The majority of revenue (57%) comes
from payroll taxes paid by business
along the rail lines... more rail lines
mean more revenue for TriMet.
were all positively affected by new light rail lines
in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Charlotte, and Denver. In
2005, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance of Portland
surveyed riders if they walk or bike to the light rail
station – 70% of respondents said “yes.” “With other
light-rail developments we’ve seen increases in walking
and biking,” said Rob Sadowsky, executive director of
the BTA. “And we think that will also happen with the
Orange Line, particularly because it’s going through
established neighborhoods with streets and sidewalks.”
TriMet estimates that the new Orange like will shrink
vehicle trips by 9,100 on weekdays and increase work
rides to downtown Portland by 20%.
But how much of the South Corridor Project is funded
by tax payers and will fares be raised? According to
Mary Fetsch, “…50% of the project was paid for by the
federal government and other partners have contributed
to the rest of the balance with no cost to riders”. Fetsch
assured us that, “No fares will be raised next year.”
Cynthia Reynoso, Portland resident and frequent
TriMet rider seems to agree with the new plan: “I think
having something is better than having nothing at
all. I come from San Diego where we don’t even have
a light rail. But I would like to see free Wi-Fi, outlets
for charging, better ventilation, and later hours on the
MAX and streetcar.”
“I think having something is better than
having nothing at all. I come from San
Diego where we don’t even have a light
rail. But I would like to see free Wi-Fi,
outlets for charging, better ventilation, and
later hours on the MAX and streetcar.”
50% of the project was paid for by the
federal government and other partners
have contributed to the rest of the
balance with no cost to riders.
TriMet only gets 25% of their revenue
from passenger fares, 10% from state
and federal grants, and 9% from other
unnamed “sources” according to a report
published by TriMet. But the majority of
revenue (57%) comes from payroll taxes
paid by business along the rail lines.
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