TriMet News

Tag: MAX

Take TriMet to Portland Rose Festival
Parades, CityFair are easily accessible via TriMet bus and MAX

The 2025 Portland Rose Festival is nearly here!

TriMet is the Rose Festival’s local and regional transportation partner. Transit is the best way to enjoy the Rose Festival — riders can avoid traffic and expensive parking in the Portland City Center, and let us do the driving.

This year, the Grand Floral Parade returns to Downtown Portland for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic! Additionally, TriMet is proud to continue our tradition of participating in the CareOregon Starlight Parade. Keep a lookout for our special bus and employees!

The Rose Festival begins Friday, May 23, with events running through June 8. The Festival includes Portland’s biggest annual parades and three weekends of an outdoor fair — all easy to access with TriMet. Visit trimet.org to plan your trip!

CityFair

Take the MAX Blue and Red lines to the Rose Festival CityFair, held at Tom McCall Waterfront Park! The Oak/SW 1st Ave MAX Station is located a block from the park. Many TriMet bus lines serve stops nearby as well. The MAX Green, Orange and Yellow lines also stop just a few blocks away.

CityFair kicks off on Memorial Day weekend, May 23-26. Catch a fireworks show on Opening Night over the Willamette River after sunset! There will also be fun rides, delicious food and live entertainment.

CityFair continues May 30–June 1, then again June 6-8.

The third and final weekend falls during Fleet Week, which runs June 5-8. It also coincides with the Dragon Boat Race on the Willamette River and the Grand Floral Float Showcase on Southwest Naito Parkway, both June 7-8.

Parades

CareOregon Starlight Parade

The CareOregon Starlight Parade on May 31 begins on the Waterfront and travels through Downtown Portland toward Providence Park.

Take the bus, MAX or Portland Streetcar and grab a front-row seat to this dazzling, one-of-a-kind parade. You can park for free at dozens of TriMet Park & Ride locations throughout the region and take TriMet to a stop or station near the parade route.

Keep an eye out for TriMet’s bus! Our bus featuring artist Daniel Hernandez Sandoval’s beautiful “La Cultura Cura” design will be rolling in the Starlight Parade, alongside TriMet employees.

Fred Meyer Junior Parade

The Fred Meyer Junior Parade on June 4 travels through the Hollywood District, from NE 52nd Avenue and Sacramento Street west to Grant High School. This is a fun and festive parade by kids, for kids!

The parade route passes just a couple blocks from the Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave MAX Station, which is served by the MAX Blue, Green and Red lines. Multiple bus lines also stop near the parade route. Visit trimet.org to find the best way to get to your viewing spot!

Grand Floral Parade

The Grand Floral Parade makes its return to Downtown Portland on June 7! This parade has been a beloved Portland tradition for more than 117 years.

The parade will follow approximately the same route as the Starlight Parade. Breathtaking floral floats, high-energy marching bands and multicultural performers will make their way from the Waterfront toward Providence Park.

TriMet is the perfect way to enjoy this spectacular and beautiful celebration of Portland’s spirit, without the hassle of traffic and parking in the City Center. The parade route is an easy stroll from many bus stops and MAX stations, as well as Portland Streetcar stops. Plan your trip at trimet.org!

Service info

Parades may cause minor delays for TriMet bus and MAX lines. TriMet coordinates closely with parade organizers. Our shared goal is to keep everyone safe while minimizing disruptions.

Additionally, as ships arrive and depart for Fleet Week, bridge lifts will be required. These bridge lifts will affect service on all MAX lines and some bus lines. Stay tuned for more information.

Riders can always find the latest service information at trimet.org/alerts, or sign up to receive alerts at trimet.org/email. Riders can also check the digital displays at MAX stations for service alerts.

Know before you go

Riding TriMet is easier than ever! Here’s a few tips for riding:
- Machines at MAX stations now distribute Hop Fastpass® cards! Purchase one card per qualifying family member. Military and veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors age 65 and older qualify for TriMet’s Honored Citizen fare.
- No Hop card? Quickly and easily purchase Adult fare by tapping your contactless credit or debit card to a Hop reader. (This option is for Adult fare only. Each rider must use a separate card.)
- Children 6 and under ride free and children ages 7 to 17 qualify for TriMet’s Youth fare.
- Our Rules for Riding help to keep our riders and employees safe and our buses and trains clean and welcoming. Please report any unwanted behavior or activity to 503-238-7433 (RIDE), or tell your bus operator or a member of TriMet’s safety and security teams.
May 20, 2025
Do your part for the environment this Earth Day — ride and support TriMet!
Local transit service replaces tens of millions of car trips each year, reducing air pollution, congestion

More than 8 billion people share our planet. Every one of us has a responsibility to help keep it beautiful and livable.

