TriMet News

TriMet News

  • Oregon’s new drug law will improve safety on TriMet, in public spaces starting Sept. 1

    TriMet’s security improvements, combined with new law making possession of illicit drugs a misdemeanor, continue to make riding safer

    As TriMet continues our efforts to provide safe, welcoming and reliable transit service, we look forward to the Sept. 1 revision to Oregon law making possession of small amounts of illicit drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine a crime again. This change will make possession of hard drugs in public—including on TriMet buses and trains, as well as at our stops, stations and transit centers—a misdemeanor offense.

    Despite our continued focus on safety and security efforts, rampant open drug use in the communities TriMet serves extends onto our transit system at times. That creates an unpredictable and potentially dangerous situation for TriMet riders and employees. We believe public spaces and public services should feel safe and comfortable for everyone to use, without worry of being exposed to illegal drug use. TriMet is a lifeline for many who rely on transit to get work, school and other opportunities due to age, disability or income. They deserve to ride with dignity.

    While TriMet’s Code of Conduct already prohibits drug use, starting in September, law enforcement, including officers assigned to TriMet’s Transit Police Division, can cite individuals for drug possession, punishable by up to 180 days in jail. The new law also gives counties the ability to offer deflection programs that mandate engagement with addiction services as an alternative to jail time.

    It’s the first of two new drug laws. The second—taking effect Jan. 1, 2025—explicitly focuses on public transportation. It will classify the use of drugs on public transit buses and trains in Oregon as a Class A misdemeanor, the most serious of misdemeanors, punishable by up to 364 days in jail.

    At a Glance:

    Revisions to Oregon drug law

    HB 4002 – effective Sept. 1, 2024
    What it does: House Bill 4002 recriminalizes the possession of small amounts of hard drugs, giving law enforcement the authority to cite and arrest people for the misdemeanor of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, punishable by up to 180 days in jail. The law also gives counties the ability to offer deflection programs that mandate engagement with addiction services as an alternative to jail time.
    Change and impact to TriMet: While drug use already violates TriMet’s rules for riding, the change in law gives police, prosecutors and treatment centers new tools to address this public health and safety issue.

    SB 1553 – effective Jan. 1, 2025
    What it does: Senate Bill 1553 heightens criminal charges for the use of illicit drugs on public transportation, making it the most serious of misdemeanors, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a $6,250 fine or both. It also classifies drug use on transit as a drug-designated misdemeanor, allowing those convicted access to state-funded treatment in many instances.
    Change and impact to TriMet: This helps ensure that TriMet and all public transit agencies statewide can effectively work to make their systems drug-free zones. It gives law enforcement more tools and better direction on how to handle incidents involving drugs.

    Public drug use has increased significantly in Oregon since 2020, with deadly results. In 2021, overdose deaths increased by 43% statewide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and they’ve kept rising in the following years. No other state saw a higher rate of overdose deaths than Oregon did in 2023. Both of the new Oregon laws will open up new avenues for those facing addiction to get help.

    Making transit a drug-free zone

    The new illicit drug laws will make TriMet buses and trains drug-free zones and are important steps in our ongoing work to make transit safer in the face of the societal issues challenging our region. Since the start of 2022, we have more than doubled the number of safety, security and customer service staff on our transit system and taken other steps to address TriMet code violations and inappropriate behavior on board. There are now about 500 people working to make our system cleaner, safer and more accessible.

    Earlier this summer, safety and security staff began increasing enforcement of TriMet’s Code of Conduct—our rules for riding—to improve cleanliness and accessibility on board while addressing inappropriate activity. These rules focus on behavior that is prohibited on TriMet and cover everything from paying fare to not bringing items on board that leak and block aisles and prohibit smoking of any kind.

    As part of this focus, riders will see Customer Safety Supervisors checking fares and, along with our Customer Safety Officers and Transit Security Officers, they’ll let riders know they need to follow the rules. Most important are those rules put in place to make sure people can move safely through our vehicles, especially those who have disabilities and older adults looking to reach priority seating areas.

    More tools for rider safety

    TriMet has a 24-hour Security Operations Center, where riders can report non-urgent security issues such as loud or disruptive behavior, vandalism and litter, among other concerns. Text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) to connect with security staff that will determine the appropriate response. For an urgent concern, alert the operator or text or call 911.

    We have taken steps to improve safety as well, with updated security cameras and lighting at many of our transit centers, rail platforms and park and rides. We’ve also improved the safety panels next to the bus operator’s seat and added safety monitors on all of our buses that show security camera views.

    For more information on TriMet’s safety and security efforts, go to trimet.org/security.

    Providing support, for a better experience for all

    Among the growing safety and security teams you’ll see on TriMet is our Safety Response Team. The team’s presence discourages inappropriate and illegal behavior, while helping people in need on and around our transit system, conducting social service outreach and providing referrals for housing and mental health services. Safety Response Team members carry backpacks with snacks, water and other supplies including Narcan, the overdose-reversing nasal spray. Their work focuses on ensuring a positive experience for everyone who rides.

    In 2023, TriMet’s Safety Response Team members connected with some 127,500 individuals, including conducting nearly 17,600 welfare checks, providing 5,876 referrals to social services and assisting 47 people showing suicidal thoughts.

