The TriMet agency is cutting service on multiple transit lines, reducing customer service phone hours and eliminating over 100 staff positions.
Portland-area transit riders will begin seeing significant reductions in service as the TriMet agency begins making cuts to make up for a massive budget deficit, reports Hannah Seibold in the Portland Tribune.
Since it announced its budget gap last summer, TriMet has paused planned service expansions, reduced spending and cut staff. It now plans to eliminate another 400 positions starting on July 1.
Starting on August 23, TriMet will reduce service on 33 transit lines, including eliminating two bus routes, shortening the MAX Green Line, and reducing frequency on some routes. "Overall, TriMet said weekly bus service hours will decrease by about 3.1%, while MAX service hours will drop by nearly 9%."
Beyond transit service, the agency will also cut other ancillary services, such as weekend customer service phone operations.
FULL STORY: TriMet approves deep cuts as layoffs, service reductions threaten transit riders across Portland region
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