On August 27th, TriMet will expand and improve bus service on several lines as the public transportation service works to rebalance the system for those who depend on it. As some routes improve access and frequency, service in higher-income areas with low ridership will decrease. These updates are part of a continuing effort by TriMet to better serve people with lower incomes that disproportionately rely on public transit for daily travel.
TriMet plans updates for 26 bus lines. However, only a few will impact Montavilla Riders. NE Glisan’s number 19 line will see buses arriving every 30 minutes for an extended portion of the day, every day of the week. Bus drivers will use the Tilikum Crossing instead of the Ross Island Bridge to improve transit-time reliability. TriMet will discontinue service on SE Rex Street and SE 32nd Avenue to shorten the overall trip for bus 19 riders.
Service operators will adjust weekend schedules for the FX2 rapid bus service along SE Division Street by up to 4 minutes. These changes are minimal and will help keep buses on time. However, after August 26th, riders should review the updated schedule to avoid missing their intended connection. Route planners will expand the existing Frequent Service on the 15-Belmont/NW 23rd line. After the update, weekend buses along NW 23rd Avenue will arrive every 15 minutes starting at 9:00 a.m. The Hollywood Transit Center will close its bus loading area to facilitate the construction of the HollywoodHUB affordable housing development. That closure will shift lines 75 and 77 to temporary stops on NE 42nd, Broadway, and Halsey.
The August 27th updates are part of TriMet’s Forward Together initiative. That service concept focuses on rider equity while increasing the system’s functionality. Changes to bus stops and routes will undoubtedly disrupt some people’s commutes. However, rebalancing the transportation system is a key advantage of bus networks compared to rail systems, and it is a sound method of increasing ridership by routing buses near the places people want to travel to. Frequent transit users should review all changes at the TriMet site and check the trip planner to ensure they will arrive at their destination on time.
Illustrations courtesy TriMet
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