    Find more information about our teams at trimet.org/personnel.

  • (VIDEO) Now training! Recruitment drives record-setting flood of MAX operator applicants

    More than 850 people applied, 50 were hired, following TrIMet’s first-ever public recruitment of MAX operators

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

    An unprecedented hiring initiative led to the one of the biggest waves of job applications in TriMet’s history, adding to a pool of candidates that will help fill vacant operator positions in the short and long term. More than 850 people applied to become among the first MAX operators hired from the general public following TriMet’s April announcement that we were fast-tracking some of the positions.

    Of the 851 people who applied during the first round of external applications, between April and June, 50 were hired and invited to enter MAX operator training. The first classes with these students began in July.

    Fast-tracking the positions meant candidates didn’t have to first undergo eight weeks of bus operator training. Nonetheless, they did have to meet several important requirements to be selected as a future MAX operator.

    ‘I applied the first day’

    Chief among the hiring requirements: having one year of experience transporting people or goods, a safe driving record and the ability to obtain—or already possess—a valid “A or B” Commercial Driver’s license (CDL). Applicants could take three written DMV tests to obtain a CDL learner’s permit before entering training. For Larry, a longtime electrical contractor, operating heavy machinery was a part of his professional life for years—but it came with a catch.

    “I was tired of doing career changes every six to eight months,” Larry said. He found himself moving from gig to gig, working for multiple companies a year with few opportunities to move up. “Being with TriMet and seeing all the opportunities—I’m excited to do rail and also see how far I can move up in the company.”

    Another important requirement was having zeal for the job. Jake, a self-described “train guy” and former member of TriMet’s On-Street Customer Service team, had his sights on operating a train ever since growing up near the MAX Yellow Line.

    “I told myself that as soon as they opened up MAX operator positions to non-bus applicants, I would throw my name into the ring,” he said, “I applied the first day it opened.”

    Although the new MAX trainees come from different backgrounds, one thing they share is enthusiasm, especially for taking on new and fulfilling challenges. Tyler, another MAX operator trainee, gave up a job in web development for an opportunity to serve the community.

    “To me, it’s one of the biggest landmarks of the city,” he said of the MAX system. “Working in web development, I didn’t feel totally fulfilled. Here, you’re performing a public service that everyone relies on, so you can feel pride in that”

    Roughly half of the applications moved to the review stage, where the candidates’ combination of qualifications, driving records and passion for public transportation were considered. Some then moved on to interviews, background checks and conditional job offers. In the end, about 6% of the 851 candidates met all of the requirements and were invited to join an upcoming training class

    The 12 weeks of training combine lectures, coursework and practical instruction behind the controls of MAX trains. In order for trainees to become MAX operators, they will have to first successfully graduate from the program and prove they can safely operate a train while at the same time providing exemplary customer service.

    Jobs with great pay, benefits and support

    The starting wage for a MAX operator is currently $29.18 per hour, with regular pay increases and a $7,500 hiring bonus for those who successfully complete training and join the team.

    MAX operators receive other great benefits, such as access to overtime, generous retirement accounts—including an 8% employer contribution to TriMet’s 401a retirement plan—paid time off and career development opportunities. 

    Opportunities at TriMet are plentiful. Bus operator positions are also still available, and they too come with competitive pay and the same great benefits as MAX operators. They also come with the $7,500 hiring bonus! But if you have a more mechanical skillset, TriMet is also looking for diesel mechanics, with a starting salary of $41.39! Those positions come with a $2,500 hiring bonus.

    New operators start this fall

    New MAX operators will begin this fall after completing three months of training. This will be followed by a six-month probationary period.

    They will start their new careers at TriMet during a time of expansion and improvements: At the end of this month, the MAX Red Line will be extended 10 stations west into Beaverton and Hillsboro, the final piece of our A Better Red project. It will be the first expansion of the MAX system in nine years. We are also currently testing our newest trains, the Type 6s, which we plan to introduce later this year. These and other improvements come as TriMet embarks on an ambitious series of service changes.

    Moving forward

    Starting Sunday, Aug. 25, TriMet will be rolling out one of our largest-ever series of service updates— improvements that will affect both trains and buses. As part of these improvements, TriMet will be:

    • Adding bus lines and adjusting routes to make service faster and more convenient, as well as to fulfill the goals of our Forward Together Service Concept.
    • Replacing late-night, early-morning MAX service with buses, allowing for more overnight MAX system maintenance during times when ridership is low.
    • Extending the MAX Red Line west 10 stations in Beaverton and Hillsboro, improving schedules and giving more people a one-seat trip to Portland International Airport.

    We don’t stop moving—and neither do our careers. If you’re looking for a job with momentum, TriMet provides family-wage employment and pathways for advancement. Learn more at trimet.org/careers.

  • TriMet is building better bus connections for Clackamas County communities

    We’re adding more service to, from and between Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Tualatin, West Linn and beyond

    A zero-emissions bus on Line 76-Hall/Greenburg serves the bus stop at the Tualatin WES Station.

    Circle Sunday, Aug. 25, on your calendar for TriMet’s next big service update.

    Included among many other transit upgrades: new bus service that will create better connections between Clackamas County communities like Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Tualatin and West Linn.

