Recently, TriMet announced a series of proposed cost-cutting measures planned for this August. Elimination of the Line 19 Bus route is among the possible reductions, and its closure would end NE Glisan Street’s century-long run as Montavilla’s transit backbone. Other potential changes would similarly reduce functionality for transit users, push more people to existing TriMet lines, or encourage driving to a destination. People have until January 31st to contribute their perspective on these updates via an online survey.
TriMet leaders are trying to close a $300 million annual budget gap through a variety of measures. Since first announcing the issue in July 2025, the transit agency says it has reduced spending by about $150 million through cutting expenses, eliminating staff positions, and pausing service expansion efforts. The next round of reductions aims to trim service or remove low-ridership lines where riders have other, sometimes less functional, options. In fiscal year 2025 (July 1st, 2024, through June 30th, 2025), 15,600 riders boarded Line 19 each week. Of those weekly transit users, 7,617 started their trip between I-205 and stops at Southwest Lincoln Street and 4th Avenue in Downtown Portland.
For people accustomed to boarding a bus on NE Glisan, TriMet recommends the Line 20 bus on East Burnside Street, with the MAX Blue or Red lines also offering options for those close to stations. The Line 20 already sees almost double the ridership of the Line 19, with 59,618 weekly boardings in fiscal year 2025. However, for some riders, walking an extra 1,200 feet between NE Glisan Street and East Burnside is a significant burden. It also ends the historic role transit played in forming Montavilla and the commercial corridor along NE Glisan Street.
Starting in 1889, Montavilla developers sold parcels to residents based on future transit service along NE Glisan Street—originally named Villa Avenue—in advertising for the Addition. By 1892, the operators of the City and Suburban Railway extended their East Ankeny line to Montavilla on Glisan up to 82nd Avenue, but without the full loop around Mt. Tabor. In 1948, streetcar service in Montavilla ceased, with buses replacing trolleys. That era of transit service to the neighborhood helped businesses flourish and shaped the community around that corridor.
In addition to the potential elimination of Line 19, East Portland transit users could see the Green MAX light rail line shortened to only run between the Clackamas Town Center station and the Gateway Transit Center, prompting riders to transfer to other lines to continue downtown. TriMet’s highest ridership bus, Line 72, would retain current service levels on 82nd Avenue but reduce evening service between Cully Boulevard and Swan Island to every 30 minutes after 8 p.m. and once an hour after 10 p.m. The Line 20 could terminate at the Sunset Transit Center instead of continuing to the Beaverton Transit Center, and Line 77 buses may have route adjustments west of NE 9th Avenue. All riders should review the trimet.org/servicecuts site for details that may impact their future commute.
TriMet encourages transit commuters and occasional riders to complete the online survey by January 31st so its planners can make modifications before this summer’s planned cutbacks. Business owners whose employees and customers depend on TriMet service may also want to contribute their perspective in the survey, as transit service has historically improved business district prosperity. People concerned about these reductions in service can also reach out to their state representatives to ask for more public transit funding, particularly in light of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s call for lawmakers to scrap the newly passed transportation bill, which is facing implementation delays due to opposition efforts. Additional State funding for transit districts from a replacement Transportation Act could soften TriMet cuts as it attempts to balance its budget.
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