Category: Equity

  • Transit and those dependent upon it

    There’s been quite a bit in the national press this week about the subject. Amanda Hess, writing for Atlantic Cities, penned an article called Race, class, and the Stigma of Riding the Bus in America. This article drew quite a bit of attention, including a somewhat scathing criticism from Jarrett Walker, who objected to the…

  • Honored Citizen and youth fares: Are they fair?

    A discussion of honored citizen and youth fares, and potential alternatives.

  • A Couple of Things I’d Like TriMet to Think About

    I’ve been following the impact of TriMet’s budget woes with great dismay. It’s very painful to watch this level of degradation to a system. There are a couple of particular choices that I think could stand some further review: There’s no question the changes in fare policy make short trips less attractive. As this blog…

  • Transit Equity Back in the Crosshairs

    With budget cuts at TriMet and new fare policy under consideration at Portland Streetcar, equity issues are front and center. So here are two attempts by agencies to get at these issues: TriMet will hold a budget forum in conjunction with IRCO (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization) specifically to reach out to transit-dependent folks: What:…

  • TriMet: Simplification or Fare Increase?

    Joe Rose at the Oregonian is reporting that a TriMet fare task force may will recommend doing away with zones, and prohibiting using transfers for return trips (transfers would only work in one direction). While I’m a big proponent of keeping things simple, this proposal does not excite me. Beyond potential equity issues (I honestly…