PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) — TriMet is bracing for sweeping service reductions and layoffs as it works to close a $300 million budget shortfall. The transit agency announced that bus schedules will be scaled back beginning November 30, with further cuts planned in 2025 and beyond.
Immediate Changes to Bus Service
The first wave of service cuts will reduce late-night and early-morning frequency across several lines. Starting Nov. 30, after 9 p.m., the following bus routes will only run once every hour:
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Line 35 – Macadam/Greeley
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Line 52 – Farmington/185th
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Line 77 – Broadway/Halsey
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Line 81 – Kane/257th
The FX2-Division line, one of the system’s most popular routes, will also see changes. While buses will continue to arrive every 12 minutes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., riders in the early morning and late-night hours can expect longer waits of 24 to 35 minutes.
“Operating in a deficit just isn’t sustainable, so it’s time to do something and TriMet is going to act now,” said Tia York, the agency’s manager of media relations.
Why the Cuts Are Happening
TriMet officials point to two major factors fueling the crisis:
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Declining ridership after the COVID-19 pandemic, with many commuters still working remotely.
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Rising operational costs, from fuel and labor to maintenance.
Together, these challenges created the $300 million budget gap now forcing difficult decisions.
Riders Worry About the Impact
For Portlanders who rely on public transit, the changes raise concerns about access to daily necessities.
“People will miss their appointments, people will miss school,” said Dakota Monro, a daily rider. “For people that can’t afford a car or can’t afford a bike… That’s how you get food. That’s how you live your life.”
Monro added that reduced service makes it harder to plan ahead, especially for those who depend on buses to get to work, medical care, or grocery stores.
More Cuts Coming
The service changes in November are only the beginning. York said the agency is considering administrative layoffs and additional service reductions scheduled for March 2025, with cuts expected to continue in phases through 2027.
Public Input Sought
TriMet is urging the community to weigh in on the changes before final decisions are made. The agency has launched a public survey asking riders for input on potential strategies, which include:
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Reducing frequency of buses or MAX trains during all hours or only at off-peak times.
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Cutting service in lower-ridership areas.
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Eliminating overlapping lines.
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Ending financial support for other transit providers that connect with TriMet.
In addition, TriMet will hold a series of virtual and in-person open houses where residents can voice concerns and share how changes may affect them.
Preparing for Change
For now, riders are being advised to plan ahead.
“Start talking to your employer. Start looking at your schedule. Will our service be able to support you?” York said. “I think the best thing for riders to do right now is plan and prepare and stay informed in what’s happening.”
While the budget crisis has forced TriMet to make painful choices, officials stress that public feedback will play a role in shaping which services remain and how the system adapts in the years ahead.
