As you may have heard, TriMet is facing a $12 to $17 million budget shortfall.  Tough budget choices are ahead and we want to know what’s most important to you and your members/constituents/community. We created this discussion guide trimet.org/choices because we want you to be aware of our funding issues and the challenges they present, and how they might impact riders.  

We invite you to consider the options presented in this guide trimet.org/choices. You will see that “everything is on the table” when it comes to possible cost-saving measures. All options are being discussed. These include the possible reduction of low-performing bus service as well as elimination of redundant bus serve.  These lines include several that serve Northwest Portland, St John’s and Sauvie Island in an effort to increase efficiencies and better match service with demand. With these possible options, in most cases, riders can get where they need to go but they may need to transfer or it may take them longer than their current trips.  

We want to give you an early heads up on some of the possibilities currently being discussed.  

16-Front Ave/St John’s

Exploring possibility of continuing line to serve Front Ave from Downtown Portland to approximately NW 26^th Drive. Line 16 would serve the NW Industrial area, Sauvie Island, Linton and St. John’s during peak hours on weekdays. Considering a new line to serve Rivergate from St. Johns to Jubitz via Marine Drive.  

Line 17 Holgate/Downtown & Union Station

Exploring possibility of terminating line at Union Station with Line 17 service. Line 16 would serve the NW Industrial area, Sauvie Island, Linton and St. John’s during peak hours on weekdays.

Line 77 Broadway/Halsey

Exploring possibility of rerouting line to serve NW Glisan & NW Everett to NW 21^st Ave supplying service previously provided by the Line 17. Streetcar would continue to serve Northrup/Lovejoy in NW Portland. In this possible scenario there would be no Line 77 service on NW 23^rd or NW 25^th avenues in NW Portland.

Again, at this point in time, these are just several of many options that are currently being explored.       

We are just beginning the outreach process and are seeking input from everyone via an online questionnaire, meetings, onboard bus outreach and other tools. The initial feedback we receive by mid-January will assist in our decision-making process as we move towards public open houses in February. Our ongoing feedback period continue through the public hearings in March.   

We welcome the opportunity to talk to your organization/members. In addition, please feel free to forward the discussion guide and this information to your members/constituents/community, encourage them to explore the issues presented in this guide trimet.org/choices and provide feedback.  Again, we want to hear from everyone.  

Please give me a call anytime at 503-962-6438. Your input is appreciated – and necessary as we move forward towards difficult decisions.

Regards,  

Clay Thompson

TriMet Marketing

4012 SE 17th Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97202

P: 503-962-6438

F: 503-962-6469

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