    We’re extending some trips on one popular bus line; adding a brand-new weekday line; and extending the route of another bus line to make it a better option for more people.

    Extending Line 76!

    Line 76-Hall/Greenburg runs between Beaverton, Tigard and Tualatin. It’s one of TriMet’s Frequent Service lines, with buses arriving every 15 minutes or better for much of the day, every day.

    As we’ve gathered community input for Forward Together, riders have asked for more direct service connecting communities in Washington County and Clackamas County. We’ve listened, and we’re answering the call.

    Starting Aug. 25, TriMet is extending certain trips on Line 76. On these trips, roughly once every hour for much of the day, Line 76 will run between the Oregon City Transit Center and the Beaverton Transit Center.

    Northbound buses serving the extended route of Line 76 will depart from the Oregon City Transit Center. They’ll serve stops in West Linn, Tualatin, Tigard and Beaverton before terminating at the Beaverton Transit Center. Southbound buses on the extended route will continue on from Tualatin to serve West Linn and Oregon City.

    Line 76 remains a Frequent Service bus line, and not all trips will be extended. If you catch the bus in Washington County and you’re traveling to West Linn or Oregon City, make sure to confirm it’s an extended trip! You can check schedules and track arriving vehicles at trimet.org. Additionally, the overhead display at the front of the bus will indicate whether its final stop is at Meridian Park Hospital or the Oregon City Transit Center.

    Welcoming Line 153!

    Line 153-Stafford/Salamo is a new line between Lake Oswego and West Linn. Its first day of service will be Monday, Aug. 26.

    Line 153 will run between Downtown West Linn and the Lake Oswego Transit Center. It provides a direct link between the two communities and connects people to government services, health care, shopping and more. Line 153 will provide hourly service on weekdays, for most of the day.

    Riders will be able to hop on Line 153 in Lake Oswego, then board Line 76 in West Linn, linking them with destinations in Tigard, Tualatin and beyond.

    Likewise, Line 153 provides a direct route from West Linn to make connections at the Lake Oswego Transit Center. Buses on three additional lines stop at the Lake Oswego Transit Center — lines 35, 37 and 68 — with continuing service to stops in Portland, Beaverton, Oregon City, Tigard and Tualatin.

    Improving Line 34!

    Line 34-Linwood/River Rd runs weekdays between Clackamas Town Center, Milwaukie and Oregon City. We’re extending Line 34 to serve the Clackamas Heights area of Oregon City, which is being developed with more affordable housing.

    This improvement makes Line 34 a true community connector for Oregon City. It links Clackamas Heights not only to Downtown Oregon City, but also to other communities throughout North Clackamas County.

    The extended Line 34 will also connect riders with the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and other destinations in Oregon City, as well as with the extended Line 76 — among other regional bus lines — at the Oregon City Transit Center.

    These extensions of Line 34 and Line 76 will replace service on Line 154-Willamette/Clackamas Heights. TriMet is discontinuing Line 154 due to low ridership and overlap with this new service.

    What else is new?

    TriMet’s Aug. 25 service update is one of our largest ever. We’re adding more MAX service, creating or extending bus lines, adjusting schedules, and more.

    These bus improvements are part of our Forward Together service concept. Our goal with Forward Together is to create connections, increase ridership, and provide more and better service for people who depend on transit.

    Read about all of the improvements throughout the tri-county region at trimet.org/servicechange.

  • Dr. LaVerne Lewis becomes first Black President of TriMet’s Board of Directors

    Appointed to the Board in 2021, Dr. Lewis served as Vice President from 2023-2024 and becomes the agency’s first President of African American descent

    Dr. LaVerne Lewis, Photo: TriMet

    During its July 24 meeting, TriMet’s Board of Directors elected Dr. LaVerne Lewis as their new President. Lewis will begin her term on August 1, 2024, becoming the first person of African American descent to permanently serve in the role. Appointed to the Board by Gov. Kate Brown in 2021, Lewis represents District 6, which includes East Multnomah County and communities such as Fairview, Troutdale and Gresham.

    “I am immensely grateful and proud to serve as President of the TriMet Board of Directors. It is a privilege to work alongside talented, dedicated and passionate Board members and agency staff committed to improving our public transportation system for the benefit of our communities,” said Lewis.

    She replaces District 2 Director Osvaldo “Ozzie” Gonzalez, who was selected as Board President in 2023. Gonzalez announced his intent to resign from the Board in June, due to a residential move outside the boundary of the district he was appointed to represent.

    Joining Lewis on the Board leadership is District 1 Director Thomas Kim, who will serve as Vice President. District 7 Director Kathy Wai remains in her role as Board Secretary/Treasurer.

    A business owner with a career in law enforcement and education

    Before being named TriMet Board President, Lewis fulfilled three years of service to the Board. She brings a rich personal history and diverse professional experience to the role of President, which includes extensive work in law enforcement and education. She is also a business owner.

    Lewis spent nearly 18 years with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, where she retired as a Corrections Deputy and also worked as a training instructor at the Oregon Public Safety Academy’s Department of Public Safety Standards and Training for seven years.

    As the owner of the small business, LaVerne Lewis LLC, Lewis shares her 40 years of experience in taxation and accountancy in personal, corporate and nonprofit services. She is a credentialed tax accountant in the State of Oregon and licensed to practice before the Internal Revenue Service as an Enrolled Agent.

