DOING THE MATH-TRIMET FARE INCREASE

This policy is a firm message from TriMet: We don’t want you, families. We far prefer commuters — who already go only one-way and can pay more, who are choosing the bus for convenience and downtown parking prices, not because it is the only option — and the elderly, whose discounted fares won’t increase and who, TriMet’s spokesperson says, tend to travel farther. A day-long ticket for these travelers would only be $2.
Many of the bus drivers are wonderful and sweet to my children; many other riders, too, light up with smiles and stories when we come aboard. My children love to sit in the way-back of the bus, where the teenagers and the surliest of the bus riders usually sit. Rarely do I see those bubbly boys fail to coax a smile out of at least one of the frowny-faced riders. Often I am surprised at how welcome we feel. Always I am glad to give my children the opportunity to interact with adults of all sorts.
Sadly, TriMet’s leadership does not share this welcome, and would rather have me interact only with my own kind (other families in minivans and Volvos, I suppose).

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