TriMet News

Bus

TriMet celebrates Transit Driver Appreciation Day
Annual day of recognition, March 18, highlights amazing work of bus, MAX, WES, Portland Streetcar and LIFT paratransit operators

Every day of the year, TriMet’s hardworking transit operators drive the streets of communities across the Portland metro area, getting people where they need to go.

On March 18, Transit Driver Appreciation Day, we’re celebrating these amazing public servants for everything they do for riders throughout the region.

Please join us in showing our bus, MAX, WES, Portland Streetcar and LIFT paratransit operators how much we appreciate everything they do! Check out trimet.org/thankyou for more information and resources.

“Transit operators deserve to be appreciated every day,” says Donnie Vercher, TriMet’s Director of Bus Operations. “Give them a wave or a smile, greet them when you get on the bus, thank them when you get off the bus. A simple act of kindness makes your driver feel seen, valued and appreciated.”

Operators who care

Being a transit operator is hard work! Our operators learn to control large vehicles, share the road with cars, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians and other transit vehicles, and provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for their riders.

Even so, for many TriMet operators, it’s a dream job. Our operators feel comfortable at the wheel of a bus or the controls of a train. They look forward to the daily interactions they have with riders, greeting regulars by name and learning about their lives. They value small gestures of gratitude and respect, simple good-mornings and thank-yous that tell them their service is appreciated.

Here are the stories of just four of our amazing operators.

Ernest Huerta

For 13 years, Ernest Huerta has been welcoming riders aboard his TriMet bus with a friendly smile.

Ernest came to TriMet after working as a truck driver. He was looking for a steady job where he could put his skills behind the wheel to good use. At TriMet, he found what he had been looking for — including great pay and benefits.

Ernest found something else to love about TriMet, too. Instead of spending the day alone in the cab of a truck, he gets to greet riders throughout the day from the driver’s seat of his bus. He says it’s what he likes most about driving for TriMet.

“If you build the atmosphere, you’re nice to people, they’re going to reciprocate,” Ernest says.

Not only does Ernest appreciate the relationships he has built with his regular riders, he also enjoys meeting new people who get on his bus. That’s one of the reasons he likes working during special events, like the upcoming Portland Rose Festival. For him, every time he presses the button to open his bus’s doors is like opening a Cracker Jack box to find the prize inside.

“I’m always expecting the best,” Ernest says with a smile.

Cori Loggins

While Cori Loggins has only been driving for TriMet for a couple of years, our transit agency has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember.

Cori drove for TriMet LIFT for a few months before deciding to apply to become a bus operator. (LIFT paratransit drivers work with TriMet as contractors, while bus and MAX operators are TriMet employees.) After a short time driving buses for TriMet, he became a MAX operator.

“I got the confidence doing TriMet LIFT, doing the smaller buses,” Cori explains. “It’s like, if I could do this, I can do a bigger bus. If I could do the bus, I could possibly do a train. So, it’s been a journey.”

Cori says that for him, being a transit operator is a way to give back to his community. He also enjoys volunteering with employee groups, supporting people in need.

As a lifelong Portlander, Cori is proud of the service that TriMet provides, and he’s proud to be a part of it.

“Right here, we have one of the best transit systems in the country, if not the world,” says Cori, whose wife also works for TriMet. “That’s a blessing.”

Shana Peck

Just two years after she was hired, Shana Peck was named as our 2024 MAX Operator of the Year. It’s a huge honor that speaks to the reputation for excellence and the respect that Shana has earned in a relatively short time as an operator.

Like Cori, Shana worked with TriMet as a LIFT contractor before she was hired as a full-time operator. Her goal was to become a MAX operator, and she achieved it within months of officially joining TriMet.

“It was always kind of a dream to come work here, because there was a lot of opportunity,” Shana says.

Shana has enjoyed the opportunity to test the new MAX Type 6 trains. She fondly recalls putting them through their paces at 3 a.m. as part of the “burn-in,” a testing period that prepares our next-generation trains to welcome riders aboard.

As much as she likes operating MAX, Shana takes pride in serving her riders. Many of them depend on TriMet to get around.

“Seeing how many people that don’t drive, it’s nice being able to make a difference in people’s lives, getting them and from work every day or to the activities that they want to go to,” Shana says.

Jim Zinn

After a career in health care administration, Jim Zinn decided it was time for a new direction. He joined TriMet in 2018, drawn to the job by the excellent benefits that our employees receive.