    Lewis previously served on the Mt. Hood Community College Board of Education and currently works as an adjunct instructor in the Business Administration Department at Portland Community College. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, a Master’s Degree in Education and Human Resource Development and a Doctor of Education degree.

    She is also a global humanitarian volunteer with a passion for creating partnerships in sustainable communities. Lewis has traveled extensively and worked to create positive social justice changes that foster cross-cultural education. Locally, she founded the nonprofit Women-SEW, which fosters the development of sewing collectives for women and girls in refugee, immigrant and BIPOC communities, to develop sewing skills and pursue economic and leadership empowerment.

    Lewis serves as president of the Faith Northwest United Methodist Foundation’s Board of Directors and is active in her local church.

    TriMet’s Board of Directors

    TriMet is governed by our Board of Directors, which is made up of seven volunteer members appointed by Oregon’s governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Each member represents a district within TriMet’s tri-county service area.

    In addition to fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities, the Board hires the General Manager, sets agency policy, reviews and approves major contracts and provides oversight of TriMet Code. Each term covers four years, and members can serve up to two terms. However, a Board member whose term has expired shall continue in service at the pleasure of the governor until a successor is appointed. Board members also serve in liaison roles on special advisory groups and committees.

    The Board is taking a break from monthly business meetings in August, with their next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 25. For more information about the TriMet Board, visit trimet.org/board. 

  • From jobs to schools and services, TriMet improves connections to opportunities with August 2024 service change

    Summer rollout includes improvements to bus service; two new bus lines; new bus network in place of late-night/early-morning MAX service; expansion of MAX Red Line service to Hillsboro; and new names for three MAX stations

    TriMet is rolling out one of our largest-ever service updates on Sunday, Aug. 25. Riders can expect new and more convenient transit options that provide fast and reliable connections to opportunities. From jobs and education to health care and social services, we’re improving service for current riders and bringing new service to areas that have been calling for more. 

    As part of these changes, we’re adding new bus lines, adjusting routes and in some cases, eliminating low-ridership lines, so that we can use those resources where they’re needed most. We’re also expanding MAX service and beginning to fully realize the benefits of A Better Red, our years-long project to extend the Red Line into Hillsboro and keep MAX trains moving –- and on time –- across our entire light rail system. 

    In addition, we’re changing late-night MAX service: Buses will run in place of trains during the late evening hours when there are fewer riders. While we will continue to provide reliable transit service in the same areas and for the same amount of time, this change will allow for additional overnight maintenance that will reduce delays and disruptions at times when most people are riding and relying on MAX to get where they need to go.

    And that’s not all! TriMet will expand MAX Red Line service into Hillsboro and rename three MAX stations! Visit trimet.org to plan your trip! Set the date for Aug. 25, or later, to see how your travel plans might change.

    Improving bus service with Forward Together

    The bus service improvements are part of our Forward Together Service Concept. That’s a plan we created in partnership with the community in response to the changes in travel created by the COVID-19 pandemic. These improvements help fulfill the goals of Forward Together: to increase ridership and increase access to opportunities for people with low and limited incomes. Among the highlights:

    • Line 25-Glisan/Rockwood: We’re extending service to Reynolds High School and Mt. Hood Community College with buses coming more often, more hours of the day, every day.
    • Line 29-Lake/Webster Rd: We’re adding midday service to improve access to the Clackamas County Health Centers’ Behavioral Health clinics, which are moving to Lake Road.
    • Line 34-Linwood/River Rd: We’re extending Line 34 to Clackamas Heights.
    • NEW! Line 40-Tacoma/Swan Island: We’re launching Line 40 to connect Swan Island, Rose Quarter, Downtown Portland and the SE Tacoma St/Johnson Creek MAX Orange Line Station. Line 40 will replace lines 85 and 99 and replace Line 35 service to the South Macadam & Sellwood Bridge stops.
    • Line 76-Hall/Greenburg: We’re introducing a new connection between communities in Washington and Clackamas counties. We’re extending some trips on Line 76 east to the Oregon City Transit Center.
    • NEW! Line 153-Stafford/Salamo: We’re launching a new bus line to connect the communities of West Linn and Lake Oswego.
    • Lines 39, 44, 45, 51, 55 and 70: Schedules will be adjusted up to 5 minutes, to help students get to school on time.

    TriMet will eliminate bus lines 85, 99 and 154 due to low ridership, and resources from those lines will be moved to new areas, to provide more reliable service. The Forward Together Service Concept includes replacement service for areas where bus lines are removed, where ridership supports it.

    Late-night/early-morning MAX service provided by buses

    We are introducing a network of buses that will run in place of MAX trains during late night and early morning hours. By providing late-night trips on buses instead of trains, TriMet will be able to complete more overnight maintenance projects. This will help us provide more reliable MAX service and reduce future planned and unplanned service disruptions that inconvenience riders during the busier hours. All light rail lines except the MAX Green Line will have a matching bus line that will provide service for late-night trains:

    • Blue Eastside bus: Riders traveling between Downtown Portland and Gresham will take late-night/early-morning trips on the Line 287-Blue Eastside Bus.
    • Blue Westside bus: Line 288-Blue Westside Bus will provide late night/early morning service between Rose Quarter Transit Center and Hillsboro.
    • Orange bus: Late-night/early-morning MAX trips have been provided by Line 291-Orange Night bus since the MAX Orange Line opened in 2015. We will remove “night” from the destination sign, for consistency.
    • Red bus: We’re moving late-night/early-morning MAX trips to the Line 292 Red Bus.
    • Yellow bus: We’re moving late-night/early-morning MAX trips to the Line 293-Yellow Bus.

