TriMet to pursue fare increase in 2024

The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) earlier announced this week announced plans to formalize a fare increase proposal that would take effect in 2024.

TriMet's board cited the need for the transit agency to increase fare revenue (and overall revenue) to foster financial stability for operations, agency officials said in a press release. A fare hike would also help address inflation's impact on operating costs.

The package of proposed fare changes would include the following increases:

• an adult half-hour ticket would cost $2.80, up 30 cents;
• an "Honored Citizen" 2.5-hour ticket would cost $1.40, up 15 cents;
• a youth half-hour ticket would cost $1.40, up 15 cents; and
• a LIFT paratransit single ride would cost $2.80, up 30 cents.

Board President Linda Simmons directed TriMet staff to present a formal fare increase ordinance before the board at its April 26, 2023, meeting. The board will vote on the proposal at its May 24 meeting. If approved, the new fare changes would become effective Jan. 1, 2024.

The transit agency plans to conduct a Title VI fare equity analysis to determine what impacts a fare increase would have on riders of color and low-income passengers. TriMet will also launch a public outreach and engagement campaign beginning next month to inform and educate the public about the proposed fare hikes.