April 22 is Earth Day! Here at TriMet, we work hard every day of the year to get people where they need to go, reducing their dependence on driving. Our riders can leave their cars at home, or at one of our TriMet Park & Ride locations, and let our professional transit operators do the driving.

Whenever you take transit instead of driving, you’re doing your part to reduce car emissions and save on gas. Plus, you’re cutting down on traffic congestion. That means better air quality, shorter travel times and safer streets.

If transit is important to you, let your legislators know you support more funding for public transit in the 2025 state transportation package. Find your legislators here. Your voice is critical to avoid service cuts to transit throughout Oregon that could leave tens of thousands of Oregonians stranded.

Cleaner air, livable region

TriMet plays a huge role in keeping our air clean. From July 2023 to June 2024, our bus and rail service diverted 49,532 metric tons of CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) in car emissions.

Transit also helps reduce congestion. TriMet buses and trains replaced the equivalent of 36.5 million car trips during the same period.

When traffic is heavy, the odds of a crash go way up. Gridlock on roads and freeways also means more pollution. Internal combustion engines, which power most cars and trucks, continue emitting CO₂ and other byproducts while they’re idling. When trips take longer because of congestion, more fuel and energy are consumed. That costs drivers money.

TriMet provides alternatives to driving! Plan your trip at trimet.org and find out how you can save money, lower emissions and get where you need to go.

Convenient, reliable public transportation

TriMet offers a range of transportation options, including:
- Bus service on 78 lines, serving communities across our region from Forest Grove to Estacada
- MAX service on five lines, crisscrossing Portland City Center and connecting neighborhoods, employment centers and shopping districts in Portland, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Clackamas and Milwaukie
- WES commuter rail service, providing a traffic-free trip between Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville
- LIFT paratransit service, which allows riders with disabilities to schedule door-to-door service that meets their needs
Additionally, we partner with the Portland Streetcar and C-TRAN. That means you can use Hop Fastpass® on all of our public transportation systems, making it easy to transfer from one to another.

For questions about using TriMet, visit trimet.org/support or call or text 503-238-7433 (RIDE).

A cleaner, greener system

TriMet is actively working to promote sustainability and livability for our region.

Electric buses

In the past year, TriMet has more than tripled the number of zero-emissions buses in our fleet.

Our latest generation of battery-electric buses have extended range and more reserve power. We’ve rolled them out on some of our most popular lines. Riders on both the west side and the east side will now see “e-buses” in service, providing clean, quiet rides throughout our service area.

We’ve also laid the groundwork to introduce fuel-cell electric buses to our fleet. These zero-emissions buses would be the first of their kind to serve transit riders in Oregon.

Clean energy

Our e-buses aren’t the only way we’re lowering emissions. We’ve reduced our overall greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70% since 2022, when we switched over to R99 renewable diesel for our buses and WES trains and renewable energy to power MAX and all TriMet facilities.

MAX is all-electric, and it doesn’t generate air pollution as it travels. Since 1986, MAX has been one of the cleanest, most environmentally friendly ways to get around our region!

Transit-oriented development

Transit access is game-changing for residents and businesses near MAX stations. That makes MAX attractive to developers! We celebrated the groundbreaking for hollywoodHUB, an affordable housing development just feet from our Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave MAX Station, earlier this year.

Transit-oriented development, like hollywoodHUB, is huge for the local economy. Plus, when people live close to transit, they use transit more, which is great for the environment and helps reduce congestion.

TriMet supports sustainable development. In recent years, we’ve seen redevelopment around our MAX stations in Southeast Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro and Milwaukie, too. This transit-oriented development can be a vision of the future, if we, as Oregonians, support transit.

Invaluable, but in peril

For more than 55 years, TriMet has been connecting people to opportunities, providing alternatives to driving, and promoting our vision to make our region one of the world’s most livable places.

But as important a role as TriMet and other transit providers in Oregon play, we face an uncertain future.

Inflation has driven up the cost of providing transit service by over 50% in the last five years.