Jim is well known at TriMet for his sense of humor, as well as his personal warmth and generosity. He often carries a roll of sparkly stickers with him, using them to decorate the interior of his TriMet FX® bus with positive messages and giving them out to people. In the wintertime, when it’s cold outside, he’ll even give away gloves to riders who need them.

“I think that the operators that we have out there are truly amazing people who are working very hard to help everybody get around our city, and really actively thinking of ways to make things better in our system and on their bus,” Jim says.

Like Ernest, Jim says creating a positive atmosphere on his bus is important to him. He likes knowing that he’s made someone’s day a little brighter.

“What makes my job unique is the people — connecting with different people, listening to their stories, listening to people talk on the bus, hearing them laugh when they get on,” Jim says. “That makes it fun, and you don’t get that in any other job.”

Sharing the love

Our operators aren’t just the face of TriMet — they are our heart and soul.

TriMet first celebrated a day for transit operators in 2013. Our commemoration of Transit Driver Appreciation Day caught on! In the years since then, many other transit agencies across the United States and Canada have begun celebrating March 18 as a special day of appreciation for operators and other transit employees.

You might hear some friendly honking, cheering and applause if you’re out and about in Downtown Portland today! TriMet’s “Tunnel of Appreciation” has become a beloved annual tradition for our employees to celebrate our more than 1,600 hardworking operators. Hundreds of our employees take shifts on the Transit Mall throughout the day, waving signs and rooting on transit operators at work — including our partners at C-TRAN! Fans and passersby are more than welcome to join us.

While cheering on operators at the PSU Urban Center and Beaverton, Clackamas Town Center, Gresham Central and Rose Quarter transit centers, we’ve set up “Banners of Appreciation” there, too. Riders are encouraged to write positive messages on them. The banners will be displayed at our bus and rail operations facilities for our operators to see.

You can also send in your own message of appreciation for TriMet operators at trimet.org/thankyou. This website has cards you can print out for operators, a graphic you can share on social media and more.

And, of course, you can make any day your own personal Transit Driver Appreciation Day:
- Say a quick “thank you” when you get off the bus.
- Wave to your MAX, WES or Portland Streetcar operator when you pass by the train.
- Be courteous and follow our Rules for Riding.
- If you have an exceptional experience on TriMet, consider submitting a commendation! Visit trimet.org/thanks, or call or text 503-238-7433 (RIDE). Commendations are part of a TriMet employee’s permanent record. Receiving one is a tremendous honor that helps validate the work our operators do to serve people every day.
March 18, 2025
(VIDEO) Join TriMet’s maintenance team and make over $90,000 in year one
Workers receive excellent benefits, union representation and opportunities for advancement

Are you a mechanic or vehicle technician looking for a new job?

Come join the team that keeps our region moving! TriMet is hiring bus mechanics, light rail vehicle technicians and other important positions that are eligible for a $7,500 hiring bonus!

Buses, trains and streetcars get thousands of people in the Portland metro area where they need to go, every day. These big vehicles are a big responsibility, though. TriMet’s maintenance team keeps them rolling along — tuning up the diesel engines and electric motors that drive our bus fleet, tending to the power supply for our zero-emissions MAX trains, and much more.

What TriMet offers

New mechanics, technicians and maintainers start at $43.83 an hour. Working full time, a maintenance worker at TriMet can make over $90,000 in their first year on the job.

These positions are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757. Under a new labor agreement between TriMet and the union, workers get a pay increase each year — as well as a 9% employer contribution to their 401(a) retirement plan, which will increase to 10% in 2028. The contract includes a 13.64% increase over four years.

Union employees are also entitled to important benefits, which include:
- Affordable, flexible health care coverage options, including dental and vision care plans.
- A tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 annually, supporting employees as they work toward a degree or certificate.
- A child care subsidy of up to $150 monthly, helping employees to support their families.
We support our employees who are looking for opportunities to progress in their careers! TriMet hires supervisors from within. Additionally, leadership and learning courses are available to all TriMet employees, at no cost to them.

Speaking from experience

Joe Ruffin has worked at TriMet’s Ruby Junction Rail Operations Facility in Gresham for nearly 30 years. He’s now seen six generations of MAX vehicles come through his maintenance shop.

“I never thought I’d be here this long,” Joe laughs.

But, he adds, “I love it. From the start, I fell in love with it.”

