TriMet News

MAX

  • (VIDEO) Join TriMet’s maintenance team and make over $90,000 in year one

    (VIDEO) Join TriMet’s maintenance team and make over $90,000 in year one

    Workers receive excellent benefits, union representation and opportunities for advancement

    Image of a TriMet maintenance worker operating machinery at the Ruby Junction Rail Operations Facility.

    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.

  • Timbers ticketholders take TriMet to and from home games for free!

    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

    Image of four people, two of them wearing Portland Timbers caps, standing in the doorway of a TriMet MAX train.

    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:

    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 141st Avenue in Beaverton
    • Beaverton Creek, SW 153rd Avenue and Millikan Way in Beaverton
    • Elmonica/SW 170th Ave, 1200 SW 170th Ave in Beaverton
    • Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds, 601 NE 34th Ave in Hillsboro
    • Willow Creek/SW 185th Ave Transit Center, 375 SW 185th 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 8th 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 8th 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.

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

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

    Image of Portland Timbers fans leaving a TriMet bus stop.

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

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

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

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

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

    Go by bus or train

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

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

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

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

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

    Park and ride

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

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

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

    Millikan Way

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

    400 parking spaces

    Beaverton Creek

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

    417 parking spaces

    Elmonica/SW 170th Ave

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

    435 parking spaces

    Willow Creek/SW 185th Ave Transit Center

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

    595 parking spaces

    Quatama

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

    310 parking spaces

    Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds

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

    396 parking spaces

    Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center

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

    690 parking spaces

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

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

  • TriMet is prepared for winter weather. Are you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How we prepare

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

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

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

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

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

    Image of tire chains stored in a TriMet bus garage.

    What riders should expect

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Our partnerships

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

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

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

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

  • 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.

  • (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 Rail Operator of the Year Shana Peck.

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

    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.

  • TriMet construction near SW 11th & Morrison to improve reliability on MAX Blue and Red lines

    A weekend disruption from Nov. 16-17 will help upgrade a 100-foot section of the original MAX system in Downtown Portland

    This November, TriMet crews will make improvements to a 100-foot section of the MAX system in Southwest Portland. This will require a short disruption to the MAX Blue and Red lines near the Galleria/SW 10th Ave MAX Station, with work taking place on Southwest 11th Avenue and Morrison Street. 

    TriMet encourages riders to plan ahead Saturday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 17, as construction will disrupt service between the Galleria/SW 10th Ave and Providence Park MAX stations. Trains will be disrupted for less than a half mile. Only the westbound platform of Providence Park will be closed. For westbound trips from Providence Park, riders will use the eastbound platform. Regular MAX Blue and Red Line service will resume on Monday, Nov. 18. MAX Green, Orange and Yellow Line trains are not affected by the project and will operate on their regular schedules.

    While the SW 11th Ave & Morrison MAX Improvement Project will not completely close any MAX station, TriMet will provide shuttle buses to move riders around the construction zone. Riders may also choose to walk, bike or use a mobility device to travel a little over 0.40 miles, which takes around eight minutes.

    A view of the MAX turnout. Left, the turnout is under construction in the 1980s, ahead of the opening of MAX. Right, how the turnout looks today. It sits between Southwest Morrison and Yamhill streets at 11th Avenue. The switch on Southwest Morrison Street, which moves trains off the mainline through the turnout, will be removed during the project.

    During the project, crews will remove a rail switch, used by trains to move from one track to another. It was part of the original Downtown endpoint of the MAX Blue Line from 1986 to 1997, a period when trains regularly used the switch as a way of turning around to head back in the opposite direction. In 1998, the MAX Blue Line’s Westside Extension to Washington County was completed, creating what remains the longest uninterrupted MAX line in TriMet’s light rail system, stretching more than 30 miles between Gresham and Hillsboro. Nowadays, the switch and the original MAX turnout at Southwest 11th Avenue and Morrison Street is typically used by extra service trains serving Timbers and Thorns games or other special events.

    The weekend disruption will allow crews to work around the clock to complete the work.

    Shuttle buses will arrive about every five minutes to take riders between the Galleria/SW 10th Ave and Providence Park MAX stations. Riders can sign up for service alerts and receive reminders about this and other planned or unplanned service adjustments by going to trimet.org/alerts. 

    Plan ahead

    While the scope of the project will be contained to a small area, we encourage riders traveling through Downtown on the MAX Blue and Red lines to plan an extra 15 minutes for their trips. There will also be minor impacts to auto traffic along Southwest Morrison Street between Southwest 10th and 12th Avenues while the project is underway. Construction flaggers and signs will direct motorists around the workzone.

    We will have staff near the shuttle bus locations for most of the day to help riders make their connections. Signs will also direct riders to these stops.

    Eastbound trains from Hillsboro

    Trains heading from Hillsboro to Downtown Portland will stop and offload riders at Providence Park. To continue your MAX trip, board a shuttle bus on Southwest 18th Avenue near Southwest Morrison Street. It will take you to a stop at Southwest 10th Avenue. From there, go south to the Library/SW 9th Ave MAX Station to board a MAX Blue Line train to Gresham or MAX Red Line train to Portland International Airport. 

    Westbound trains to Hillsboro

    MAX Blue and Red Line trains heading west to Hillsboro will stop and offload riders at the SW 10th Ave/Galleria MAX Station. To continue on MAX, board the shuttle bus at Southwest 10th Avenue and Morrison Street. It will take you to Southwest 18th Avenue, with the Providence Park MAX Station nearby. From the Providence Park eastbound platform, you can board a MAX Blue Line to Hatfield Government Center MAX Station or MAX Red Line to Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station.

