The overhaul marks TriMet’s biggest service reduction since a 20% pandemic-era cut in April 2020, with the rail system never before scaled back this far.
A $158 million budget gap is driving the changes after Oregon’s transportation package collapsed and voters rejected a May gas-tax measure meant to help preserve service.
TriMet has already cut 500 jobs, to about 3,200 staff, while posting 3,500 notices across the region to direct riders to updated trip-planning information.
The agency says payroll-tax funding has weakened since 2024 as ridership remains about 70% of pre-pandemic levels, leaving broader questions about how Portland transit will be funded.