A good overview of the system.
It just lacks the important underlying details such as ridership numbers, increased of crime along the alignment, the slow pace of getting thru downtown ( does not even mention the closing of five platforms) and the cost to taxpayers to keep the system running that has NEVER ever met any of projections of ridership since the first tracks where laid.The system as spawn a growth in a bureaucracy of management that is non responsive to the core mission: public transportation that moves people in a timely manner and with safety for its passengers as well as its employees.
Current ridership is at all time low, not only to the COVID crisis but many other factors like crime and the time it takes to get to one’s final destination (let alone back home…if buses/train is even running at that time).
Ridership was falling BEFORE the COVID crisis, just review by watching the CEO monthly report to the TriMet Board of Directors.
One false excuse was offered every month as to why…gas prices. Weather and mechanical break downs ( due to poor maintenance, that was definitely not mentioned).
To put the best spin on declining ridership (pre COVID and “ peaceful riots “) the TriMet CEO would conclude with: Compared to other transit agencies things are not as bad.
The TriMet Board (of Bobble Heads) would shake their heads in agreement and say : Thanks for an excellent report. You are doing a great job.
Bonuses checks to management where on the way! The last one to last CEO was a raise of $15,000 and 12 days more of vacation. Meanwhile back at the ranch, the Rank & File more takeaways from benefits where being implemented along with a Spanish Inquisition type of efficiency on most all customer complaints.
So it goes…Two Bells.
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