METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

TriMet budget keeps fares, service steady

The foundation of the $485 million operating budget assumes that the arbitration award for the just-expired contract with the ATU is upheld and TriMet’s offer stands, providing some breathing room and ability to invest in critical infrastructure.

March 14, 2013
2 min to read


Portland, Ore.-based TriMet released its Fiscal Year 2014 budget. While there remains uncertainty ahead, the agency expects that there will be no service cuts or fare increases.

The key foundation of the $485 million operating budget assumes that the arbitration award for the just-expired contract with the Amalgamated Transit Union is upheld and TriMet’s offer stands, providing some breathing room and ability to invest in critical infrastructure.

The agency’s revenue projections are $28 million higher than previously projected. Part of the increase is due to a $9.5 million spike in additional federal funds dedicated to rail capital maintenance and about $4 million is related to higher inflation assumptions compared to last year.

Budget priorities include:

  • Accelerating new bus purchases, eliminating all older high-floor buses four years earlier than anticipated and reducing the average age of the fleet to eight years, which is the industry standard; $8.8 million for three years.

Ad Loading...
  • Increasing bus service to address schedule reliability and rush hour overcrowding; $1.6 million annually.

  • Continuing the Access Transit Fare Programs (previously called the Low-Income Mitigation Program); $1.3 million annually.

  • Hiring 10 operators to comply with new Hours-of-Service policy for bus operators; $1 million a year.

  • Increasing the contribution to union unfunded defined benefit pension fund; $4 million in FY14, $2 million in FY15.

  • Increasing light rail vehicle and track maintenance, plus improve lighting and stations renewal along the MAX system; $9.5 million.

Ad Loading...
  • No fare increase (a loss of $2 million in revenue).

TriMet still faces a future of service cuts and fare increases if the agency does not win the arbitration award challenge and prevail in making reforms in the upcoming contract. Current contract negotiations are at a standstill.

More Bus

Frontrunner's new facility in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Busby StaffJune 8, 2026

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters

The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.

Read More →
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →
World Cup Crowds Will Test Transit Systems
ManagementJune 3, 2026

When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.

Read More →
Bus Roadeo at APTA Mobility 2026
Busby Staff and News ReportsJune 1, 2026

Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference

The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin

Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.

Read More →
A SEPTA bus going down the road
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan

Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.

Read More →
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A New Flyer 60-foot articulated bus
Busby StaffMay 29, 2026

WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign

The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.

Read More →