Joe is one of many hardworking light rail vehicle technicians at Ruby Junction and the Elmonica Rail Operations Facility in Beaverton. TriMet’s approximately 150 light rail vehicles call these two facilities home.

It takes a lot of work to keep our MAX trains in good working condition. In a typical month, our train cars log about 700,000 miles in total, crisscrossing the region on 60 miles of trackway. That’s enough to wrap around the Earth 28 times!

But while our maintenance team works with machinery, their priority is people.

“We’re doing a public service, and we’re doing a good thing for the public. And that’s what I always tell everyone: Look at all the people we’re helping,” Joe explains. “We want to make sure they have a nice, safe, comfortable ride.”

Joe is active in the union, too. He’s passionate about the pay and benefits that he and other employees earn at TriMet.

“It’s a good place to work. It’s a good place to build a career,” Joe says. “We’ve got a really good Working and Wage Agreement and working relationship with management.”

Apply today!

TriMet is hiring! Check out our current job openings at trimet.org/careers.

Details about each open position are available, including the job description and requirements, an explanation of the pay and benefits, and information on how to apply and what to expect during the hiring process.

Our website also lists which positions are eligible for a $7,500 hiring bonus.

You can apply online! Find the details on what you need to apply on our website.
March 13, 2025
(VIDEO) TriMet connects communities, commuters on Line 40

New bus line, with weekly ridership over 5,000, runs from Sellwood to Swan Island

TriMet rolled out new bus lines in 2024, as we continue to implement our Forward Together service concept.

The most popular of these new lines, so far? Line 40-Tacoma/Swan Island, with service connecting Portland City Center to the Sellwood neighborhood in Southeast Portland and the Swan Island industrial area in North Portland.

Line 40 replaced service on two lesser-used bus lines (85 and 99). It serves commuters from early in the morning to late at night, improves connections for riders, and connects some of Portland’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Since Line 40 began serving riders in August 2024, it has averaged over 5,000 weekly rides. Ridership has grown as people get to know the new line!

Community support

The new Line 40 was created with the support of the Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League (SMILE), one of Portland’s neighborhood associations.

“We’re not just a suburban neighborhood,” explains Grant Huling, who chairs SMILE’s Transportation Committee. “We have a mix of renters and owners, apartments and single-family and townhomes, which we’re proud of and really creates our character.”

Huling adds: “The perennial transit issue for Sellwood and Moreland is that we’re bisected by Tacoma Street, which is what feeds onto the Sellwood Bridge.”

Line 40 provides reliable service across the Sellwood Bridge, seven days a week. Residents can leave their cars at home, or at the SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek Park & Ride, and take the bus across the bridge instead. That means less traffic — and more opportunities for people in the community.

“Having a bus that actually goes over the bridge consistently and not just during rush hour is super-helpful to me,” says community member Frankie Spurbeck.

Spurbeck has been riding the Line 40 nearly every week since it started service. They take the bus to travel between neighborhoods and visit friends on the other side of the Willamette River.

Convenience and connectivity

Spurbeck says they’ve been amazed by how fast and easy it is to take the new Line 40. The line has reduced the time it takes them to travel between the South Waterfront and Sellwood to mere minutes.

“It’s ridiculous how quickly I can get around with it,” Spurbeck says. “I think it rocks.”

Huling describes Line 40 as “a true commuter-reliable line.” The line serves largely residential neighborhoods like Sellwood, as well as employment areas like Swan Island, connecting jobs and homes. On weekdays, Line 40 runs about every half-hour, from 5 a.m. until after midnight, using a shortened route late at night.

Line 40 connects with all five of TriMet’s MAX lines: the MAX Orange Line at SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek, and the MAX Blue, Green, Red and Yellow lines at the Rose Quarter Transit Center. Riders can also transfer between Line 40 and other bus lines, as well as MAX and the Portland Streetcar, on the Transit Mall.

It’s easy to plan your trip at trimet.org, including transfers.

Meeting people where they live

Huling and Spurbeck see people from all walks of life using the new Line 40. Workers take Line 40 north to jobs in the Swan Island industrial area. Students ride Line 40, too, with stops at Portland State University. Students and commuters alike can also ride Line 40 to Oregon Health & Science University. The line connects to Marquam Hill via the Portland Aerial Tram.

“It’s a way to make the city more livable for people who don’t have cars, and an easier place to live,” says Spurbeck, who doesn’t own a car and prefers to take TriMet.

