Politics
Oregon House Bill 2891 Directs New Transit Funds to Portland Metro
Portland residents face potential adjustments to TriMet service levels and fares after the state legislature approved additional operating support for the metropolitan area.
How we reported this
The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2891 in June, allocating $52 million in new state funds to public transit districts serving the Portland metropolitan area for the 2027 fiscal year.
State budget documents show the measure responds to projected shortfalls in local sales tax revenue that support TriMet operations. The bill updates the distribution formula used by the Oregon Department of Transportation to send resources directly to agencies in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.
Changes for Portland Area Riders
TriMet operates 97 bus routes and three MAX light rail lines that recorded 92 million boardings in 2025. Under the new allocation, the agency projects it can maintain current headways on 12 routes that serve neighborhoods including Lents, Montavilla and St. Johns without implementing previously planned reductions. Local advocates note that some peak-period express routes between downtown Portland and Beaverton could see added trips during weekday commute hours.
Policy analysts at the Oregon Department of Transportation state that the funds will also offset a scheduled 5 percent fare increase set for January 2027. Monthly passes for regular adult riders would remain at $100 instead of rising to $105. The legislation states these measures apply only to the current service year and require annual legislative renewal.
Next Steps in Implementation
TriMet must submit a revised operating plan to the Oregon Transportation Commission by August 15. The commission will review the plan at its September meeting before funds begin flowing in October. County commissioners in the three affected counties will hold public hearings on route priorities during the same period.
Residents who rely on the 17 bus routes that cross the Willamette River can track updates through the TriMet website beginning in late July. The state measure does not alter capital projects such as the planned extension of the MAX Green Line to Tigard, which remains funded through separate federal and local bonds.