    The MAX Green Line will continue to operate with its current schedule, which can allow for additional overnight maintenance without an adjustment.

    More MAX service and three stations get new names

    Also happening on Aug. 25: a soft launch of service on our 10-station extension of the MAX Red Line, ahead of the official launch of the new service on Wednesday, Aug. 28. With our A Better Red project complete, we’re opening 10 existing Blue Line stations to Red Line trains, between Beaverton Transit Center and Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport, which is getting a new name (see below.) Riders can expect wait times to be reduced by half in that area, as trains will arrive every seven to eight minutes for most of the day, every day.

    In addition to the expansion of Red Line service, A Better Red improved reliability across TriMet’s entire 60-mile light rail system, with track improvements at Portland International Airport and Gateway Transit Center and a new station, Gateway North, for riders traveling from Portland International Airport.

    As part of this comprehensive service change, we’re updating the names of three MAX Stations:

    • Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport will become Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds (MAX Blue and Red lines).
    • Tuality Hospital/SE 8th Ave will become Hillsboro Health District (MAX Blue Line).
    • Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center will be Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave (MAX Blue, Green and Red lines).

    Let TriMet do the driving!

    Every day, we’re finding new ways to make transit service faster and more reliable, while also providing a safe, convenient and easy way to get around. In addition to these service improvements, we’re working to improve the ride. That means you’ll see more safety and security personnel, increased enforcement of our Rules for Riding and cleaner vehicles, platforms and transit centers. 

    If you are struggling to pay your fare, TriMet can help. Riders with low incomes can sign up for reduced fare through our Honored Citizen program or connect with a service provider who provides fares at no cost through our Access Transit Program.

  • TriMet shuttle buses will move riders around Sunday’s partial-day closure as crews tackle regional graffiti along I-84

    Comprehensive efforts spearheaded by the Oregon governor’s office and the Oregon Department of Transportation will require a partial-day disruption to MAX Blue, Green and Red lines

    MAX Blue, Green and Red lines will be disrupted for part of Sunday, July 14, between NE 7th Ave and the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center for graffiti and trash removal along a stretch of TriMet’s light rail tracks that parallel Interstate 84. Shuttle buses will serve closed stations from the start of service until around 6 p.m. on Sunday.

    A five-mile stretch of I-84 will be closed in both directions from 11 p.m. Saturday, July 13, to noon Sunday, July 14. Along with MAX light rail, heavy rail traffic will also stop. One bus line, Line 70-12th/NE 33rd Ave, will be detoured off of the NE 12th Avenue bridge until 12 p.m. when I-84 reopens to autos.

    A stretch of TriMet right of way next to I-84 has been tagged. Areas like this will be cleaned on Sunday, June 14.

    The cleanup is part of a coordinated effort among six agencies led by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). In addition to ODOT and TriMet, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), Multnomah County and Metro are involved in addressing the community issue of graffiti in the area. The cleaning teams will focus on a portion of I-84, roughly between the Lloyd Neighborhood and Interstate 205. This section of I-84 is both a highly visible and heavily trafficked part of the Portland metro region and an area prioritized by the Portland Central City Taskforce established by Governor Tina Kotek.

    “Partnerships like this one are so important, as we join together to restore civic pride and make our community safer and more livable.” TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. said. “I’d like to thank Governor Kotek and the Oregon Department of Transportation for their vision to rejuvenate this and other transportation arterials through Portland, and I applaud this collaboration with PBOT, Union Pacific, Metro and Multnomah County to make it happen.”

    TriMet will need to cut electricity to the overhead wires that power trains to allow crews to safely access areas in and around our tracks. The closure is an opportunity for TriMet to further enhance our cleaning efforts. It allows crews to reach areas in our right of way that are not safe when trains are running. Although crews will complete their work and I-84 will reopen at noon on Sunday, it will take time to repower the MAX system. We appreciate our riders’ patience as we do this work and get trains back on regular schedule. 

    Partial-day MAX disruption

    A partial-day MAX disruption on a Sunday is intended to lessen the impact on riders, but we understand there are those who will need to get around the closure. Here’s what riders need to know:

    • Shuttle buses will replace MAX Blue, Green and Red line trains, serving all closed stations between NE 7th Ave and the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center.
    • Shuttle buses will arrive about every seven minutes.
    • The disruption will begin with the start of service early Sunday and end by 6 p.m.
    • Sign up for Service Alerts now at trimet.org/alerts.
    • Bus lines FX-2, 9, 12, 15, 19, 20 and 77 may experience higher ridership, as they may be used as an alternative to MAX service.

    During the highway and rail track closures, upwards of 100 workers from the six agencies will join private contractors to remove trash and clean graffiti along the corridor, moving west to east. Along TriMet property, crews will focus on walls, poles, trackways and hard-to-reach areas that are visible when traveling by train.

