to extended MAX service, TriMet will also operate our late night/early morning bus service along MAX lines, which we introduced on Aug. 25, 2024. The buses do not run through the night, but they will provide some extra service on New Year’s Eve. Make sure to check trimet.org/planner before you go. 

    This bus service includes:

    PBOT will also offer Safe Ride Home this year, which provides discounts on Uber and Lyft rides on New Year’s Eve between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. 

    Drones, dancing and TriMet

    This New Year’s Eve, take TriMet to a one-of-a-kind drone light show and dance party at Pioneer Courthouse Square. More than 200 drones will provide two aerial performances in the heart of Downtown for this free community New Year’s Eve celebration. The first will take place at 9 p.m., while the second will countdown the final moments of 2024 and usher in the New Year. 

    TriMet can get you to within feet of Pioneer Square, with MAX Blue and Red lines serving the north and south sides of the square, and the MAX Green and Yellow lines serving the Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX station. If bus is a better option, more than a dozen lines service the Portland Transit Mall along 5th and 6th Avenues, and many more serve Downtown Portland.

    Some MAX trains will hold for a time during the drone shows. This will impact MAX service through Downtown, which could affect service elsewhere. MAX riders should plan for some delays during the drone shows on New Year’s Eve. 

    Stay safe and seen!

    As we welcome the New Year, TriMet’s Customer Safety Supervisors and security officers will be out across the system to help keep riders and operators safe.

    With more people expected to travel on New Year’s Eve, we encourage everyone to put safety first and follow these tips:

    • Stay alert: Keep your attention on your surroundings, especially around buses and trains.
    • Pause your devices: Put away phones or headphones and look both ways when crossing streets or tracks.
    • Respect others: Be courteous to operators and fellow riders.
    • Check your belongings: Ensure you have all personal items when boarding or leaving TriMet vehicles.
    • Report concerns: If you encounter unwanted behavior or disruptive conduct, let us know.

    TriMet makes it easy to report security concerns 24/7. Text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) to reach our Security Operations Center. For emergencies, call 911 right away.

    Thank you for helping us create a safer, more enjoyable ride for everyone this New Year’s Eve!

    Plan ahead and leave the driving to us

    The majority of deadly crashes involve alcohol and/or drug impairment. Last year was the deadliest year on Portland roads, with 69 fatalities. These figures are a reminder that the safest option is to leave your keys at home and the driving to us.

    Offering free rides on New Year’s Eve has been a TriMet practice for decades, and we’re excited to be bringing back the peace of mind it creates. With TriMet, PBOT and ODOT working to make New Year’s Eve travel easy and safe, no one should drive impaired. 

    For more information, go to trimet.org/nye.

  • Chat with TriMet, in advance or on the go, for answers to your travel questions

    Customer support chat offers a new, hassle-free way for riders to connect with TriMet’s Customer Service team

    Image of a smartphone displaying TriMet customer support chat.

    Need help getting where you need to go with TriMet?

    We have a convenient new way for riders to connect with our Customer Service staff. Just visit our website at trimet.org/chat and click the “Chat with Customer Service” button, or click the blue button in the lower right corner of support.trimet.org to open a chat window. You can also select “Customer Service” from the menu on trimet.org for chat and more options.

    You can chat with our Customer Service team members between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. every day of the week. Our representatives will answer questions, provide assistance and work to make your TriMet experience as smooth as possible.

    Chat is just one of many ways to connect with TriMet!

    Riders who prefer to speak over the phone with a Customer Service representative can still call us at 503-238-7433 (RIDE). Our Customer Service team will respond to questions via text, too.

    You can also message us on X, formerly known as Twitter: @trimethelp.

    More options to reach TriMet are available at support.trimet.org and via the “Customer Service” menu option on trimet.org.

    The TriMet Customer Support Center at Pioneer Courthouse Square is open Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Our staff is happy to assist people there, including walk-ins.

    Why chat?

    With chat, our Customer Service team can engage with people quickly and provide information that riders can review at their own pace. It’s a fast, easy way to ask questions and get answers from a live person, and it works on the go as well. You can chat from your smartphone, your tablet or your desktop.

    Chat is another tool for riders to interact with and get information about using TriMet. Riders can still call or text us at 503-238-7433 (RIDE). Language interpretation services are available by phone. We also have lots of information on our website, trimet.org, with many pages available in six languages.

    Customer Service can help you with planning a trip, paying fare, navigating our website and more.

    For security help

    If you have a non-urgent security concern, you can call or text 503-238-7433 (RIDE) at any time. You can also click the badge-shaped “Security” button on trimet.org to file a report with TriMet Security. Our security hotline is staffed 24/7.

    We also have blue-light security phones on several MAX platforms that connect directly to our security team and are available at any time.

    In an emergency, contact 911 right away.

    Make a connection!

    TriMet connects riders with opportunities throughout the Portland metro area. Our website, trimet.org, also provides opportunities for riders to plan trips, check to see when a bus or train is arriving, and get the latest info about our service.

    Both on desktop and mobile devices, the most prominent feature when you go to trimet.org is an interactive map. Users can check this map to see where our vehicles are, as well as find the best options for getting from point A to point B. Click the triangular “Alerts” button to see important service information, including temporary bus stop closures, elevator outages and route detours.

    TriMet’s average weekly ridership, across our five MAX lines, 78 bus lines, WES commuter rail and LIFT paratransit, is well over 1.3 million and continuing to grow. We’re upgrading our systems — including our website, transit vehicles, fare vending machines, security operations center and beyond — and improving service to provide more benefits for more riders.

    TriMet is focused on meeting riders’ transportation needs, and we’re continually working to improve the rider experience. Your feedback matters to us!

    Our Customer Service center is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except on select holidays. Visit trimet.org/holidays for more information about holiday service.