January 11, 2008

TriMet holds public hearings on Fareless Square

Hearings will explore limiting hours to 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

As part of a comprehensive security plan, TriMet is proposing to limit the hours of Fareless Square to address disruptive and undesirable behavior. TriMet is proposing to limit the hours of Fareless Square within the 330-block area to 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Two public hearings will be held on this issue Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Liberty Center Auditorium
650 NE Holladay St.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Portland Building Auditorium
1120 SW 5th Ave.
5-7 p.m.

Background

Fareless Square was created in 1975 to address several objectives, primarily aimed at meeting federal Clean Air Act requirements, reducing car trips and carbon monoxide pollution. Fareless also encouraged transit use and making travel within downtown easier for commerce, retail and recreational purposes. Downtown Portland no longer has a carbon monoxide pollution problem.

Next steps

The TriMet Board of Directors will consider changes to Fareless Square at its January 23, 2008 meeting.

This effort is the first step of a comprehensive review of the role of Fareless Square.