    Commitment to cleanliness

    With a commitment to cleanliness, we’re proud to join efforts to revitalize community resources that have been marred by an uptick in vandalism in recent years. TriMet has added staff and contractors to make enhanced cleaning a priority. In this year alone, we have more than doubled the number of times we’ve been able to pressure wash stations.

    Removal of litter, repairs and repainting have also been priorities, especially through Downtown and along I-84. These are among our oldest and most used stations, serving multiple MAX lines and tens of thousands of riders every week.

    Cleanliness and safety go hand-in-hand. TriMet believes our riders and the entire community thrive when they see a transit system that feels comfortable and inviting. We recently announced a renewed focus on our rules for riding to make our system cleaner, safer and more accessible. That includes not allowing anything that leaks, such as large bags of recyclable cans and bottles, along with open containers of food and beverages that may spill and make a mess. Any large items that block aisles and doors are not allowed on board. Smoking of any kind is also prohibited.

    Learn more about our rules for riding as outlined in the TriMet Code of Conduct. TriMet’s enhanced cleaning, increased code enforcement and partnership with other local agencies come as we also continue building out a comprehensive series of safety and security initiatives.

  • TriMet awarded $25 million for future home of zero-emissions bus and training operations

    RAISE grant is vital for future Columbia Operations Facility to support TriMet’s goal of 100% clean energy buses by 2040

    A federal grant will help move TriMet closer to our goal of a zero-emissions bus fleet — a necessary step for not only our agency to meet climate action goals, but for achieving state and regional greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets as well.

    The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $25 million from its Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program to TriMet. The grant is dedicated for our future Columbia Operations Facility in Northeast Portland. TriMet purchased the industrial site at Northeast 42nd Avenue and Columbia Boulevard in 2018, for development as our fourth bus facility.

    This grant supports our goal of moving to a 100% zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040. The Columbia Operations Facility is key to reaching our goal.

    “This grant is more than just welcome news — it is vital to building a cleaner, brighter future for our region,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “I thank Rep. Earl Blumenauer for championing our plans for zero-emissions bus fleet operations to better our community, as well as Sen. Ron Wyden, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Rep. Andrea Salinas, and Rep. Lori Chavez DeRemer for their support in securing this award.”

    “This is important funding for the region and will improve TriMet’s efficiency,” Rep. Blumenauer said. “The Columbia Operations Facility may sound like a mundane project, but it is not. It’s an important element — part of the nuts and bolts that allow TriMet to function better. I deeply appreciate the Biden Administration’s support.”

    “I am proud to have supported this $25 million federal investment in TriMet because it means families, small businesses and workers in the metro area can count on greener and cleaner buses,” said Sen. Wyden. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I worked to pass, Oregonians in and around Portland as well as the entire state can have the big-league infrastructure required to have a big-league economy.”

    “Reimagining transportation systems across our state — with sustainability front and center — will benefit Oregonians while creating good-paying, clean-energy jobs in communities that are in desperate need of 21st-century transportation routes,” Sen. Merkley added. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, TriMet is receiving a $25 million RAISE grant to house and maintain their zero-emissions bus fleet, which will support their mission to keep moving Oregonians forward on a safer, more accessible and cleaner transportation system for all.”

    Improving service

    The Columbia Operations Facility will one day house and maintain TriMet hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses.

    TriMet’s zero-emissions bus fleet is growing, with 24 new battery-electric buses set to go into service this year. Building a modern Columbia Operations Facility is essential so TriMet can expand our clean energy bus fleet and deploy more of these buses in our service district, especially to areas with poor air quality.

    This facility is also critical to our ongoing efforts to increase service in areas that rely on transit. Our Forward Together service concept is redrawing the map of TriMet bus lines to increase ridership and improve service for people with low and limited incomes. The Columbia Operations Facility will help us make that service concept into reality.

    Having a fourth facility for our buses will also allow us to make needed improvements at the TriMet Operations Headquarters at Southeast 17th Avenue and Center Street. With future plans to renovate the facility to support zero-emissions buses, we will need the space at the Columbia Operations Facility to house some of the 200-plus buses based out of the Center Street facility during that work.

    Benefits beyond buses

    While TriMet’s focus is on a better bus system, building the Columbia Operations Facility has many more positives as well.

    The project will improve safety in the surrounding community. TriMet is partnering with the City of Portland to make improvements along Northeast Columbia Boulevard, including new traffic signals and pedestrian crossings. These improvements will make the corridor more walkable and transit-friendly, while also helping traffic flow better and more safely. We greatly appreciate the City’s partnership and support of this grant.

    The Columbia Operations Facility will employ hundreds of union workers — including staff in our maintenance, cleaning and training divisions, as well as bus operators. It will house TriMet’s largest dedicated training facility, allowing us to expand our workforce development and training efforts to hire even more people. TriMet provides family-wage jobs and outstanding benefits for our more than 3,300 employees, as well as pathways for advancement. Learn more at trimet.org/careers.

  • TriMet, ATU Local 757 propose landmark contract agreement

    Tentative 4-year agreement includes a more than 13% wage increase, 401a contribution increase, new childcare subsidy, tuition reimbursement and other changes that bolster TriMet’s ability to expand service and improve the customer experience

    *Information on union vote has been updated.

