The operator of Portland’s MAX light rail announced in late July that it would reduce service by 18 percent — the largest cut in the system’s history — due to a lack of state funding.
TriMet officials said that since 2019, the agency has “faced staggering cost increases” for labor, vehicles, facilities, contractors, equipment, and software. For a few years, the agency managed to dip into its reserves to help cover its funding gap. However, because the Oregon Legislature failed to address the issue during its recent session, the agency will need to start making cuts this fall. These cuts will begin with bus services but will be extended to MAX service next spring. Between May 2026 and August 2027, TriMet intends to reduce frequency on all MAX lines during certain parts of the day…