Portland, Ore.-based TriMet is awarding $251,672 in grants in the form of fares to 17 local nonprofits and community-based organizations. These organizations reach low-income members of the community within the TriMet service district.
The Access Transit: Fare Relief Program grants help low-income individuals access public transit. The program is part of a $1.3 million effort to mitigate the impact of the 2012 fare increase, the largest in the agency’s history, on low-income riders.
TriMet partnered with local nonprofit, Ride Connection, to administer the program. Ride Connection is dedicated to providing responsive, accessible transportation options for those in need. The Access Transit grants range from $900 to $22,500 in value, with the focus to reach more low-income riders.
The initial amount set aside for the grant program was $300,000. TriMet and Ride Connection awarded $251,672 so far, holding the remaining $48,328 for additional 501(c)(3) non-profits and community-based organizations in Clackamas and Washington Counties.
TriMet awards $250K in fare grants to low income riders
Seventeen local nonprofits and community-based organizations received funding to help low-income members of the community within the agency’s service district. TriMet partnered with local nonprofit, Ride Connection, to administer the program.
More Bus

Seattle’s King County Breaks Ground on RapidRide I Line to Expand High-Capacity Transit
The 17-mile RapidRide I Line will bring faster, more frequent service and improved regional connections across South King County.
Read More →
Measuring the True Cost of Paratransit Fleets
What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.
Read More →Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Tolar Manufacturing Supports PSTA Spark Service and More
Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.
Read More →
Pittsburgh Unveils 'Bus Line Refresh' Plan
Originally introduced in 2023 as the Bus Line Redesign, the effort has evolved into a more targeted update that maintains familiar routes while improving reliability, frequency, evening and weekend service, and connections across Allegheny County.
Read More →
Seattle's Sound Transit Breaks Ground on S3 Bus Line
S3 will connect communities along SR 522 with fast, reliable, battery-electric bus service from Shoreline South Station to Bothell via Kenmore and Lake Forest Park.
Read More →
Pittsburgh Regional Transit Announces All-Door Boarding on the University Line
All-door boarding will allow passengers to pay while entering the front, middle, or rear doors of the University Line’s 60-foot articulated buses.
Read More →
Complete Coach Works Names Patrick Scully President
He succeeds the company founder, Dale Carson, who remains chairman of the board.
Read More →
Atlanta's MARTA Sets Date for 'A-Line' BRT Launch
The five-mile Rapid A-Line connects Downtown Atlanta to Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the Beltline’s Southside Trail.
Read More →
Ster Seating, Maryland Transit Launch First Parent/Child Transit Seat in North America
The configuration uses Ster Seating's Gemini seat platform to create a family-friendly floor layout specifically engineered to accommodate parents traveling with young children.
Read More →
