NEAL BERLIN ON THE FARE INCREASE

 My comment on the potential of fare increases: Since service cuts are now 20% how about reducing the already bloated TriMet management bureaucracy by the same number?

Note there was no mention of how much revenue is receiving from the 2017 Transportation Tax( passed without a public vote) that taxes every taxpayer in the State of Oregon,even those who will not ever use the transit system. Of all the revenue collected State wide,90% goes directly to TriMet. The other 10% goes to transit agencies across the state. TriMet charges 5% fee to administer the distribution of those funds.

How about TriMet CEO Sam The Man consider returning the current raise of $10,000 until things get on solid Financial footing? Oh yea, it was the bobble head TriMet Board of Directors who gave to him for his excellent work. Note the highest payed TriMet CEO with lowest ridership numbers ever.

Do really think the bureaucratic structure and culture that has created financial concerns is capable of solving revenue short falls without tax hikes instead of budget cuts?

Note the fare Evasion Survey methodology is so flawed. Just look at past platforms video when Fare Evasion Survey Inspectors get on a MAX the mass exodus of passengers to the open doors sku any results. Fare evasion is running between 35% to 40%. So using TriMets own calculations the comes to loss of revenue between $ 35 to $ 40 million.

Note the article did not state what TriMet fare evasion rate is. If they use the same methodology to tally assaults on operators you know the number will not be accurate. Just take the number of ridership and divide it by revenue recipients. Not completely accurate but close enough for government work.

Where Is METRO? They failed to assert there fiduciary duties of oversight of TriMet. Not that they are competent to do so but it would be good place to start.