    Fuller shuttle buses expected Nov. 17

    The Portland Trail Blazers are playing a 3 p.m. game at the Moda Center on Sunday, Nov. 17, which will likely result in more riders near Providence Park and a greater demand for shuttle buses. Walking, biking or using a mobility device to go between Providence Park and the Library/SW 9th Ave MAX Station may be an option for some. The two stations are less than half a mile apart via Southwest Yamhill Street. 

    Improvements and reliability

    By making improvements to the light rail system, TriMet is ensuring that MAX trains remain a consistent and reliable means of transportation for years to come. With roughly 60 miles of track connecting 97 stations spread across three counties, MAX is the third largest light rail system in the Western United States–and the second oldest.

    Improvements help boost reliability and improve the customer experience with smoother rides. In recent years, that has meant adding track between the Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport, improving train movement through the Gateway area and extending the MAX Red Line to Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds, all part of our recently completed A Better Red MAX Improvements and Reliability Project.  


    Crews work hard to keep the system moving. We appreciate your understanding as they complete this work, and we thank you for your patience. For information on the project, go to trimet.org/improvements.

  • (VIDEO) Graduation day stirs excitement in new MAX operators, among the first hired externally

    Graduation marks another recruitment milestone for TriMet’s ongoing hiring initiative

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

    It’s unheard of for every graduate of a TriMet training class to share one unique trait. But that’s what happened earlier this month when more than a dozen MAX trainees made the jump into the operator’s seat.

    The graduates were part of the first rail training class dedicated entirely to MAX operators hired from outside of TriMet. Prior to this, MAX operators were required to spend time operating a bus first. The change came as part of TriMet’s hiring push, an ongoing initiative to fill open operator and maintenance positions. 

    The new operators will join TriMet at an exciting time, with the agency being ranked as one of the five best places in Oregon to work, based on a survey of current employees. With their title of MAX Operator now official, the new graduates say they’re excited to help riders reach their destinations. That’s the most fulfilling part of the job, according to Larry, who graduated from the training class.

    “There are people who will go out of the way to thank you,” Larry said. “And it makes you happy that you went through all the steps to help people get from point A to point B.”

    Zoe, another recent graduate, said new operators feel prepared to operate a 100,000-pound train.

    “Now that I’m at the end of all this experience and all this training, I feel like I’m ready,” Zoe said. “I feel lucky to have made it this far. It’s definitely a pretty unique experience.”

    It’s also an experience that remains open to others throughout the community. TriMet has once again posted the job and is accepting applications from the general public. In addition to joining the ranks of a select number of well-trained MAX operators, new hires also receive a $7,500 hiring bonus!

    Twelve weeks of rail training

    When TriMet first began recruiting external candidates for MAX operator positions in spring 2024, it led to 851 applications, the single largest number of applications ever received over a two-month period. Of those who applied, 50 candidates received job offers.

    But first, they had to go through training.

    MAX light rail training is rigorous. Prior to training, candidates must have a Commercial Driver’s License permit, which is earned by passing a written test. Then they need to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License, a process for which TriMet provides the training. After that, rail training begins: 12 weeks of classroom instruction, weekly tests and lots of time spent behind the controls of every type of light rail vehicle in our fleet. Currently, TriMet has six types of light rail vehicles, covering four decades of train technology.

    Those who don’t pass rail training are offered the opportunity to enter the bus training program, an eight-week course. They also receive the same $7,500 hiring bonus.

    Whether they’re operating a bus or train, new operators join the more than 2,800 TriMet employees who are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757, a critical partner to TriMet. In addition to operators, the ATU represents maintenance workers, mechanics, customer service employees and others across the agency. TriMet and the union recently came together to negotiate a four-year contract that expands benefits and gives union workers a raise. 

    Great pay, benefits and opportunities

    The new union contract enhances employee benefits and secures a 13.64% pay increase for union employees over the coming four years, with the first raise effective December 1, 2024. This agreement aims to improve service reliability while supporting TriMet’s diverse workforce. This helps them build rewarding, long-lasting careers with competitive salaries and benefits that often surpass those of private employers.

    TriMet’s commitment to career growth, with excellent pay and benefits, is one reason why Forbes Magazine recently named the agency one of the top five places in Oregon to work. TriMet even claimed the title of the top Oregon-based employer and the leading transportation and logistics employer in the state!

    Benefits include low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance, health spending accounts, paid leave and two retirement plans with employer contributions. Additionally, employees receive annual transit passes valued up to $1,200.

    Everyone is valued–apply today!

    At TriMet, diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. We welcome and support employees from all backgrounds. To help foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, TriMet offers nine Employee Resource Groups, each representing a community of employees with shared life experiences. These groups provide a space for employees to socialize, reflect, innovate, and grow, empowering them to contribute their unique perspectives to the company.

    Larry and Zoe both say they are proud and excited to be joining a team that will value their contributions and help them grow as employees.



    “I’ve always admired people who drove trains and buses–and the efficiency of TriMet,” Zoe said. “I always looked at operating a train as something I wanted to do someday.”

    Larry said he is eager to see how far his career at TriMet will take him.

    “Being a rail operator was my end goal,” Larry said. “But now being here, learning about TriMet’s opportunities, I’m definitely looking up ahead now–either a supervisor role, the control room or even a station agent. You have so many opportunities, honestly.”

    With positions at TriMet suited for various skills and backgrounds, the right one might be waiting for you.  To find out more about all of TriMet’s career opportunities, visit trimet.org/careers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    At a Glance:

    Revisions to Oregon drug law

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

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

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

    Making transit a drug-free zone

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

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

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

    More tools for rider safety

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

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

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

    Providing support, for a better experience for all

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ‘I applied the first day’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jobs with great pay, benefits and support

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

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

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

    New operators start this fall

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

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

    Moving forward

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

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

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