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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (June 20, 2012)
Follow Your Passions First lady speaks to Oregon State University grads See story, page 7 Home Building Dreams East Portland Habitat fo r Humanity blitz gijjortlanò 'City o/Roses' VolumeXXXXI Number 23 www.p www.portlandobserver.com Wedne Wednesday • June 20. 2012 Bfl IL3 See Metro, page 11 Established in 1970 years of Committed to Cultural Diversity •^community service photo by M ark W ashington /T he P ortland O bserver Calvin Henry boards a MAX train in north Portland on Monday. In September, the cost to ride both TriMet light-rail and buses will rise to $2.50 for an adult fare. The transit agency also is eliminating pricing by zones, and the rail-free zone downtown and in the Lloyd District. TriMet Fills Shortfall proved a series of higher fares and service cuts. “During this budget process, the agency faced many tough choices, but we believe this is a responsible and sound budget,” TriMet Board P re sid e n t B ruce W arn er said Wednesday. “It reflects the public by M indy C ooper and the board’s priority to preserve T he P ortland O bserver service and navigate the financial After nearly eight months of pub uncertainties ahead.” lic outreach to tackle a $ 12 million The shortfall stems from the slow budget shortfall, TriMet has ap economic recovery, anticipated cuts Higher fares and service cuts to come in federal operating funds, and an un reso lv ed lab o r c o n tra ct for TriMet workers. “We have few options to help close the budget shortfall,” said Mary Fetsch, TriMet media rela tions officer. “And cutting services and raising fares are really the two main ways wecan fill this shortfall.” Depending on the outcome of a These are tough choices and tough times, but we are working to get the union contract and benefits in line with the market so we can become financially sustainable. - Mary Fetsch, TriMet media relations officer gj| pending arbitration over benefits with union employees, TriMet may also need to cut an additional $5 million. “These are tough choices and tough times, but we are working to get the union contract and benefits in line with the market so we can become financially sustainable,” Fetsch said. For the current budget hole, the agency said it tried to retain as much bus and light-rail service as pos sible. TriMet also focused on transit equity to ensure changes don’t have continued on page 5
