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/// July 2025 ///
Service Cuts
Since 2019, we’ve faced staggering cost increases in almost everything related to running the transit system, including labor, vehicles, facilities, contractors, equipment and software.
After the Oregon Legislature failed to pass House Bill 2025, and due to a significant and growing budget gap, we will begin reducing our service in November 2025. More cuts are being planned for March 2026 and after, with at least a 10% overall cut to service expected by August 2027.
Reserves have helped us maintain our service over the last few years, but we must take action now to close a $300 million gap between our annual expenditures and revenues and avoid more severe service cuts down the road.
We’ve already begun cutting costs internally, and that will continue. But unfortunately, cuts to our transit service and reductions to our staff are unavoidable. Without increased state funding for transit, these service reductions will become even more severe.
You can learn more about the proposed service cuts here.
We’re taking these changes very seriously and understand they will impact many of you. In the weeks and months ahead, we'll share which lines will be affected and how you can weigh in. We’ll continue to update you and bring you into the conversation.
🚊 Type 1 Event Recap 🚊
After 38 years of service and 2.2 million miles traveled (!), Train 101 is being retired, so we decided to send it off with some Riders Club members in attendance!
Here are some photos from the event:
Riders Club members and engineers inside MAX Train 101.
We opened the operator cabs to let riders sit in the operator seat.
Volunteers from the Oregon Electric Railway Museum, where MAX Train 101 now lives!
♿️ Transit Accessibility Over the Years ♿️
We’re celebrating the 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act! 🎉 Here’s some accessibility changes that have been made over the years:
1976
LIFT paratransit service begins.
1981
We introduce reduced fare for Honored Citizens and begin a rollout of fixed-route buses with lifts.
1984
The Committee on Accessible Transportation (CAT) calls for wayside lifts for MAX boarding.
1997
Type 2 MAX trains introduce the nation’s first low-floor cars. At the time, only systems in Europe offered riders the convenience of rolling on board.
1998
Our board adopts a resolution to make the entire fleet low-floor boarding. By the end of 1999, all fixed-route vehicles are accessible.
2004
Voice and braille guidance systems are introduced.
2024
New text-to-speech devices are added that deliver real-time audio arrival information.
2025
We begin offering same-day service for older adults and adults with disabilities through TriMet NEXT.
🚌 Building Community on Board 🚌
“Tabor to Town” is a group of neighbors who ride the bus from Mt. Tabor to a different Downtown Portland destination every month! 🙌
What a cool way to build community ❤️
🎉 Take TriMet to... 🎉
Geek Week
A celebration of geek culture held at over 100 small businesses around Portland!
When: September 5–14
Where: Multiple businesses in the Portland region
🔗 More info
Key Events:
Intergalactic Kick Off Party - Dress to impress our alien visitors. Kick off Geek Week with an Intergalactic Happy Hour at the Jupiter Hotel, hosted by Hey Love and benefitting the Doernbecher Children's Hospital.
When: September 4 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Jupiter NEXT
800 E Burnside St.
Going Back in Time - Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Back to the Future, Wonderlove is hosting an 80’s Dance Party and Film Screening. Wear your RAD 80’s fashion and dance to retro tunes. Watch on the big screen and get a photo with celebrity cosplayer Shannon McFly.
When: September 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Wonderlove
262 SE Main St.
Quest of the Magical Realms - Journey to a world of wonder with kid-friendly role playing, guided warrior training and magical crafting. Directors Park transforms into a land of fantasy adventure!
When: September 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Directors Park
815 SW Park Ave.
Vancouver Arts & Music Festival
When: July 31–August 3
Where: Esther Short Park
Join this free community festival with three outdoor stages, local art vendors, family activities and more. Esther Short Park will transform into a playground of creativity! Featured artists include acclaimed singer Renee Fleming, guitarist Sharon Isbin and violinist Mark O’ Connor. More info.
Vanport Jazz Festival
When: August 1–2
Where: University of Portland
Experience world-class Jazz/R&B performances, plus food vendors and shopping! More info.
St. Johns Art Walk
When: Saturday, August 2
Where: Along Lombard St. between New York Ave and Richmond Ave
Come celebrate the artistic talent within the community! There will be art, dining and shopping! More info.
Fremont Fest
When: Saturday, August 2
Where: Fremont Street (NE 42nd–521st)
Enjoy a full day of community fun featuring 150+ local vendors, live music and entertainment, a bubble parade and drumline, kids’ craft booth, food trucks and shopping! More info.
Chinese Festival
When: Saturday, August 2
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square
Look forward to art shows, crafts, Chinese food, entertainment and public health outreach and education! More info.
A Show at Pioneer Square
PDX Live returns to The Square August 6–21! See the lineup and buy tickets.
Type 1 "Open Door" Button Giveaway
We went into a Type 1 train that’s going to be recycled and pulled out a ton of parts! We’re going to be giving bits of the trains away in the coming months, and the first are these “open door” buttons. They can be used to decorate your space, or as a fun fidget toy to press!
(Please note this item has small parts and is not intended for use by children.)
Employees of TriMet and immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members of employees are not eligible. Enter to win by August 22 at 9 a.m. PT. Winners will be notified August 22 at 11 a.m. PT.
📸 Vintage Pic of the Month 📸
Here's a Rose City Transit bus rolling sometime between 1956-69 🌹🚌
See you next month! 😎
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