Bye Bye To Fareless Square For Buses?

TriMet proposed today to limit Fareless Square to MAX and the Portland Streetcar, eliminating free bus rides in the square after 34 years of that service. TriMet's rationale? Four MAX lines will serve Fareless Square when the MAX Green Line opens in September, meaning "most trips within fareless could easily be taken on rail."

The transit agency also proposed reducing bus frequency by 2-4 minutes on about two dozen bus lines during non-peak times in hopes of closing a $3.5 million budget hole.

Both proposals will likely generate a lot of pushback. And if you're among those planning to push back, you have until July 17 to weigh in with comments by email to comments@trimet.org, by phone at 503-962-5806, by FAX at 503-962-6469, or mail at TriMet-MK2, 4012 SE 17th Ave., Portland, OR 97202

And if you want to show up to vent, TriMet is holding an open house and public hearing on July 13.