Historically, transit has enjoyed bipartisan support in Oregon — but the current level of funding proposed for transit is not enough to avoid cuts to service in the future. Unless state lawmakers support more funding for transit, many Oregonians will be stranded without the transportation they depend on.

Together with transit agencies across Oregon, TriMet is calling for state lawmakers to approve a phased 0.4% increase in the employee payroll tax that funds transit over the next eight years.

Without a revenue increase to make up for the increased cost of providing service, TriMet may be forced to cut as many as 34 bus lines starting in 2027, with additional cuts to follow, until our operating budget deficit is resolved. These buses serve thousands of riders every week, connecting people to jobs, school, health care appointments and more. They take cars off the road, making our streets safer and our air cleaner.

You can help us keep our buses on the road and protect our environment. Please show your support for transit service this Earth Day.
April 22, 2025
Free and easy: TriMet is best way to go for Thorns fans
Tickets to any Thorns home game in 2025-26 can be used as TriMet fare before and after event

As the Portland Thorns prepare for their first home game of 2025, you can plan your free trip to Providence Park at trimet.org.

That’s right: free! For up to three hours before kickoff and after the final whistle, your ticket to a Portland Timbers or Thorns home game is your proof of fare on any TriMet bus, MAX or LIFT paratransit vehicle, as well as the Portland Streetcar.

The Thorns host Angel City FC at 7 p.m. Friday, March 21.

Go by TriMet

TriMet is the best way to get to and from Providence Park. MAX Blue Line and Red Line trains serve the Providence Park MAX Station, just feet from the stadium. Several bus lines also stop at or near Providence Park, 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)
Riders can park for free at a TriMet Park & Ride to take the bus or MAX to Providence Park.

This is the second year we’ve partnered with the Timbers and Thorns to accept game tickets as proof of fare. We’re expanding that partnership in 2025 and 2026 to also include concerts at Providence Park!

Visit trimet.org/providencepark for more information.

Follow this guide

Riding transit to cheer on the Timbers and Thorns is a breeze. Here are six simple steps to help guide you:

Step 1 — Plan your trip online at trimet.org. You can also set your desired arrival time, customize which modes of travel you’d like to use and how far you’re willing to walk or roll to the stadium, and find the best travel option.

Step 2 — Leave your car behind. Even if you don’t live close by a bus stop or MAX station, TriMet has dozens of parking facilities throughout the region. Park for free at a TriMet Park & Ride and hop on board. You can also track your bus or train with our real-time map at trimet.org.

Step 3 — Have your digital game ticket ready. If you go by bus or LIFT, show your operator the ticket as you board. If you’re taking MAX or the Portland Streetcar, display your ticket if you’re asked for proof of fare.

Step 4 — Hop off at Providence Park. The stadium is just a short stroll away. Say goodbye to having to hike to the game from a faraway parking spot!

Step 5 — Enjoy the game! Both the Timbers and Thorns feature some exciting new and returning players this season. Additionally, there are new concession options at Providence Park this year, along with a brand-new patio.

Step 6 — Head back on TriMet. This is a great opportunity to talk about the game with other fans, whip out your smartphone to buy tickets to the next home game, or maybe just put on your headphones and enjoy the ride.

Where to park

Slogging through traffic and finding a place to park is stressful. Plus, if you’ve driven to a Timbers or Thorns game before, you probably know that parking near Providence Park is more expensive before, during and after the game. Those event parking fees can drive up the cost of attending a game in a big way.

Unless otherwise indicated, TriMet doesn’t charge for parking at our Park & Rides. If you’re taking transit, you can park for free.

Park & Rides

Here are just a few places you can park, at no cost, to take TriMet to Providence Park:
- Beaverton Creek, SW 153^rd Avenue and Millikan Way in Beaverton (served by the MAX Blue Line and Red 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 Line, Red Line and Green Line, as well as multiple bus lines, including Line 15 and Line 24)
- Gresham Central Transit Center, NE 8th Street & Kelly Avenue in Gresham (served by the MAX Blue Line and multiple bus lines, including Line 20)
- Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds, 601 NE 34th Ave in Hillsboro (served by the MAX Blue Line and Red Line)
- Millikan Way, SW Millikan Way and 141st Avenue in Beaverton (served by the MAX Blue Line and Red Line)
- SE Park Ave, 2735 SE Park Ave in Oak Grove (served by the MAX Orange Line)
- Sunset Transit Center, 10470 SW Barnes Road in Beaverton (served by the MAX Blue Line and Red Line, as well as multiple bus lines, including Line 20)
- Willow Creek/SW 185th Ave Transit Center, SW 185^th Avenue & Edgeway Drive in Hillsboro (served by the MAX Blue Line and Red Line)
Please be aware TriMet Park & Rides sometimes fill up on game day! The Sunset Transit Center is our closest Park & Ride to Providence Park. It also has a parking garage. That means it’s a popular place for fans to leave their cars. Just a 10- to 20-minute drive from Sunset, we also have our Beaverton Creek, Millikan Way and Willow Creek Park & Rides. They may be a better place to park closer to game time.

