As a recent transplant from Seattle, I have been fascinated by all the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the Portland and Seattle regions’ transit agencies. Most of these differences have their pros and cons. One agency vs several agencies, tickets vs smartcards, payroll tax vs sales tax, these are all issues that can be vigorously…

Much attention has been paid to reductions in TriMet’s security staff and the resulting increase in fare evasion. But according to Joseph Rose at The Oregonian, the busses are dirtier, too. Health experts indicate that bacteria levels on TriMet vehicles (particularly busses with cloth seats) are most likely not a health hazard, and the new…

TriMet’s frequent service network is an important element of the regional transportation system. But there’s a larger network (which includes the frequent network) which offers a level of service lower than the FS network, but which is nonetheless a critical service gradient. I speak of seven-day service.