 Hello! Here’s a summary of our equity and inclusion news at TriMet!
 We’re once again honoring the legacy of Rosa Parks by offering free rides on her birthday. No fares will be collected on buses, trains or LIFT on Friday, Feb 4, Rosa Parks Transit Equity Day. Portland Streetcar and C-TRAN will also join us in not collecting fares.
Last week, the TriMet Board of Directors approved changes to the TriMet Code that will make our system safer and more accessible for employees and riders.
The updates further clarify that police do not conduct routine fare checks on TriMet. We’re also making spitting-type offenses eligible for longer exclusions and allowing TriMet supervisors to intervene in non-criminal violations rather than needing police to respond. The changes also address outdated references and apply gender-neutral terminology throughout the TriMet Code, which is our rules for riding and operating our transit system.
The changes go into effect Feb. 25.
 Say “hello” to Andrew Wilson, who is now leading TriMet’s Safety and Security efforts. Andrew has been with TriMet since 2016. He brings decades of experience and a commitment to incorporate our new safety initiatives for a system that’s welcoming for all.
 Be on the lookout for a special bus with artwork by Portland artist eatcho. The unique design celebrates Black History Month and the 25th anniversary of TriMet's Public Art Program, with the theme "Love Moves Us." The bus will be in service through 2022.
 We recently rolled out a big update to our website, with new tools to make trip planning easier and more convenient. The new trimet.org has an easy-to-navigate map with real-time locations of buses and trains shown, so riders can immediately track their ride!
With the new federal poverty guidelines adopted this year, more people now qualify to ride TriMet at a reduced cost. Riders with qualifying incomes can ride for no more than $28 per month. Read the new guidelines here.
It’s easy to sign up online and in person at two Downtown Portland locations. To date, we’ve saved riders more than $10.6 million since our low-income fare program began.
 TriMet just removed a long-standing requirement for all bus operators to start part-time, so you can now have immediate access to full-time work! New operators get a $2,500 hiring bonus, paid training and a starting wage of $21.84 per hour.
With guaranteed raises and overtime availability, full-time TriMet bus operators can easily earn more than $68,000 a year, after three years on the job.
Lean more about what you get when you join the TriMet team and apply online!
Our partnership with Oregon Health Authority has already provided over 44,000 transit fares for those facing challenges getting to and from COVID vaccination appointments.
Community partners and service providers: Please visit trimet.org/transitvax to order transit passes to help community members reach vaccine clinics. If you have additional questions, please email us at ticketsoha@trimet.org or give us a call at 503-962-2150.
- We’re committed to supporting the businesses and organizations in our community. Learn more about the kinds of activities and events we sponsor.
- As part of our Reimagining Public Safety efforts, we're seeking organizations to provide community training for our frontline staff. The period to submit proposals is February 21-March 25. Details on how to submit a proposal will be posted on the Reimagining Public Safety & Security on Transit webpage soon.
The Transit Equity Advisory Committee has a virtual meeting on February 15. Get details here.
The TriMet Board of Directors virtual meeting is on February 23 from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The public forum starts at 9 a.m. You can sign up to speak starting at 8:30 a.m.
The Committee on Accessible Transportation meets virtually the third Wednesday of each month from 9-10:30 a.m.
Learn more about our equity programs, including our income-based fare and high school transit pass programs, climate justice efforts, and more, online.
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