Transit Group Says TriMet Should Establish Fare for Low-Income Riders

TriMet is being asked to create a monthly pass for low-income riders that would cost the same as the ones currently being sold to riders with disabilities and senior citizens.

The proposal comes from Bus Riders Unite, part of OPAL (Organizing People/Activating Leaders) Environmental Justice Oregon.

In areport released Wednesday, the group asserts that making the $28 pass available to low-income riders would cost between $4.5 million and $9 million, depending on how many passes are sold.

The group says that the income levels would be less than $23,760 for an individual and $48,600 for a family of four.

The report suggests several methods to pay for the discounted passes including imposing an additional tax, increasing advertising revenue, increasing fares on WES lines that "effectively duplicate" certain TriMet bus lines, and charge for parking at TriMet park and ride facilities.

Earlier this year, TriMet authorized a study into the feasibility of a low-income fare program.

Photo Colin Miner