TriMet service cuts that took effect Aug. 23 have shortened the MAX Green Line, discontinued two bus routes and reduced schedules across the Portland area. The changes matter for workers, students and other riders because some trips now require additional transfers or longer waits. This report details the routes, timing and budget pressures involved.
Key Takeaways
- The Aug. 23 changes affect 34 bus lines and the MAX Green Line.
- Green Line trains now end at Gateway, requiring many downtown riders to transfer.
- TriMet estimated that the shorter line could add about 15 minutes to some downtown commutes.
- Lines 82-South Gresham and 153-Stafford/Salamo have been discontinued.
Green Line passengers traveling from Clackamas Town Center now transfer at Gateway to a MAX Blue or Red Line train, or use a bus serving downtown.
The transfer is among reductions affecting 34 bus lines and the Green Line. TriMet’s service plan lists route changes.
TriMet estimated that the shorter line could add about 15 minutes to some downtown commutes. Actual time depends on transfer timing.
MAX Green Line Riders Now Transfer at Gateway
Before Aug. 23, Green Line riders could travel from Clackamas Town Center into downtown without changing trains. The revised line ends at Gateway, requiring many westbound passengers to connect.
TriMet planning documents show lower combined MAX frequency. Trains on Interstate 84 shift from about every five minutes to every 7.5 minutes. Downtown Transit Mall service changes from about every 7.5 minutes to every 15 minutes as Orange and Yellow trains continue.
TriMet says buses connect most Green Line stations along Interstate 205 with downtown and may be faster for some trips. The agency advises riders to compare routes after Aug. 23.
TriMet Service Cuts Reduce Bus Coverage
The TriMet service cuts ended Lines 82-South Gresham and 153-Stafford/Salamo, which the agency identified as low-ridership routes. Line 76 between Legacy Meridian Park Hospital and Oregon City Transit Center also ended, changing West Linn and Oregon City connections.
Other routes operate for fewer hours. Line 16-NW Front Avenue has weekday commute-direction service but no weekend trips. Line 51-Vista/Sunset Boulevard and Line 45-Garden Home/Arnold Creek run around school commute times without weekend service.
Line 96-Boones Ferry Road runs during morning and afternoon commute periods, while Line 97-Tualatin-Sherwood/Kruse Way has no weekend service. After 8 p.m., Line 33 buses between Milwaukie and Clackamas Town Center arrive about hourly.
Rider Feedback Preserved Northeast Glisan Service
TriMet received 8,138 responses to its January service-cut survey and held 16 online and in-person open houses. The agency modified proposals affecting 12 bus lines, including Line 19 along Northeast Glisan Street.
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com
Line 19 continues serving Providence Portland Medical Center after concerns about medical facilities, disability programs and senior housing. The route was combined with Line 58 as Line 19-Glisan/Canyon Road. Weekday service ends around 9:30 p.m., and weekend buses arrive about hourly.
TriMet’s engagement report placed work commute disruption at 30% of coded feedback themes. Increased waits accounted for 15%, accessibility challenges for 14% and school commute effects for 13%. Respondents cited Green Line transfer reliability and limited alternatives in isolated areas.
A recent car-free living analysis found that public transit accounted for 6.1% of Portland commuters. It ranked the city No. 21 among 111 U.S. cities for public-transit commuting.
Budget Pressure Reaches Daily Schedules
TriMet attributes the reductions to a long-term operating shortfall. The agency says the average cost of operating public transit increased 56% between 2019 and 2025 while revenue did not keep pace.
Tia York, TriMet’s media relations manager, told Oregon Public Broadcasting that ridership had leveled near 70% of its prepandemic total. “Yet, our ridership and our revenues are much lower. This is part of an effort to bring everything into balance,” York said.
The fiscal 2027 budget totals $1.75 billion and uses $187.4 million from reserves to cover the expense-revenue gap. TriMet lists about $44.6 million in net spending reductions compared with the previous budget, including approximately $11 million in direct service cuts. OPB reported that more than 400 staff positions were removed in July.
An Oregon transportation survey is asking residents which services they rely on and which potential reductions would affect them most. The survey does not determine spending, but its responses will inform transportation recommendations.
Schedule Checks Become Part of the Commute
TriMet posted about 3,500 signs before the rollout and advises riders to confirm schedules, stops and line names before leaving. Weekday timetables on Lines 62-Murray Boulevard and 155-Sunnyside changed by as much as 22 minutes, while Line 86-148th Avenue shifted by up to five minutes.
The TriMet service cuts now affect planning for work, school, appointments and evening connections. Even routes that remain in operation may have a new stop, wider interval or additional transfer under the Aug. 23 schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed on the MAX Green Line?
The Green Line now operates only between Clackamas Town Center and Gateway Transit Center. Downtown riders must transfer at Gateway to a Blue or Red Line train or use a bus.
Which TriMet bus routes were discontinued?
TriMet discontinued Line 82-South Gresham and Line 153-Stafford/Salamo. Line 76 service between Legacy Meridian Park Hospital and Oregon City Transit Center also ended.
How much longer could a Green Line commute take?
A TriMet spokesperson estimated that the shorter line could add about 15 minutes to some downtown commutes. The actual change depends on the starting point, destination and transfer timing.
Why did TriMet reduce service?
TriMet attributes the reductions to an operating shortfall, higher costs and revenue that did not keep pace. The fiscal 2027 budget includes direct service cuts and relies on reserves.
Where can riders check the TriMet service cuts?
Riders can review the TriMet service cuts through official route maps, updated schedules and the trip planner. The agency recommends selecting a travel date after Aug. 23.