“The only option to maintain that character of a small, tightknit city with neighborhoods is to not double down on cars,” adds Huling.

As an advocate for Line 40 and other bus service improvements, Huling appreciates that Portland has sought to preserve neighborhoods like Sellwood, investing in transit and multimodal transportation rather than widening roads.

“We have a pretty light roadway footprint here, and that enables everything else you love about Portland,” Huling says. “The less gray, the more green.”

Forward Together

The new Line 40 was developed with community input through Forward Together.

TriMet is revamping bus service with Forward Together. We’ve enlisted the help of community members and leaders in this effort. Public feedback helps to shape our service! Our goal is to increase ridership and create a better bus system — especially for people with low and limited incomes. Line 40 is a cornerstone of that improved network.

SMILE gives TriMet credit for listening to the community’s wishes and working with residents to create a line that meets their needs.

“TriMet stepped up,” Huling says.

TriMet will roll out additional service improvements on Sunday, March 2. The improvements include new routes for Line 6-Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Line 47-Main/Evergreen. Stay tuned for more news on improvements to come later this year!

February 25, 2025
More buses, better connections on TriMet for workers
March 2 brings upgrades for 10 bus lines, along with adjustments to schedules, stop locations

Does rush-hour traffic get you down? Leave your car behind and take the bus to work!

TriMet is adding new service to employment centers in Hillsboro and North Portland on Sunday, March 2. We’re improving several bus lines to better serve riders’ needs, especially those who count on TriMet to get to and from jobs and classes.

We’re also improving two of our new bus lines running in place of MAX late at night, providing more late-night service to the Portland International Airport.

Plan your trip now at trimet.org! Be sure to set the date in the trip planner to March 2 or later.

Improving TriMet’s bus service

We’re improving service on 10 bus lines starting March 2.

Some buses on Line 6-Martin Luther King Jr Blvd will now serve Amazon facilities in North Portland. Buses on Line 6 will alternate between a route that serves Northeast Vancouver Way and a route along North Schmeer Road, between Northeast Gertz Road and the Delta Park/Vanport MAX Station.

Line 47-Main/Evergreen will serve a new route with stops at Intel’s Ronler Acres campus and the Willow Creek Transit Center in Hillsboro. This improvement connects Line 47 riders to the MAX Blue and Red lines and additional bus lines at Willow Creek. It also provides direct service to one of the region’s largest employment centers.

The new route means Line 47 will no longer serve Northwest Bronson Road, 174^th Avenue and Laidlaw Road, due to low ridership. However, we’re adding more trips on Line 67-Bethany/158th, both earlier in the morning and later in the evening on weekdays, so we can better serve riders in the Bethany area. Line 67 will continue to provide TriMet bus service to the Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus.

We’re also adding more buses on these Frequent Service lines:
- Line 14-Hawthorne/Foster, with buses arriving more often on weekday mornings and evenings
- Line 15-Belmont/NW 23rd, with buses arriving more often on weekday mornings and evenings
- Line 72-Killingsworth/82nd, with more buses running Saturday mornings to help riders access food pantry services
- Line 73-122nd Ave, with more buses running on weekday nights
Riders of Line 70-12th/NE 33rd Ave will also see more weekday morning service.

We’re improving service on Line 287-Blue Eastside Bus and Line 292-Red Bus as well. These lines are among TriMet’s newest bus lines. We rolled them out last August to provide late-night service in place of MAX trains, giving maintenance crews more time to work on the MAX light rail system overnight. We’re adding buses on these two lines to better address our riders’ needs.

Additionally, we’re adjusting some bus stop locations at Clackamas Community College, the Parkrose Transit Center and the Willow Creek Transit Center to improve connections.

You can find more information and updated schedules at trimet.org/servicechange.

Schedule adjustments

We periodically adjust bus schedules to make it easier for riders to make connections and get where they’re going on time.

Starting March 2, we’re moving some bus arrival times by 6 minutes or more on the following lines:
Two morning trips on Line 8-Jackson Park/NE 15th that only run between Downtown Portland and Marquam Hill will be discontinued due to low use.

If you ride one or more of these bus lines, be sure to check trimet.org and plan your trip! Set the date for March 2 or later to find the best travel option for you.

