as TriMet gets more expensive and less
convenient.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
As you might have already heard, TriMet made their 2013 budget final yesterday. In front of a crowd that observers said was historic and raucous, the TriMet Board finalized a slate of significant changes to fares and service aimed at filling a $12 million budget shortfall.
Effective in September of this year, TriMet fares will get more expensive ($2.50 for two-hour pass, $5 for all-day), there will no longer be a Free Rail Zone, and many bus lines will be rerouted or cut back.
In a nutshell, using TriMet will get more expensive and less convenient, thus making it less competitive with both driving and bicycling. Since many Portlanders are already into riding bikes and leading a low-car life, it seems this could lead to a bump in bike use.
Michael Andersen with Portland Afoot was at the board meeting yesterday. He Tweeted about one woman made her plans clear to the board during testimony:
Another TriMet rider who also rides his bike around town, Tommy Brooks, shared a more humorous take on the situation yesterday:
As we shared back in February, this decision by TriMet is not good news for Portland’s low-car future; but what exactly do you think the impact will be?
As TriMet loses its luster, will more people drive cars? Ride bikes? Both?