    TriMet and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757 leadership have reached a tentative agreement on a proposed new Working and Wage Agreement. The new contract includes compromises and improvements that benefit TriMet’s union employees, the agency and TriMet riders. If ratified by TriMet union members and approved by the TriMet Board of Directors, the new, four-year contract will take effect on Dec. 1, 2024, though an increase in the agency contribution to union employees’ 401a plan would go into effect after Board approval.

    Proposed Working & Wage Agreement – by the numbers:

    • 2,664 – TriMet employees who are members of ATU Local 757
    • 13.64% – Wage increase over four years, with 4.0% coming in December 2024
    • 2% – Increase in TriMet’s contribution to union employee 401a plan (10% total employer contribution with increases included in contract)
    • Up to $5,250 – New yearly tuition reimbursement for continuing education for ATU members
    • $150 – New monthly childcare subsidy for ATU members
    • 2 – Additional floating holidays
    • $0.70 – annual increase in hourly ‘longevity’ pay for Transportation employees, the first in 25 years (Longevity pay is a retention tool that increases the pay for longer-term union employees in certain work classifications who have reached the top of the scheduled, step pay increases.)
    • 4 years – Longer contract term to provide greater stability for all parties involved

    “This tentative contract agreement underscores our unwavering commitment to attract and retain people who want to work for TriMet, support their families, better themselves and make a meaningful contribution to our region’s economic vitality,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “I appreciate the bargaining team, which conducted negotiations in record time and with a collaborative approach focused on improving working conditions for our union staff while improving TriMet’s ability to provide the service our riders need.”

    “This truly is a landmark agreement proposal that will greatly benefit ATU 757 members in a variety of ways, including personally and financially,” said ATU 757 President Shirley Block. “As my tenure with TriMet and leading the ATU Local 757 comes to a close, I know this contract leaves my union brethren in a much better situation and sets them up for a prosperous future.”

    TriMet must continue to improve staffing and retention levels, especially among operators, maintenance and other union staff. That is critical to agency plans for increasing service, expanding safety and security, and enhancing cleanliness for a better customer experience.  

    * ATU requires Transportation employees, Maintenance employees and salary employees to all separately approve the agreement. All work groups, except for Transportation employees, approved the agreement in a vote held on Aug. 3. Transportation employees ratified the agreement on Wednesday, Aug. 14. It now goes to the TriMet Board of Directors for approval at the Board’s Sept. 25 business meeting.

  • TriMet to increase enforcement of fares, other rules, to improve the riding experience

    More enforcement and accountability aimed at making transit system cleaner, safer and more accessible

    TriMet is redoubling enforcement of our rules for riding to improve cleanliness and accessibility on board while addressing inappropriate behavior. This is part of our ongoing and long-term efforts to give riders a better overall experience. Beginning July 1, our safety and security staff will start focusing on increasing enforcement on behavior and actions that are expressly prohibited by TriMet’s Code of Conduct—our rules for riding. These rules cover everything from paying your fare to not bringing items on board that leak and block aisles, as well as smoking of any kind.

    It only takes a few seconds to complete a fare check.

    With more safety and security staff now than ever before, TriMet believes it’s necessary to keep accelerating efforts to make the system cleaner, safer and more accessible. To achieve that, our Customer Safety Supervisors will be checking fares and, along with our Customer Safety Officers and Transit Security Officers, they’ll let riders know they need to follow all the rules. Most important are those put in place to make sure people can move safely through our vehicles, especially those who have disabilities and older adults looking to reach priority seating areas. Large items can block aisles and doors.

    Items that leak create a sticky or slippery hazard. Large bags of recyclable bottles and cans may do both, not only creating messes but blocking safe access. We also prohibit grocery-store sized shopping carts and open containers of food or beverages that may spill. If you traveling to or from the airport or with children, travel luggage and strollers with kids are welcome on board, but they should not block aisles or doors.

    Your help is always appreciated. We want to hear from you. If you see someone smoking or being disruptive, or carrying items that are blocking aisles or doors or are leaking, please alert our security team via our 24-hour security hotline: Text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE). This helps us respond to situations as they happen. You can also report graffiti, or damaged and broken equipment, using the same number. Or, you can contact TriMet security online.

    Fares required

    Make sure you tap every time before you board.

    Valid fare is always required when riding TriMet. Those without valid fare face a citation with a fine of up to $250 or exclusion from the system. Those cited for not having proof of fare may have their penalty reduced, depending on their citation history. They can avoid a court record by paying a reduced fine, performing community service or, if they qualify, enroll in our Honored Citizen reduced fare program.

    Oregonians whose income is less than double the federal poverty level or who participate in an assistance program qualify for our Honored Citizen fare, which is half the cost of our adult fare or a maximum of $28/month. Learn more online at trimet.org/income.

    People with a disability, those over 65 and veterans, active-duty members of the military or reservists also qualify for the reduced fare.

    TriMet’s Access Transit programs also work with nonprofits throughout the Portland area that help connect people in need with community assistance to provide free fares. Find out more at trimet.org/accesstransit.

    Safe, clean and accessible

    Cleanliness and safety also go hand-in-hand. Our riders thrive when they see a transit system that feels comfortable and inviting.

