TriMet will begin restoring weekday bus service to about 90% of pre-pandemic levels beginning on Sunday, Aug. 30, when fall service changes take effect.
The regional transit agency reduced service by about 20% in early April when ridership dropped due to COVID-19.
"The pandemic has changed the way we live, the way we gather, the way we travel — and transit has changed a lot, too," said TriMet General Manager Doug Kelsey. "Before COVID-19, TriMet was in the midst of the largest bus service expansion in our region's history. However, the pandemic had us turning our focus to efforts that help keep riders and employees safe, while keeping essential workers moving.
"With all the steps we've taken and as more service returns, we want to show our riders we are ready for them when they're ready to come back to transit."
Regular weekday service returns to 20 bus lines starting Monday, Aug. 31. More than 420 trips will be added to the schedule, bringing service levels to near where they were before the pandemic.
TriMet said its 65 additional bus lines will stay at current service levels, and MAX and WES schedules will remain the same. This will help keep operations in line with ridership, with fewer people commuting during peak travel times and fewer buses needed for high school student trips.
TriMet will continue to limit the number of riders on buses to leave space for physical distancing. However, in restoring service on 20 popular lines, riders gain more options for their trips and can expect fewer buses that are at capacity, TriMet said.
With Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties still in phase one of the state of Oregon's reopening plan, TriMet asks that riders continue to only use transit for necessary trips. TriMet said it has put numerous measures in place to help keep people healthy and safe. They include limiting passengers, requiring face masks, making hand sanitizer available and more cleaning and sanitation.