Improving service with Forward Together

The March 2 service improvements are part of TriMet’s Forward Together service concept, developed with the community. Through Forward Together, we’re revamping our bus service throughout the region to make bus better, especially for people with low and limited incomes. Many people rely on TriMet to access opportunities and meet their essential needs. We provide tens of thousands of rides to work, school, health care and other services every day.
February 19, 2025
Timbers ticketholders take TriMet to and from home games for free!
Leave your car at local Park & Ride, show your digital game ticket on board as proof of fare

The Portland Timbers kick off their home schedule Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.

So, what’s the best way to get to Providence Park and cheer on the home team? Take TriMet! If you have a ticket to any Timbers home game in 2025 or 2026, you also have a ticket to ride TriMet for free on match days, from three hours before kickoff to three hours after the final whistle. Tickets are valid fare on all TriMet buses, MAX and LIFT.

Planning to cheer on the Portland Thorns FC at their home opener Friday, March 21, 2025, or any other home game in 2025 or 2026? It’s the same deal — just show your digital ticket to the game, and that’s your ticket to ride!

New this year, this ticket promotion covers concerts at Providence Park! Take TriMet to see Post Malone with Jelly Roll on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Your digital concert ticket is your proof of fare on TriMet for up to three hours before and after the show.

Visit trimet.org to plan your trip today!

Saving money, skipping stress

Traffic and parking in the area around Providence Park can be a major headache on game day. Event pricing means parking costs more, and limited availability means soccer fans are often in for a long walk or roll to the stadium.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way around all of that: ride with TriMet!

The MAX Blue and Red lines will drop you off just feet from Providence Park. Several bus lines also have stops at or near the stadium, including:
- Line 6-Martin Luther King Jr Blvd (stops about three blocks away)
- Line 15-Belmont/NW 23rd
- Line 20-Burnside/Stark
- Line 24-Fremont/NW 18th
- Line 58-Canyon Rd (stops about three blocks away)
If you use our LIFT paratransit service, you can also book a trip at lift.trimet.org and present your digital ticket to the game or concert as your ticket to ride.

Getting there from where you are

It’s easy to ride TriMet, even if you don’t live near a bus stop or MAX station.

We have dozens of parking facilities throughout the region, where you can leave your car and hop on board. At every TriMet Park & Ride, parking is free for anyone taking TriMet.

That’s right: If you have a ticket to a game or concert at Providence Park, you can both park and ride TriMet to and from the event at no additional cost!

Some of our most popular Park & Rides, like the Sunset Transit Center, can fill up during the day, especially on game day. Instead, consider one of our other westside Park & Rides also served by the MAX Blue and Red lines, such as:
- Millikan Way, SW Millikan Way and 141^st Avenue in Beaverton
- Beaverton Creek, SW 153^rd Avenue and Millikan Way in Beaverton
- Elmonica/SW 170th Ave, 1200 SW 170^th Ave in Beaverton
- Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds, 601 NE 34^th Ave in Hillsboro
- Willow Creek/SW 185th Ave Transit Center, 375 SW 185^th Ave in Hillsboro
We also have eastside Park & Ride locations where riders can leave their car and get to the game, including:
- Cleveland Ave, NE 8^th Street & Cleveland Avenue in Gresham (served by the MAX Blue Line)
- Delta Park/Vanport, 1940 N Victory Blvd in Portland (served by the MAX Yellow Line and bus Line 6)
- Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center, 9839 NE Multnomah Street in Portland (served by the MAX Blue, Red and Green lines and multiple bus lines, including Line 15 and Line 24)
- Gresham Central Transit Center, NE 8^th Street & Kelly Avenue in Gresham (served by the MAX Blue Line and multiple bus lines, including Line 20)
- Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center, 9525 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland (served by the MAX Red Line)
- SE Park Ave, 2735 SE Park Ave in Oak Grove (served by the MAX Orange Line)
- SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek, 8300 SE McLoughlin Blvd in Portland (served by the MAX Orange Line)
The MAX Green, Orange and Yellow lines do not serve the Providence Park MAX Station directly. Riders can transfer at Pioneer Courthouse Square, which is served by all five MAX lines, or take the 15-minute stroll to the park.

Plan your trip in advance at trimet.org and find the best travel option for you!

Be a savvy TriMet rider!

It’s easy to get around on TriMet! Our website has resources for riders, including our trip planner, safety and security information, and ways to contact us. Information is available in multiple languages.

