Happy New Year, everybody! This is the first Open Thread of ’13, in which you can post on any (transport-related) topic you like, and where Al can record each and every January MAX outage for posterity. :) Even though I’m typing this on the eve of the 31st, I will refer to incoming officials who…

Time once again to pass out the candy and coal. Relations between TriMet and the ATU aren’t getting any better. As the current contract (finally finalized just a few months ago by the ERB) expires at the end of November–most likely by the time you read this–it’s now time to negotiate the next contract; and…

Halloween is over, and Turkey Day is coming up. Time for another Open Thread. Also coming up is election day, on Tuesday, November 6. As a non-profit, we can’t endorse any candidates, but we can tell you that you should vote, and point you to Portland Afoot’s voters’ guide. Portland Afoot also looks at the…

Time for another open thread: Metro has a new fact sheet up for the Southwest Corridor. There’s more bad blood between TriMet and ATU757. Three month’s ago, TriMet won the arbitration case which allows it to impose its last, best offer on the union–the main financial effect of which is requiring union members to contribute…

As the kids get ready to head back to school, YouthPasses in hand, it’s time for a new Open Thread. Your last reminder: New routes and fares take effect this weekend. Jarrett Walker reminisces on the 30th anniversary of Portland’s transit grid; and Zef follows up here. Clackamas County votes on requiring citizen approval for…