As revelers head out to celebrate the close of 2023, TriMet once again offers riders fare-free transportation. Starting at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, all bus and MAX trips are free until service ends early on New Year’s Day. For those outside the public transportation service area, the City of Portland has partnered with taxis, Uber, and Lyft to offer discounted rides.
For decades, TriMet has offered free rides to help people get home safely after ringing in the new year. This program removes the cost barrier to transit and extends service into the early hours of 2024 with more frequent trips. Most MAX Lines run until 2 a.m. MAX Blue, Green, Orange, and Yellow lines will run approximately every 30 minutes. MAX Red Line trains will operate on a weekday schedule, with the last Red Line train leaving from Pioneer Square South to Portland International Airport at 12:42 a.m. TriMet buses will run on Sunday schedules for New Year’s Eve.
If you miss your bus or train and need a ride, the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Safe Ride Home program has discounts to help. Starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 31st, people can use a discount code posted on the program’s website to save $5 on an Uber or Lyft ride in Portland. Revelers looking for a taxi ride can save $10 off that ride with a paper coupon available at participating locations throughout the city. Montavilla Station at 417 SE 80th Avenue is the neighborhood location offering paper taxi coupons on New Year’s Eve. A complete list of locations is available on the program’s website. Coupons are valid for twelve hours, ending at 4 a.m. on Monday, January 1st, 2024.
Trimet will again require payment after 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day, implementing new prices. New TriMet fares go into effect on January 1st for those without a monthly pass. This fare change is the first increase in TriMet’s base Adult Fare in more than a decade, and New Year’s Day riders should plan for the added travel costs. TriMet buses, MAX, and Portland Streetcar will operate on Sunday schedules for the January 1st holiday.
People have many ways to celebrate the new year without driving, and it is best to have a plan. However, if that plan falls apart, know your options and never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver.
Correction: A previous version of this article stated that the Oregon Department of Transportation was a TriMet partner in providing free transit this year. They were a partner in past years but not currently. Also, TriMet’s free fairs end at 3 a.m. instead of 3:30 a.m. Montavilla News regrets these errors.
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