News Release

For Immediate Release

April 17, 2025

Contact: Allan Pollock, Vice President, 503-910-3288, allan.pollock@cherriots.org

Oregon transit agencies face deep cuts without changes to transportation package

Oregon Transit Association and transit providers call for phased increase in transit funding to avoid leaving tens of thousands of Oregonians without viable transit options

The Oregon Transit Association (OTA) urges members of the Oregon Legislature to take action before transit agencies across the state are forced to cut services transit riders and communities rely on.

Without state funding that goes beyond what is currently included in the initial framework for the Oregon Legislature’s 2025 statewide transportation package, transit agencies across Oregon may be forced to cut as much as 25% of their service in the next few years, with devastating impacts to the economy, environment and quality of life.

The current proposed transit funding in the statewide transportation package includes just a 0.08% increase to the employee payroll tax rate that supports transit, through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF). This would be a minimal increase to what is already a very low tax rate. A person making $50,000 a year currently pays $4.17 a month. In comparison, the average driver spends roughly $40 a month in gas taxes and vehicle fees.

Instead, OTA is calling on legislators to pass a phased 0.4% increase over eight years. This gradual increase would avert a disaster scenario for public transportation in Oregon. A survey of OTA members found nearly two-thirds (63%) of transit agencies face current or future budget deficits.

Transit service is at risk

Transit has historically been a tiny piece of Oregon’s transportation budget. Many transit agencies already had narrow operating margins even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the pandemic brought changes to work and travel patterns. Transit agencies have seen a big rise in remote work, and fare revenue is down from where it was six years ago.

Inflation has hit the public transportation sector hard, driving up the cost of providing transit service by about 50% from 2019 to 2024. Transit agencies have also invested in safety and security measures, in response to Oregon’s public safety challenges.

“The loss of fare revenue and the increase in operating costs mean transit agencies will be forced to reduce service, eliminate hundreds of jobs and cut off transit access for tens of thousands of Oregonians who depend on it,” said Jameson Auten, CEO of Lane Transit District.

Tens of thousands of Oregonians, living all over the state, depend on public transit every day. In some communities, the public bus is the school bus for many students. These students make up a portion of the roughly 25% of Oregonians who can’t or don’t drive. That quarter of the population also includes many seniors and people with disabilities, who rely on public transportation to get to the grocery store or pharmacy, to reach health care appointments, and more. For many of them, transit is an essential and often lifesaving service.

"Oregon’s public transportation sector also employs thousands,” said Julie Brown, Rogue Valley Transportation District General Manager. “Transit agencies offer family-wage jobs that are open to a wide range of people, including those without college degrees — breaking down barriers to employment and providing opportunities for advancement. Many of these jobs could be eliminated if transit is not adequately funded, causing further economic hardship.”

“Every Oregonian, regardless of age, ability or income, should be able to access affordable transportation,” said Derek Hofbauer, OTA President. “Increased transit funding will provide Oregonians better access to jobs, education, health care, and other essential services in their communities.

Investing in public transit pays off for Oregon

Investing in transit pays dividends for the economy. Every $1 invested in transit generates $5 for the local economy, according to research by the American Public Transportation Association. Transit fosters development and directly supports the economy by employing workers and giving people access to jobs, education, shopping, services and recreation. Higher transit use also means lower vehicle miles traveled, helping reduce congestion and traffic crashes, and benefiting the environment through reduced car emissions and cleaner air. 

“Transit agencies need additional funding to meet the needs of seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities,” said Sam Desue Jr., TriMet General Manager. “For this growing population, access to transit is important to ensure residents are able to access health care, VA clinics, shopping, and other important destinations.”

“The Legislature has the opportunity in this legislative session to make a historic investment in transit service,” said Allan Pollock, Cherriots (Salem Area Mass Transit District) General Manager. “The consequences of inaction would be deep and widespread.”

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We look forward to recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to public transportation and transportation options. Award winners will be recognized at the Oregon Public Transportation Conference October 27-30 at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center. A special awards luncheon will be held Tuesday, October 29th at 11:30 a.m.

