September 12, 2011 - Maplewood General Meeting with Guests from TriMet:

Tom Mills and Clay Thompson of TriMet were guests in Maplewood for a meeting that proved frustrating to some who attended.  Several people shared stories about how the lack of usable public transit has negatively impacted them.  People have been unable to get to work or have had to change their schedules dramatically to accommodate the six hours of daily bus service.  Others expressed dismay about poor and rude service, drivers who pass them by and buses that never show up, leaving them in the cold, dark, and rain. 

Many neighbors were hoping to hear of possible improvements to the anemic service on Vermont Route 1, but heard instead about slashed budgets and low ridership.  Mr. Mills explained that even at its peak operational schedule, the #1 had very low ridership compared to busier lines in the area.  This made it an obvious target when the economy turned south and payroll tax revenue dropped.   How to get more bus time when the economy improves?  Ride the bus!  Each bus counts riders as they enter and exit.  The more riders, the more resources for that route.

The group discussed possible alternative routes on SW Oleson to tie into the MAX lines at the Zoo, streamlining the existing service in Maplewood, and improving transfer opportunities to duplicative lines.  Mills and Thompson reminded neighbors that the best way to provide feedback to TriMet is through the annual Transit Investment Plan (TIP) public input process in April and May and by subscribing to TriMet’s email alerts and subscriptions at http://trimet.org/emailupdates/index.htm.