    We have never given up sight of our riders’ comfort and safety. More enforcement starting July 1 is simply one more step in a series of improvements we’ve been making since 2022 to enhance security and improve customer support. Over the past two years, we’ve done the following:

    • Doubled the amount of frontline safety and security staff, bringing the number to more than 400 employees and contractors
    • More than doubled the number of On Street Customer Service staff
    • Created a Security Operations Command Center to manage incident responses
    • Piloted a program to restrict elevator access to those with a valid form of fare
    • Expanded and made improvements to our network of more than 8,000 cameras
    • Increased our Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design initiatives to improve sightlines and lighting at transit centers, rail station and park and rides, making these areas brighter and reducing hiding spots by cutting back shrubs and tall plants.

    We have also emphasized cleaner vehicles, platforms and transit centers by hiring more cleaners and maintenance staff, what we’ve dubbed our “Clean Team.” With more cleaning, customer support and security resources now than ever before, we’re using them day-in, day-out, to keep our riders and employees moving safely.

    For more information about security on TriMet, visit trimet.org/security.

  • TriMet is ready for summer season

    When temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, expect delays on MAX and WES

    MAX Red Line train on a warm, sunny day in Downtown Portland.

    Summer is officially here!

    With warm, dry weather prevailing throughout the season, it’s the best time of the year to get out and see all our region has to offer. TriMet connects people to opportunities every day. Whether you’re going to work, traveling to an appointment or seeking fun in the sun, why not ride with TriMet this summer?

    We’ve made improvements in recent years to better weather the summer heat. On the vast majority of summer days, you can expect TriMet to provide regular service, including air-conditioned comfort on our buses and trains.

    Extreme heat, however, can affect operations and our riders. Here’s what you need to know about TriMet in hot weather.

    Triple digits means delays

    If temperatures rise to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, we will restrict the speed of MAX trains in certain areas for safety.

    MAX draws power from a system of overhead wires that are sensitive to heat. We limit speeds on MAX to no more than 35 mph when it’s at least 100 degrees, to reduce the risk of damage and keep our system running smoothly. Trains already run below 35 mph in areas where they run alongside or cross other traffic. But in restricted right-of-way areas, trains travel up to 55 mph. When the speed restriction is in place due to the heat, riders should expect up to 30-minute delays on MAX.

    WES commuter trains will also run no faster than 40 mph when temperatures soar above 100-degree temperatures. This may result in delays up to 10 minutes.

    Our buses are designed to operate in a wide range of weather conditions. There is no temperature threshold at which we’ll suspend or reduce bus service across our system. However, traffic and mechanical issues caused by extreme weather can sometimes result in delays. We’ll share the latest service information online at trimet.org/alerts, as well as with riders directly via email and text updates.

    Adapting to summer heat

    We’ve been working to improve how our transit system performs in hot weather.

    MAX was originally designed to operate in the climate Portland enjoyed in the 20th century. But as our region sees more extreme weather and rising summer temperatures, we are making adaptations to keep MAX running more smoothly for more of the summer. Similarly, we’ve worked with Portland & Western Railroad to improve heat resiliency on WES.

    On the MAX system, we have re-engineered parts of our overhead wire system to reduce sagging caused by intense summer heat. Because metals like copper and steel expand when it’s hot, we have to use counterweights to keep the overhead lines taut. With the improvements we’ve made, those counterweights work better in hotter weather, so MAX can keep running at regular speeds in all but the most extreme heat.

    Since 2018, the MAX Blue and Red lines have been able to proceed at normal speeds up to 100 degrees. The MAX Yellow Line followed in 2019. Now, as of this summer, all of our MAX lines are able to run regularly up to 100 degrees.

    Operating when it’s safe

    The safety of our riders and employees during extreme weather is central in TriMet’s decision-making. Above 105 degrees, we may adjust or suspend service on MAX if conditions warrant. These decisions are made with care and will depend on the conditions we’re seeing throughout our system.

    When temperatures hit 105 degrees, we will suspend service on WES and replace trains with shuttle buses.

    While we’ve made big upgrades to keep our trains running more reliably when it’s hot, extreme weather does place an additional strain on our machinery and electronics. Be prepared for trips to take extra time.

    You can learn more about our thresholds for extreme heat by visiting trimet.org/heat.

    Line 4-Fessenden on the road on a sunny day.

    Keeping cool on transit

    TriMet buses, including LIFT paratransit vehicles, have air conditioning on board for the comfort and safety of our riders and employees. So do MAX trains, WES trains and Portland Streetcar vehicles.

    But summer heat can be dangerous! When it’s hot outside, we encourage riders to:

    • Wear sun protection.
    • Pack a water bottle or sports drink with electrolytes to stay hydrated.
    • Consider using a personal fan or mister to keep cool.
    • If possible, stay in the shade when waiting at our stops and stations. Shade may not be available at all stops and stations. Carrying an umbrella can also provide cover from harmful UV radiation and relief when it’s hot and sunny.

    You can track your bus or MAX train at trimet.org. Our real-time map shows where the vehicle is and how long before it will arrive at the stop or station. Be sure to check weather reports as well as our website, trimet.org/alerts, for service information before you head out.