Please consider nominating an individual/organization for one of these awards:

• OTA SYSTEM INNOVATION: Honoring a public transportation system that has demonstrated innovative concepts or effective problem-solving techniques not previously applied in the public transportation industry.
• OTA OUTSTANDING TRANSIT TEAM MEMBER: Honoring an employee or board member of a public transportation system who has made outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.
• OTA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Honoring a public transportation decisionmaker, elected or public official, or private citizen who has contributed at the highest level to the public transportation industry through policy, legislative initiative, and leadership.
• OTA HERO AWARD: Honoring a public transportation employee, volunteer, or passenger who has demonstrated a high level of compassion and care to those using transit services.
• OTA DRIVER OF THE YEAR: Honoring a public transportation driver who has consistently demonstrated outstanding service and care to their passengers.
• TOGO INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR:  Recognizing an individual Transportation Options (TO) professional, elected official, or private citizen who greatly contributed a TO project or program which demonstrated a reduction in drive-alone trips.
• TOGO PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Recognizes exemplary transportation options programs or projects that have demonstrated a reduction in drive alone trips or directly contributed to the implementation of Oregon’s TO Plan. 

Submit a Nomination Online by September 15th at https://forms.gle/EJDEhipE2CyTZcEp9

Hunter Nelms (right) testifies about the Lane Transit District discount pass program for the Restored Connections Peer Center in Eugene.

As the Lane Events Center in Eugene was loading in carnival rides and vendors for the Lane County Fair, legislators from the Joint Committee on Transportation and local elected officials from the region gathered to hear about transportation needs and funding from dozens of community members. Among the community members was Hunter Nelms, a formerly incarcerated individual who is in long term recovery from substance abuse. He now is a peer supervisor at Restored Connections Peer Center in Eugene that serves others with substance abuse issues and face challenges with transportation. "Thanks to the non profit bus passes and day passes from the Lane Transit District, those we serve are able to get to job interviews, work shifts, substance use disorder treatment, therapy, and visits with their children," said Nelms. He went on to describe an individual who came into the program struggling with substance abuse and because of support from Lane Transit District, is now one of the leaders in the program. "That's just one of many successes made possible by public transportation," said Nelms.

Carolyn Oakley (center) testifies about how transit helps seniors get out of their homes in the Linn County area at the committee's hearing in Albany.

Similar sentiments were heard at the Linn-Benton Community College campus in Albany by the committee, including from one of their former peers who now uses transit. Former State Rep. Carolyn Oakley, who served in the legislature from 1989 to 1999, said she has used public transit and the Paratransit Call a Ride service in Albany for 10 years. "Transit allows seniors to get out of their homes, visit their friends, have a meal at a restaurant, places of employment, and medical appointments," said Oakley. "Sitting at home is not healthy." She went on to praise transit drivers, saying "We have great drivers, they are amazing. They are sensitive to needs of dialysis patients going to the clinic three days a week which is very tough for those patients." As her two-minute timer went off, Oakley put in the last word to the committee. "I love public transportation," said Oakley. The stories at these hearings will help legislators shape what is expected to be a large transportation funding package during the 2025 session. The last transportation package, passed in 2017, created a statewide payroll tax to fund the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund, sending approximately $100 million annually to public transit providers. Agency members of the Oregon Transit Association have been actively engaged in the roadshow, which has eight more stops spanning from Coos Bay to Ontario to Hillsboro between now and the end of September. Agencies have provided busses, engaged with legislators during community roundtables, and have testified at the public hearings. OTA encourages agencies near the roadshow stops to engage with the committee and has developed a roadshow guide for how to do so. The guide was sent to transit directors last week and is available on the Members Only area of the website. The committee continues its tour Aug. 7 in Coos Bay and Aug. 8 in Medford. Additional stops include: Aug. 28 in Ontario, Aug. 29 in Hermiston, Sept. 12 in Bend, Sept. 13 in The Dalles, Sept. 25 in Salem, Sept. 26 in Happy Valley, and Sept. 27 in Hillsboro.

Over 250 public transit leaders and advocates are expected to converge in Seaside Oct. 27 for the annual Oregon Public Transportation Conference. Except this one is the first conference in person after a four year break. Conference planners have appropriately themed the conference "The ABCs of Transportation: Accessibility, Back to Basics, and Capacity Building."

The conference is Oct. 27 to 30 at the Seaside Civic and Convention Center. Registration is open now and most public transit agencies qualify for scholarship assistance from the Oregon Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division. More information and registration is available online at www.oregontransit.com. 

