June 28, 2006

TriMet adopts annual budget

Includes construction start on I-205/Portland Mall light rail & commuter rail

The TriMet Board of Directors today adopted the agency's $345 million FY 2007 operating budget. The budget includes starting construction on the 8.3-mile I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail extension and the 14.7-mile Washington County Commuter Rail project.

Other FY07 budget highlights:

$1.4 million in security improvements funded by the Department of Homeland Security that includes adding CCTV security cameras to existing downtown MAX station platforms between Old Town and PGE Park stations. Installation is set to begin in spring 2007.
$285,000 for an ice cap to help prevent ice build-up on MAX overhead power wires during winter storms. Ice cap will be installed between Ruby Junction/197th Ave and Cleveland Ave stations, and between the Steel Bridge and NE 82nd Ave Station.
$1 million to start replacement of the original, 20-year old Ticket Vending Machines located along Eastside MAX line with debit/credit-card only machines.
41 Accessible Transportation Program (ATP) vehicles totaling $2.9 million, 90 percent funded with federal funds.
$4.9 million increase from last year’s original FY06 budget in diesel fuel due to record high diesel prices, bringing the fuel budget to $15 million. TriMet buys 6.5 million gallons annually. The price per gallon for fixed route service will increase from $1.50/gallon to $2.20/gallon in the FY07 budget.
A regular fare increase of 5 cents is planned for September to help cover inflation.

"This budget allows us to begin construction on two light rail extensions and commuter rail that will significantly expand our regional rail system, while increasing security on the MAX system," said TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen.

Agency Efficiencies

The FY07 budget brings the total annual Productivity Improvement Process (PIP) savings to $20.1 million in operating and capital spending. The seven-year PIP program implements suggestions from front-line employees that have changed the way the agency does business and delivers service more efficiently. This year bus and MAX schedules will be adjusted to better match ridership with service and capacity. Some low ridership trips will be eliminated.

The budget year begins, July 1, 2006; the five-cent fare increase will take effect Sept. 1, 2006.