Saving Yourself and The Planet on Public Transportation

Easily one of the most difficult aspects of living around Portland is the struggle to remain green while still getting around the area in an inexpensive way. Luckily, we’ve been blessed to live in an area with one of the top-rated transit systems in the country, reaching from Hillsboro all the way out to Gresham. However, as many of us know, this can be very expensive for a daily commuter. Trimet, through the MAX light rail and bus lines, has recognized this and created several programs that offer discounts and far assistance for riders of all walks of life. 

Trimet currently charges $2.50 for a 2 1/2 hour pass, and $5 for a full day pass, which can be conveniently acquired through an app or at a MAX or bus stop. 

In efforts to save customers money, Trimet now offers Youth and Honored Citizen passes. Youth passes are for high school or GED students aged 7-17, and Honored Citizen passes are available for low-income riders, seniors ages 65 and older, and riders with mental or physical disabilities. 

Both of these passes can be purchased at MAX or bus stops, and are only $1.25 for 2 1/2 hours, or $2.50 for a full day. The only requirement is that proper identification be shown when riding the bus or asked by a far inspector. In addition, high school students showing their student ID during the school year ride for free. Information on how to qualify for these passes can be found here.

What about students in college, you ask? It’s difficult enough to pay for school, but funding transportation throughout the area can be pricey. Well, Trimet has that covered as well. Currently, Trimet has what is known as the Student FlexPass, which offer the same low rates as Youth and Honored Citizen passes. This is a quarterly pass that can be used on buses and MAX lines throughout the city and is simply a sticker on the student’s PSU ID to be shown upon request. 

The FlexPass will soon be phased out at the end of the summer of 2019, though, for what will be now known as the Viking Pass. Similar to other MAX and bus passes, the Viking Pass will be available on the PSU student pass and can be scanned on any bus or train. The beauty of this new pass is that should the pass be lost or stolen, it can always be replaced without losing any value. Information for the FlexPass can be found here.

These passes are sold quarterly, so pay close attention to the sale dates!

In addition to student, low income, and youth transit passes, there are also discounts that can be found with many employers throughout the area. Always check with your current employer to see if they have anything in place for public transportation discounts!