When you’re traveling to or from Providence Park for a Timbers or Thorns game or concert, remember to present your digital ticket to your bus or LIFT operator, or if a TriMet Customer Safety Supervisor asks for your fare on MAX. Children 6 and under always ride for free on TriMet.

Check out our Rules for Riding before you go. You can also reach TriMet Security 24 hours a day by calling or texting 503-238-7433 (RIDE).

Visit trimet.org/providencepark for more information.
February 18, 2025
(VIDEO) Opportunities abound at TriMet hiring event

Portland’s regional transit agency to add bus operators, mechanics and more in 2025

TriMet will welcome job applicants for our first hiring event of the year on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

We hired more than 400 new transit operators in 2024. Forbes Magazine even listed TriMet as one of the top five places to work in Oregon — and the top Oregon-based employer — in their ranking of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024. We want to build on that momentum in 2025.

Join our team! Check out the jobs we have available at trimet.org/careers. Some positions come with a $7,500 hiring bonus. All TriMet employees receive competitive pay and excellent benefits, including an employer contribution for their 401(a) retirement account, paid time off, a child care subsidy, and flexible and affordable health coverage plans.

TriMet’s hiring event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Hyatt Regency at the Oregon Convention Center, 375 NE Holladay Street in Portland. TriMet staff will answer questions, take applications and share what it’s like to work at TriMet. Some applicants may be invited to interview on the spot!

Driving for TriMet is ‘a dream come true’

Operator Jim Zinn loves serving his riders! He greets everyone as they board, sometimes handing out stickers with words of encouragement like “You Make a Difference!” and “Thank You for Being Amazing!” to people who look like they might need them.

“You can create the atmosphere that you want on your bus,” Jim says.

Jim also appreciates the excellent benefits he receives as a TriMet employee, as well as the new four-year union contract that took effect in December 2024.

“As someone who has a family, there’s some guarantees in here,” says Jim, a father of four. “And that’s what I really appreciate, because it’s security for my family.”

Quick with a smile, Jim brightens up TriMet’s Powell Operations Facility in Southeast Portland — where he and many other TriMet bus operators report to begin their shifts. His humor and empathy resonate with coworkers. He also volunteers as a mentor for new bus operators.

“I want to help other people get through the doors,” Jim explains, adding, “There’s so many operators that are willing to help invest into our new employees and people looking into the future.”

TriMet offers mentorship and training opportunities to help employees advance in their careers. Employees who take higher or continuing education courses may also qualify for tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year. We support our employees and invest in their success!

Last year, we established a new four-year labor agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757. This agreement guarantees an annual raise for all union employees and expands benefits. Under the new contract, the hourly wage for TriMet operators starts at $29.35 and increases to $42.75 within three years.

Learn more, apply and join our team!

The Feb. 19 hiring event offers resources for anyone interested in becoming a bus operator or joining TriMet’s maintenance team. These are important positions for us to fill as we work to expand transit service.

The hiring event will be held at the Hyatt Regency at the Oregon Convention Center, located just feet from the Convention Center MAX Station. The station is served by the MAX Blue, Green and Red lines. Additionally, bus lines 4, 6, 8, 44 and 77 stop within three blocks of the venue, as do the Portland Streetcar’s A and B loops. Plan your trip now at trimet.org!

If you plan on driving to the event, parking is available in the garage on Northeast 2^nd Avenue, between Holladay and Multnomah streets. We will validate parking for attendees. If the garage is full, street parking is generally available in the surrounding area. TriMet also maintains a number of Park & Ride locations where you can leave your car and take transit.

TriMet is an equal opportunity employer. We believe people have a place at TriMet regardless of their race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Even if you can’t make it to the hiring event, you can always learn more about opportunities at TriMet, and find out how to apply, at trimet.org/careers.

January 22, 2025
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

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:
- Line 6-Martin Luther King Jr Blvd (stops about three blocks away, near Goose Hollow MAX Station)
- Line 15-Belmont/NW 23rd
- Line 20-Burnside/Stark
- Line 24-Fremont/NW 18th
- Line 58-Canyon Rd (stops about three blocks away, near Goose Hollow MAX Station)
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 141^st 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 170^th Ave (7-15 minutes from Highway 26)

435 parking spaces

Willow Creek/SW 185th Ave Transit Center

375 SW 185^th 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 34^th 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.
December 18, 2024
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

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.

