TriMet’s LIFT paratransit service is now offering complimentary grocery pickup and delivery to established LIFT customers.
The new, free service will encourage physical distancing and make it possible for our riders to stay safe, while getting the essential items they need.
“TriMet is already on the front lines of the pandemic, filling vital transportation needs,” said TriMet General Manager Doug Kelsey. “Many of our LIFT paratransit riders are battling pre-existing illness or disease. They are especially susceptible to COVID-19. For them, providing this service could be lifesaving.”
As riders comply with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s stay-at-home order and follow the advice of health professionals to stay home, paratransit ridership has decreased by 85 percent. TriMet says it thanks its LIFT operations contractor, First Transit, for supporting the employees and TriMet’s commitment to continue providing essential services to those who need it most during this unprecedented time.
How to participate
The service will be available to the nearly 13,000 current LIFT customers. To participate, established riders will place an order with one of the food bank or grocery store partners, complete payment and schedule a pickup time. They will then call LIFT reservations and book a trip to have the groceries picked up. The delivery service will be available free of charge, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. The operator will knock and leave items at the door. They will not carry bags or boxes inside.
Participating food pantries and grocery store partners:
- Albertsons
- Fred Meyer
- Oregon Food Bank
- Safeway
- Walmart
- Food pantries
TriMet can also pick up food and supplies from pet stores. Riders are responsible for arranging payment and must make sure items can be carried out to the bus. Operators will not be able to go inside the store.
