What if riding public transit was as easy as using ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft?

The reality of this is inching closer and closer with the introduction of TriMet NEXT, an on-demand transit service to help seniors and people with disabilities connect with their community. TriMet is launching a public pilot of its new service in the south Gresham and Power Valley neighborhoods of Gresham, Oregon.

According to a company statement, TriMet NEXT acts as micro transit, suitable for quick trips to destinations within the pilot project service area. It can also connect with fixed-route services at transit centers and hubs, providing additional access to 79 bus lines, five MAX lines, and WES commuter rail for travel across our 533-square-mile service area.

“TriMet NEXT is about convenience, connectivity, and independence,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “It’s also about freedom — the freedom to connect with your community on your schedule with a trusted transportation provider that’s known for safe, affordable transit service!”

Accessing On-Demand Transit Through App Services

To access TriMet NEXT services, riders can start with the free TriMet NEXT app, available in Apple App or Google Play stores. The app will notify the next available vehicle for pickup by plugging in a starting location and destination.

The app will also let users know when the bus will arrive. According to a company statement, a vehicle typically arrives within 30 minutes. TriMet NEXT is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It provides service seven days a week, including on holidays.

Non-app users can reserve trips online at trimet.org/next or by calling 503-962-5959.

“I applaud TriMet’s courage for looking at ways that we can solve challenges folks face in our communities,” said Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall. “There’s something called the last mile, and it’s often a challenge for people, connecting that last mile of transportation with our homes and business, and this is a solution that helps in that access.”

How TriMet NEXT Improves on Ride-Hailing

While there are many similarities between TriMet NEXT and popular ride-hailing apps, there are some beneficial differences, including:

• The fare for TriMet NEXT is the same as that for fixed-route services. Riders will never be charged more than $2.80 to ride 2½ hours with Adult fare and $1.40 for Honored Citizen fare, available to adults over 65 and those with disabilities who have signed up for the reduced fare.

• TriMet NEXT uses Hop Fastpass, an electronic fare system that makes it easy to pay fares with a physical Hop card, virtual Hop card, or a contactless debit or credit card.

• TriMet NEXT drivers are professional transit operators who have undergone a background check. Rides occur on smaller, accessible paratransit buses with space for up to six people and multiple mobility devices. TriMet NEXT operators will help riders secure mobility devices on board if requested.

TriMet NEXT was first rolled out in April 2025 to the agency's paratransit riders with access to a larger service area. In the first month, they gave the service a 100% satisfaction rating, according to a company statement.

In mid-May, the agency opened the service in south Gresham to riders aged 65 and older or have a disability and are not currently registered for LIFT.

TriMet has two bus lines that serve south Gresham neighborhoods on weekdays, with buses running during the busiest morning and afternoon service hours. Plus, TriMet NEXT makes same-day transit service available to vulnerable riders, whereas LIFT paratransit trips must be booked at least a day in advance.

“This is the end of my dream. We have same-day service now,” said TriMet Committee on Accessible Transportation (CAT) Chair Jan Campbell. “And it’s not just that the service is accessible, it’s also equitable.”

TriMet is always looking for ways to serve its riders better. Comments can be left in the app, or contact the TriMet Customer Service team at 503-238-7433 (RIDE) or trimet.org/hello.