Page 186 - TransportationPlanUsetsGuide

In addition to the fixed routes described in Table 3.19, TriMet provides LIFT paratransit service - a shared ride advance-
reservation service for people who cannot use regular buses or trains due to a disability or disabling health condition.
Users must meet ADA eligibility criteria and be registered with TriMet. The LIFT vehicle fleet includes small buses, vans,
and taxis, serving the area generally extending 0.75 miles beyond the outer limits of TriMet bus and MAX lines, but
no further than the TriMet service district boundary. The nonprofit Ride Connection, described later, offers paratransit
service in a larger area of Washington County.

Systemwide, TriMet has seen year-to-year ridership increases in all but two years since 1999; there were decreases
in 2006 and 2010. In fiscal year 2012, TriMet boardings surpassed 102 million, an all-time high. Between 2000 and
2010, boardings increased 23 percent, significantly higher than the tri-county population increase of 14 percent during
the same decade. Between 2011 and 2012, the greatest gains by service type occurred on WES Commuter Rail, with a
13percent increase in boardings, compared to a two percent increase on MAX and bus lines. The highest weekday rid-
ership figures occurred on lines that offer frequent service and have long routes, such as the MAX Blue Line and Route
57-TV Highway.

All TriMet buses have ramps or lifts to accommodate persons who have difficulty with steps or who use mobility devices.
As of 2012, low-floor buses with ramps make up about two-thirds of the fleet. On MAX, every train has at least one low-
floor car to accommodate people with disabilities. All WES commuter trains have accessible level boarding from station
platforms. TriMet records the location and frequency of all bus ramp/lift deployments to understand where additional
bus stop or other access improvements may be needed.

TriMet bus stops range from signposts along unimproved road shoulders to more functional and fully-accessible stops
with sidewalk connections, concrete pads, bus shelters, benches, trash cans and lighting. MAX and WES stations and
transit centers generally have more amenities than individual bus stops, with shelters and seating, real-time arrival
displays, bicycle parking, public art, and at some locations, food vendors. TriMet has guidelines and standards for
bus stops and amenities. Due to budget limitations TriMet typically provides shelters and benches only at the highest
ridership bus stops (and at all rail stations). Out of 1,993 transit stops in Washington County in spring 2012, 318 (16
percent) had a shelter, bench and trash can. Several “major bus stops” (stops with 100 or more boardings during an
average weekday) have no amenities; many of these deficient stops are on busy roadways like Cedar Hills Boulevard or
Hall Boulevard.

Table 3�19: TriMet Transit Routes Serving Washington County
Headways
Route (Weekday frequent Terminus Terminus (weekday peak/ Days of
service routes in bold) (outbound) (inbound) Service
mid-day, minutes)
MAX Blue Line Hillsboro Gresham 7/15 7 days
Beaverton/
MAX Red Line Portland Airport 15/15 7 days
Hillsboro
Westside Express Service (WES) Wilsonville Beaverton 30/NA M-F peak
Commuter Rail
Parkrose- Sum-
12 – Barbur/Sandy Blvd Tigard TC 15/15 7 days
ner TC
20 – Burnside/Stark Beaverton TC Gresham TC 15/40 7 days
Tualatin Park Lake Oswego TC
36 – South Shore 30/90 M-F
& Ride or Portland
Tualatin Park
37 – Lake Grove Lake Oswego TC 45/90 M-F
& Ride
Tualatin Park Portland City
38 – Boones Ferry Rd 30/NA M-F peak
& Ride Center

166 PART 3: TRANSPORTATION MODAL ELEMENTS
Effective November 27, 2015 • Updated December, 15 2016