TriMet Board of Directors asks TriMet staff to formalize fare increase proposal

The TriMet Board of Directors has asked the TriMet staff to formalize a fare increase proposal that would take effect Jan. 1, 2024, if approved.

At a Board retreat on Nov. 9, 2022, several members of the Board cited the need for TriMet to increase fare revenue and overall revenue to provide financial stability for transit operations, as well as address the inflationary increases in the cost of operating the transit system. With a majority of the Board voicing support for a 2024 fare increase, Board President Linda Simmons directed TriMet staff to move forward on the process to bring a formal fare increase ordinance before the Board. The first reading of the ordinance will occur at the Board’s April 26, 2023, meeting, with a second reading and vote at its May 24, 2023, meeting.

The Board directed staff to further develop a package of fare changes for its consideration that include the following increases:

• Adult 2 ½ hour ticket—increase 30 cents to $2.80
• Honored Citizen 2 ½ hour ticket—increase 15 cents to $1.40
• Youth 2 ½ hour ticket—increase 15 cents to $1.40
• LIFT paratransit single ride—increase 30 cents to $2.80

If approved in May 2023, any fare changes would take effect January 1, 2024.