Fareless Square Public Process

Deciding the future of TriMet's fare-free zone

In January 2008, TriMet asked for feedback on a proposal to reduce the hours of Fareless Square as a step to improve passenger safety and security. After hearing strong objections, TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen withdrew the proposal and called for a comprehensive review of free ride policy objectives and alternatives.

TriMet then began informal meetings with stakeholders to gather input on Fareless Square.

In February 2008, the Portland Business Alliance (PBA) convened a task force of downtown stakeholders to consider the original policy objectives behind the formation of Fareless Square, determine their relevance today, and develop an updated set of goals and objectives. Task force meetings included presentations from community leaders sharing their perspective on the benefits and drawbacks of Fareless Square. Their feedback is summarized in the Fareless Square Policy Review (PDF).

The primary goals and considerations identified by the PBA task force included:

  • Support the central city business environment and promote economic development
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote and improve transit use
  • Reinforce land use and support parking management policies
  • Support safety and promote an enjoyable experience for passengers
  • Connect the east and west sides of the river to support a greater downtown, enhancing the tourism and convention industries
  • Support Portland's identity as an environmentally progressive city
  • Support cost-efficient service and effective use of TriMet funds

TriMet commissioned a nationally recognized transit industry consulting firm—Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates Inc.—to conduct interviews with stakeholders, providing a forum that allowed them to speak freely about Fareless Square.

Although there were diverse opinions expressed throughout meetings and interviews, a common theme emerged: Fareless Square is an important icon that has become part of the City's unique identity, and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and being a "green city."

The consultant evaluated several potential service options for Fareless Square in light of the stated policy goals and stakeholder input. They suggested a few alternatives for future consideration: limiting Fareless to rail only; considering a $1 fare in the Central City; moving the Lloyd District boundary to 7th Avenue or the Convention Center; and maintaining Fareless largely in its current form, but addressing security issues and investigating additional funding from the downtown business community—similar to the Lloyd District arrangement. The PBA endorsed keeping free rides on rail only.

Options presented to the public for consideration

Based on stakeholder input, the consultant's recommendations and operational considerations, TriMet presented four options for public comment:

  • No Changes: This option would maintain the current service configuration. However, keeping the current system in place would not address any of the problems associated with Fareless Square, such as safety and security, fare enforcement and revenue loss.
  • Limit to Rail Only: Free service would continue to be available on all rail lines in Fareless Square (including the new Green Line on the transit mall, as well as the Portland Streetcar)—but buses would no longer be included.
  • Adjust Lloyd District Boundaries: This option includes limiting the boundaries of Fareless Square on the east side to the light rail stations at either the Oregon Convention Center or 7th Avenue. Proponents of boundary adjustments suggest that excluding the Lloyd Center stop would help reduce undesirable and disruptive behavior, while improving quality of life issues around the Lloyd Center stop. Easy east-west travel across the river would be maintained.
  • Institute a $1 Fare: All bus and MAX rides that are currently free would cost $1. While a $1 fare would generate additional revenue and might address some security concerns, it would also make transit downtown less convenient and would eliminate a well-known Portland icon.

We held open houses in January 2009 to provide information to riders and get feedback on the four options. We received more than 500 comments.

Next steps

Based on public feedback, TriMet is proposing that Fareless Square become rail-only effective January 2010.