TriMet to limit 20 bus lines starting Monday

Published 12:00 am Sunday, January 9, 2022

TriMet has announced that it will limit bus service beginning Monday, Jan. 10 due to a staffing shortage.

The agency is experiencing its largest operator shortfall in history, despite it efforts to hire new drivers. In December the regional transit agency announced it would be offering a $2,500 signing bonus on top of the starting hourly pay of $21.36, which had been increased by $4 in October.

Bus service will be reduced by 9%, affecting 20 of the 84 bus lines during weekdays. According to TriMet, this change will return it to the level of service offered in April 2020, in response to the pandemic.

“By taking this step we increase the schedule reliability so riders experience less canceled or late buses,” a TriMet spokesperson said. The agency tried to maintain service in low-income and BIPOC communities, along with service that connects to education, jobs, health care and service centers.

Riders can expect buses to arrive about every 15 minutes during rush hours.

Despite the operator shortage, TriMet will add service during weekdays on Line 32-OatField by stopping between Oregon City and Milwaukie.

A complete list of affected bus lines and more information can be found here.

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