TriMet Could Extend Bus Transfers to Three Hours, All Night After 7 pm

Or not.

News With TriMet readying for another round of laborious contract bargaining with its drivers' union, the transit agency is opening up negotiations on a second front—and this one could save riders money by making bus tickets last longer. But this concession isn't a done deal, either. OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon, a neighborhood organizing group that's become Portland's de facto bus riders’ union, ...   More

 

Thursday, April 25, 2013 by Aaron Mesh

Clackamas Light Rail Vote Doesn't Really Mean Anything

News The ballot measure language for Clackamas County's May 21 vote on light rail is out, and the wording is just as confusing as most of what's going on down there.Clackamas County is in the throes of a light rail rebellion. Board of Commission Chairman John Ludlow and Commissioner Tootie Smith were swept into office on the back of anti-Portland creep sentiment and funded by Stimson Lumber CEO Andrew ...   More

 

Friday, March 29, 2013 by Andrea Damewood

TriMet Moves Operator's Action Suit to Federal Court

News Former TriMet driver and prolific blogger Al Margulies has filed a multimillion-dollar class action lawsuit against the transit agency, alleging unfair labor practices.On Wednesday, TriMet's lawyer filed a motion to move the case from Multnomah County Circuit Court to Oregon District Court, saying the suit is a federal question.The suit asks for $20 million, with $10 million in state labor claims and ...   More

 

Thursday, March 21, 2013 ANDREA DAMEWOOD

Dr. Know: Orange You Glad it's MAX?

What is the city doing at the Southeast Clinton Street railroad crossing on 11th and 12th avenues?

Dr. Know What the fuck is the city doing at the Southeast Clinton Street railroad crossing on 11th and 12th avenues?   More

 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 MARTY SMITH

Video: Why Neil McFarlane Wants to Allow TriMet Bus Drivers to Strike

News  TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane stopped by our office last Thursday for an interview before giving his "State of TriMet" report this morning. That report was more like a war council, with McFarlane offering his opening tactic in a contract battle with TriMet's employee union: Accept smaller healthcare benefits, or the transit agency will have to cut 70 percent of bus service by the ...   More

 

Wednesday, February 13, 2013 AARON MESH

Video: TriMet GM Neil McFarlane Says Fare-Hopping is a Crime

News When TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane stopped by WW's office last Thursday, we had to ask him about the stings.Last year, as the regional transit agency ended its Free Rail Zone and increased fares, it also escalated its fare enforcement. TriMet began setting up corrals outside Timbers and Trail Blazers games, forcing passengers disembarking trains to show their tickets before being allowed to ...   More

 

Thursday, February 14, 2013 AARON MESH

Hotseat: Neil McFarlane

TriMet’s GM on the agency’s union costs, big penalties for fare dodgers, and why service cuts won’t be restored anytime soon.

News Neil McFarlane built his career on expanding TriMet. But he has become the face of cutbacks.  TriMet’s general manager since 2010, McFarlane has been locked in a bitter struggle with the    More

 

Wednesday, February 13, 2013 AARON MESH

Voices 2013: Al Margulies

The TriMet watchdog says riders should demand more from the agency.

News Al Margulies has more time than ever to be the scourge of the transit agency he calls “TriMess.” Margulies—one of the most outspoken of the transit agency’s public watchdogs—was a TriMet   More

 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013 AARON MESH

TriMet Wins Arbitration With Union

ATU pledges to fight; arbitrator says sides engaged in "zero sum game"

News An arbitrator has ruled in favor of TriMet in the transit agency's battle with its union over its current contract.ORIGINAL POST, 1:48 pm:The ruling—binding and effective immediately—made today by arbitrator David Gaba saves TriMet $5 million in employee benefits sought by the Amalgamated Transit Union. The cash-strapped agency had set aside $20 million in a rainy-day fund in fear of losing the ...   More

 

Friday, July 13, 2012 by Aaron Mesh

Choo-Choo Changes

The new head of City Hall will be a “transportation mayor”—whether he wants that title or not.

News The next Portland mayor wakes up this morning in charge of a City Hall filled with potholes. The city’s settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over police mistreatment of the mentally    More

 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 AARON MESH