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.
December 18, 2024
Deck the halls — not the roads — with TriMet as your sleigh this holiday season
TriMet can take you to the best seasonal events without the hassle of parking, but always remember to plan ahead

The holiday season is back, and so are the festivities that come with it. Whether you’re heading to Portland’s annual Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square, holiday events around the region or doing a little seasonal shopping, avoid the hassle of traffic and parking by letting TriMet take the reins. With us in the driver’s seat, you can relax and focus on what really matters: getting into the holiday spirit!

Kick off the holidays with Portland’s Tree Lighting

Pioneer Square North, for westbound trains.

The holiday magic begins with a dazzling display of light on Friday, Nov. 29, when Portland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony transforms Pioneer Courthouse Square into a festive wonderland. This annual tradition, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., also features Portland’s largest holiday sing-along with Pink Martini. With as many as 25,000 people expected to fill the square, some MAX stations will close from 3 p.m. to approximately 7 p.m. for safety:
- Pioneer Square North
- Pioneer Square South
- Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave Station
Pioneer Square South, for eastbound trains.

Make sure to plan ahead at trimet.org! To reach the Pioneer Courthouse Square, exit MAX one stop before or after: Library/SW 9th, heading eastbound; Morrison/SW 3rd, heading westbound; and SW 6th & Madison, heading north.

All MAX lines may experience delays, and buses will detour off Southwest 6th Avenue until crowds clear out. Extra TriMet personnel will be on-site to assist, provide security and keep everything running smoothly.

Light up your holidays

This holiday season, let TriMet be part of your celebrations across the region. We’ll handle the transportation while you focus on the joy, lights and memories that make this time of year magical. It’s the most affordable and convenient way to travel. Now is the perfect time to leave the driving to us. Here’s what you need to know:
- Adult fare is $2.80 for 2½ hours or $5.60 for all day. All day Honored Citizen reduced fare and Youth Day Passes are $2.80, and for 2½ hours, they are $1.40.
- You can pay with a Hop Fastpass™ card, a debit/credit card or a contactless payment using your mobile phone. Each payment device will act as your proof of fare.
- Always tap your Hop card, credit/debit card or contactless payment to the green hop reader before boarding. You will never be charged more than the cost of a Day Pass.
In addition to Portland’s Tree Lighting, TriMet can take you to many of the other light displays around the region:
- Milwaukie Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting: Celebrate the holidays in Milwaukie on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, with the Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting. Decorate your umbrella and join the fun — no registration required! The parade starts at 4:30 p.m. in South Downtown Plaza (11222 SE Main St.) and ends at historic City Hall with a 5:15 p.m. tree lighting. The City Hall/SW 5th Ave MAX Station, serving the MAX Orange Line, is less than a quarter mile away.
- Rockwood Spirit of Christmas: Rockwood will transform into its own North Pole on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, with the Spirit of Christmas at Gresham Arts Plaza (401 NE Second St.). With crafting activities and events all day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Spirit of Christmas will be capped off by a 6 p.m. tree lighting. Take TriMet for an easy trip. The Gresham Central Transit Center, serving the MAX Blue Line, is just a quarter mile away.
- ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo: The annual tradition returns, bigger and brighter than ever. This year promises new displays plus old favorites, with a brand-new magical meadow light show. The dazzling displays will light up through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. The MAX Blue and Red lines stop every few minutes at the Washington Park MAX Station, with a surface-level plaza steps away from the zoo.
With more people traveling during the holidays, we’ll be looking out for your safety. If you witness or experience inappropriate or disruptive behavior, see broken or vandalized equipment or have anything you would like to report, don’t hesitate to reach out to our security hotline. You can text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) 24 hours a day to reach someone in our Security Operations Center.

TriMet keeps you skating

Back by popular demand, Portland’s Woodsy Winter Village — featuring an enchanting ice rink and holiday marketplace — returns to Southwest Naito Parkway near the west end of the Morrison Bridge. Woodsy Winter Village offers an ice rink that will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except on Christmas Day.

With MAX Blue and Red line stations just a short walk away, as well as nearby stops for Line 15-Belmont/NW 23rd, getting there is a breeze. The Portland Transit Mall, offering access to multiple bus and rail lines, is also within half a mile.

Other ice skating rinks open this year include:

Lloyd Center Ice Rink: Conveniently located near MAX Blue, Green, and Red lines at the Lloyd Center/NE 11th Ave MAX Station, plus multiple bus routes, the Lloyd Center offers public skate hours daily.

