TriMet Cuts Night Bus Service and Eliminates 68 Positions Amid $300 Million Budget Shortfall

PORTLAND, Ore. — To address a projected $300M shortfall between revenue and expenditure over the next several years, TriMet is implementing changes, including $17.7 million in cuts that will result in fewer night-time buses, and plans to eliminate 68 positions.

Following earlier cost-cutting efforts, including a hiring freeze and reductions in discretionary spending, TriMet reported that over half the positions now eliminated were vacant, and twenty-six non-union employees were laid off. Some union employees were transferred rather than being laid off.

The public transporter prioritized attrition and offered severance and reemployment assistance to affected employees.

The cuts are part of a broader recovery plan to stabilize finances and ensure long-term sustainability for public transit.

Starting next weekend, on November 30, some TriMet bus and MAX lines will see cuts to service frequency (how often buses arrive), meaning buses will be reduced during lower ridership times. Buses will make fewer stops as early as 7 p.m. on some routes.

Trimet implemented the planned Bus and MAX service cuts to align service with expenses and revenue. The recovery plan aims to balance the budget by July 1, 2028, through new funding sources, potential fare increases, and new revenue opportunities.

Proposals for broader cuts will be released in January as Trimet engages with the community on service reductions.