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 walk or roll to the stadium from there.
March 19, 2025
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. That includes new bus mechanics, light rail vehicle technicians, transit operators and more!

You can apply online! Find the details on what you need to apply on our website.
March 13, 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
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
(VIDEO) TriMet’s 2024 Rail Operator of the Year: ‘You should apply here!’

Shana Peck says it ‘makes my day to make people happy,’ getting riders to their destination on MAX

TriMet is hiring bus and MAX operators!

These positions come with a $7,500 hiring bonus! TriMet is also giving operators a raise and expanding benefits under our new Working and Wage Agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757. The union represents most of our employees, including all operators. Under the new contract, the hourly wage for operators starts at $29.35 and increases to $42.75 within three years.

Learn more about being a TriMet bus operator at trimet.org/driveforus. Those interested in operating MAX should check out trimet.org/maxoperator. Applications are being accepted now at trimet.org/careers.

TriMet recently honored outstanding employees with our Employee Choice Awards. Our 2024 Rail Operator of the Year, Shana Peck, was excited to be recognized even though she’s only been with TriMet for a little over two years.

For Shana, joining TriMet was a great way to advance her career and serve her community. She says others should consider making the same leap.

Beginning a ‘real career’ with TriMet

Shana Peck officially joined TriMet in 2022. She had been working closely with the organization for nearly a decade, including six years as a supervisor for LIFT, TriMet’s paratransit service. LIFT operators and supervisors are contractors, but TriMet oversees operations.

“I just decided TriMet’s where I wanted to begin my real career,” Shana says.

Her dream was to run MAX trains. At the time Shana joined TriMet, only employees who had driven a TriMet bus were eligible to apply for MAX operator jobs. With her previous experience driving for LIFT, Shana took the wheel for TriMet before soon moving to MAX.

This year, TriMet has a new policy. We’re now accepting MAX operator applicants from outside TriMet. Applicants should have at least one year of experience in the transportation industry, one year of customer service experience and three years of driving experience. Find details at trimet.org/maxoperator.

“I think it’s fun operating the trains,” Shana says. “And I’m excited to see where I grow in my career here.”

Opportunities and possibilities

TriMet invests in our employees, helping them succeed, excel and thrive.

“There’s lots of room for growth,” Shana says, speaking from personal experience.

TriMet offers learning and development courses for employees, as well as financial support for employees who enroll in higher and continuing education courses outside of TriMet. The new Working and Wage Agreement increases that support, also offering a child care subsidy and more expanded benefits.

“You should apply here!” Shana says. Joining TriMet is a “great opportunity,” she adds, with family-wage jobs and excellent benefits. Having moved from bus to MAX, it makes Shana feel good to know TriMet supports employees in reaching their goals. TriMet often promotes from within the organization, so employees with leadership skills can further advance in their careers.

Applying with TriMet

TriMet has big plans to expand and improve service throughout our 533-square-mile service district, which covers parts of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. In August, we rolled out one of the biggest service updates in our 55-year history. We want to build on that momentum!

Right now, though, we need more operators to provide the level of service we envision. That includes more Frequent Service bus lines, better connections between neighborhoods and job centers, and extended service to growing communities in places like Beaverton, Happy Valley and Hillsboro.

Visit trimet.org/careers to browse available jobs and apply online. We now offer a $7,500 hiring bonus for new mechanics, technicians and maintainers, as well as operators! We’re also hiring for many other positions.

TriMet was recently ranked by Forbes Magazine as the top Oregon-based employer in the state, as well as Oregon’s top “Transportation and Logistics” employer. Forbes’ ranking is based on a survey of employees in each state.

November 12, 2024