TriMet Exploring Reduced Fare for Low-Income Riders

TriMet is looking into whether a program offering a reduced fare for low-income riders would be feasible.

The agency has hired a consultant to study the issue from a variety of angles including reduced fares for people making 150 percent, 185 percent, and 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

The study was first reported by The Oregonian.

According to the request for quotations that Trimet sent out to prospective consultants, one of the questions they would like answered is "is there a way to get current partners or others to help pay for or administer the program?"

TriMet suggests studying some similar programs that have been started recently.

"A number of transit agencies have developed programs to increase transit access for low-income riders, such as the ORCA Lift Program chartered by King County Metro," TriMet wrote. "Many of these programs are still in their infancy and their impacts are still being evaluated. Some programs provide targeted or relatively modest benefits at a modest cost.

"Other programs, such as the one in King County, provide more comprehensive benefits but at a significantly higher cost."

TriMet hopes to have the study completed by September.