Public transit agency TriMet to reduce services due to insufficient backing for Oregon Transportation Investment Plan
TriMet, the public transportation agency serving the Portland metropolitan area in Oregon, is facing a critical financial challenge due to the failure of House Bill 2025 (Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package) by the Oregon Legislature. As a result, TriMet will be forced to implement immediate service cuts and budget reductions starting November 2025, with further cuts planned through 2026 and beyond [1][3][5].
Immediate Service Cuts
The service cuts are set to begin in November 2025, with additional reductions planned for March 2026 and further cuts anticipated by August 2027. These cuts could potentially total at least a 10% reduction in overall service [5][3]. The reductions will focus on reducing frequencies on some bus lines, eliminating some bus lines, adjusting some bus routes, and adjusting MAX service.
Budget Deficit Reduction
Despite the cuts, TriMet is attempting to reduce discretionary spending and operate more efficiently. The agency has managed to reduce its FY2026 budget deficit from $74.4 million to $50.2 million through internal adjustments [2]. TriMet began taking steps during the development of that budget to reduce the deficit for the year, identifying $24.2 million in savings via cuts to discretionary spending.
Long-Term Fiscal Challenge
TriMet currently projects a roughly $300 million gap between expenditures and revenues over the coming years and faces a fiscal cliff by 2030 without new funding sources [1][3]. The agency attributes not only the funding shortfall to the HB 2025 failure but also significant cost increases in labor, vehicles, facilities, contractors, equipment, and software [5].
Legislative Action Needed
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has called for a special legislative session to address funding shortfalls affecting ODOT, local jurisdictions, and transit districts. If TriMet is unsuccessful in increasing its revenue by fall 2027, more service cuts will be needed [1]. The failure of HB 2025 has critically worsened TriMet's funding outlook, forcing near-term service reductions and budget tightening while creating a long-term fiscal challenge that requires legislative action to prevent more drastic cuts in the future [1][3][5].
Impact on LIFT Paratransit Service
Because of the changes to bus and MAX service, TriMet's LIFT paratransit service will also be reduced. The agency will perform an overall staffing analysis to right-size the agency, which will likely result in a reduction of non-union jobs. Contract expenses will be cut by five percent annually while the agency works to mitigate any expense increases in those contracts [2].
In conclusion, TriMet's financial situation has been significantly impacted by the failure of HB 2025, forcing immediate service reductions and budget tightening. The agency's long-term fiscal health requires legislative action to prevent more drastic cuts in the future.
The service cuts imposed by TriMet, due to the failure of HB 2025, are not only affecting bus lines but may also lead to the elimination of some bus lines and adjustments in MAX service, as part of the immediate service cuts [5]. To manage the financial challenges, TriMet has been focusing on reducing discretionary spending and seeking efficiency in their business operations, with an aim to reduce their FY2026 budget deficit [2].
