August 12, 2009

Changes to Fareless Square approved

TriMet board votes to limit free rides to MAX and Portland Streetcar

TriMet's board of directors today voted to change Fareless Square to rail only. The board voted 6-1 to make the change, which becomes effective on Sunday, January 3, 2010.

With this change, TriMet will also create an annual pass for seniors and people with disabilities who live downtown within Fareless Square for travel on buses within the fareless zone. The downtown-only Honored Citizen Pass will cost a nominal fee for the photo ID pass for people who are 65 years of age or older or have a disability.

History of Fareless Square

Fareless Square was implemented 34 years ago to help address air quality issues, specifically reducing carbon monoxide, as well as reduce car trips downtown and increase transit usage. At that time, the transit system consisted only of buses, but has since expanded to four MAX lines and the Portland Streetcar. Nearly all trips within Fareless Square can be accommodated on rail. The change would make riding transit in downtown less confusing, since not all buses travel the length of the Mall. It also allows buses to operate more efficiently, and reduces any conflict with operators for riders who may not have paid a fare at the Fareless Square boundary.

After weeks of public outreach, most support changing Fareless Square to rail-only: 51% stated support for the proposal.