OMSI on Ice: For a unique indoor skating experience on a synthetic ice rink, head to OMSI. The museum is served by the MAX Orange Line (South Waterfront/S Moody), the Portland Streetcar and bus lines 9, 17, 35 and 36. Ice skating will be available between Nov 23, 2024 and Jan 1, 2025.

Winter Village at Orenco Station: From Nov. 30, 2024, to Jan. 12, 2025, enjoy outdoor ice skating at Jerry Willey Plaza in Hillsboro. This event offers open skate sessions, private rentals and festive theme Fridays. It’s located just feet away from the Orenco MAX Station, served by the MAX Blue and Red lines as well as Line 47-Main/Evergreen.

Stay safe and shine bright

The holidays can be dazzling — and possibly distracting. As you navigate busy streets and MAX platforms, stay alert this holiday season and remember to:
- Stop and look both ways at crossings.
- Avoid blocking your view with hoods or umbrellas.
- Wear reflective clothing or carry a light to stay visible during dark evenings.
Stay aware and alert when you’re riding this holiday season. Riders may experience more crowded buses and trains than usual, with more people expected to be out shopping or going to tree lightings and other holiday events. Trips may also take longer due to increased traffic.

If you see something unusual, let us know. For non-urgent concerns, text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) anytime. Save the number to your contacts for easier access. For emergencies, alert the operator or dial 911. Learn more about staying safe at trimet.org/security.

Plan ahead for the holidays

The holidays bring bustling crowds, and that can mean occasional travel delays no matter your mode of transportation. Patience is key, especially when visiting popular spots or attending big events. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Use trimet.org to plan your trip and track your ride in real time. Be sure to check trimet.org/alerts before you go for the latest service updates.
November 27, 2024
TriMet adding weekend bus service in Gresham and Troutdale
Line 81 will run on all days, connecting communities and serving commuters

TriMet’s latest bus service improvements are coming to East Multnomah County on Sunday, Dec. 1.

We’re adding more buses on Line 81-Kane/257th, including on weekends. We’re also making a small route adjustment to serve more people in Gresham.

The improved Line 81 will now provide weekend service to the Troutdale Reynolds Industrial Park (TRIP), a major jobs center that is home to Amazon and FedEx facilities. It will continue to connect with the MAX Blue Line, FX2-Division and other lines at the Gresham Central Transit Center, so commuters can get to and from their jobs every day.

You can find more information at trimet.org/servicechange. Plan your trip now at trimet.org — just select a date on or after Dec. 1, and see the best travel options for you.

The Line 81 upgrade is the latest to come from our Forward Together service concept. Through Forward Together, we’re making improvements across our entire bus network to better serve riders, connecting them with jobs, schools, services and opportunities, and making our buses work better for people, especially those who rely on transit to get where they need to go.

What’s changing?

Starting in December, you’ll see Line 81 buses running on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as weekdays.

We’re also adjusting the route of Line 81. Instead of running along Northeast Division Street between Kane Drive and the Gresham Central Transit Center, the improved line will run along Southeast Powell Boulevard, similar to the route that Line 80 currently takes.

With more buses running on Line 81, including weekend service, we are discontinuing Line 80. We’re making this change because of low ridership on Line 80, as well as overlap with Line 81 for much of its route — making Line 81 the best option for most riders. Service to Glenn Otto Park will be discontinued due to low ridership.

We’re adjusting schedules on a few additional bus lines elsewhere in our service area to improve connections for riders and keep buses running on time. They include:
- Line 17-Holgate/Broadway, with adjustments of up to 6 minutes on all days.
- Line 45-Garden Home, with adjustments of up to 9 minutes on weekdays.
- Line 54-Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, with adjustments of up to 7 minutes on all days.
These schedule adjustments will make our bus system more reliable and help riders get around, especially those whose trip includes two or more lines. Visit trimet.org/servicechange for more details.

Forward Together

The improvements we are making to our bus service are included in our Forward Together revised service concept.

We began developing the Forward Together concept in 2022, with riders and the community. Our goal is to improve connections and service for people throughout our region, and particularly for those with low or limited incomes. We know many people depend on TriMet for transportation to job sites, classes, health care appointments and more. To make a better bus system for them, we are adding service, adjusting schedules and shifting resources where they’re most needed.

As we prepare to roll out additional Forward Together improvements in the years to come, we will continue to gather community feedback.

For more information, visit trimet.org/forward.
November 21, 2024