John A. Charles Jr. says the TriMet Board should shut down plans for new service and prepare for the retrenchment that the market is demanding
John A. Charles Jr.
Cascade Policy Institute
Recently The Oregonian published a feature about TriMet’s ongoing death spiral.
Since 2015, the agency’s annual revenue from passenger fares has dropped from $117 million to $59 million, while operating expenses have grown. As a result, TriMet’s operating loss last year was $850 million.
TriMet is begging state legislators for a bailout, but we’ve already tried that. The legislature approved payroll tax rate increases in both 2003 and 2009. As a result, TriMet is now almost entirely funded by taxpayers.
TriMet anticipates that it will have to eliminate up to 51 of its bus lines by 2031 if it cannot improve its financial condition. We should probably let that happen. Transit is important only if people choose to use it. Most people in the metro region are making other choices.
Unfortunately, TriMet is in denial about these trends. The agency is planning to expand light rail service to Vancouver and tear up 82nd Avenue to accommodate bus rapid transit.
The TriMet Board is holding a strategic planning retreat this week. The Board should shut down plans for new service and prepare for the retrenchment that the market is demanding.
John A. Charles, Jr. is president and CEO of Cascade Policy Institute, Oregon’s free market public policy research organization.
Also read:
- Vancouver Fire Department responds to emergency aircraft landing on SR-14
A Cessna aircraft made an emergency landing on State Route 14 near milepost 2 after experiencing mechanical issues. - Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement published for Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
Federal agencies published the final environmental impact statement for the Interstate Bridge replacement project. - Speed cameras designed to bring added safety to work zones
WSP issued 65,000 infractions in first year, with 59,000 being penalty-free first offenses as program expands statewide. - Marie Gluesenkamp Perez seeks federal assistance in combating sea lion predation of salmon & steelhead fishing stock
Congresswoman pushes for expanded lethal removal authority as sea lions devour Columbia River fish stocks. - Opinion: The high cost of hiding – Why IBR’s delayed revenue study is a $15 billion warning sign
IBR delays critical toll revenue analysis until June 2027, hiding financial details until after project approval.
wpDiscuz