Keynote Speakers include:

• Scott Crabtree, CEO and "Chief Happiness Officer" of Happy Brain Science
• Anthony Poponi, CEO & Founder, Focus on the 40
• The Honorable Chris Gorsek, State Senator & Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation
• The Honorable Susan McLain, State Representative & Co-CHair of the Joint Committee on Transportation

Exhibitors and Sponsors are also coming back to Seaside and will have an impressive display of busses, vans, and other transit items. Exhibitor Registration is available online at https://whova.com/portal/registration/optc_202410/exhibitor.

Thank You to Our Sponsors! (as of 7/19/24)

• Gold
• • Schetky Bus and Van Sales
• Silver
• • Model1 Commercial Vehicles
  • Northwest Bus Sales, Inc.
• Bronze
• • Commute with Enterprise
  • Q'Straint
• Exhibitors
• • ALTRO, USA
  • Busstuf
  • Complete Coach Works
  • Freedman Seating Company
  • Gerflor USA
  • Northwest Alliance for Clean Transportation
  • Streamline
  • Transportation Options Group of Oregon
  • UZURV
  • Wabtec Bus Solutions

Submit Proposals at https://forms.gle/q5AKys8sRVGoABzU7 

Deadline to Submit: April 15, 2024

Conference Theme: ABCs of Transportation -  Accessibility, Back to Basics, and Capacity Building

Conference Date: October 27-30, 2024

Location: Seaside Civic & Convention Center

Desired Topics: Any topics related to the conference theme including Fixed Route, Demand Response, Transportation Options, Technology, Professional Development, Coordination/Communication, Success Stories

Submission Details:

• Submit proposals separately.
• Do not submit duplicate proposals under different topics. Select the topic closest to your main ideas.
• Do not submit preselected full panel proposals.
• Be sure to add ALL proposed speakers (you and a partner if it’s a joint presentation)
• OTA will communicate with the submitter for all notifications and deadlines, who must then share the information as needed with their speaker(s)
• Submissions should avoid being a sales pitch or overly commercial.
• All proposals must be submitted using the online form to be considered.
• Be concise when submitting your proposal ideas (350 words max)
• Submissions should reflect innovative, cutting-edge content.
• OTA will confirm if your submission has been accepted as a speaker on a panel or another opportunity.
• Submitters may submit multiple proposals but will only have one opportunity to speak, if selected
• After a careful review, all submitters will receive an official notification by email.
• Submissions are not automatically accepted and OTA reserves the right to make all final decisions on speaker selections.
• Decision notifications will be sent out mid to late April 2024.

The Oregon Transit Association (OTA) and the Amalgamated Transit Union 757 (ATU) are introducing Senate Bill 1553-1, which adds the use of illicit drugs on public transit to the offenses punishable under the crime of Interfering with Public Transportation (IPT).

As with most Interfering with Public Transportation offenses, a person using illicit drugs on a public transit vehicle or at a transit station could be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor. Senate Bill 1553-1 classifies this form of IPT as drug-designated misdemeanor, allowing individuals convicted of the crime to access state-funded treatment in many instances.

The bill is sponsored by State Sen. Kate Lieber (D), Dist. 14.

Stopping illicit drug use on public transit

The fentanyl addiction crisis in Oregon has led to unprecedented public emergency declarations, and the widespread open use of illicit drugs in public spaces has extended onto the state’s public transportation systems. Illicit drug use is particularly problematic on transit, which brings people together for a shared ride in the confined spaces of buses and trains.

“Transit is a vital public resource and a unique type of public space,” said Derek Hofbauer, Board President for the Oregon Transit Association. “Unlike sidewalks and other open public spaces, transit riders must wait at designated transit stops and stations, making it difficult to avoid exposure to illicit drug use.”

Public transit must feel safe and accessible for everyone, and particularly for the families, essential workers, high school students, individuals with disabilities, and other Oregonians who depend on transit as a lifeline to jobs, education, and health care. Expanding the Interfering with Public Transportation statute to cover the use of illicit drugs on transit will give law enforcement the tools necessary to keep public transit, its riders and its employees safe.

“Public transit must be a drug-free zone,” said Shirley Block President of Amalgamated Transit Union 757. “Our union operators and transit field staff have the right to do their jobs without worrying about the unpredictable behavior of people using illicit drugs or fearing potential long-term exposure to drug fumes.”

Illicit drug use on transit undermines community revitalization

Illicit drug use on or near public transit makes both riders and employees feel unsafe. When people feel unsafe, they are less likely to ride transit or seek employment as a bus driver or train operator. This cycle threatens the financial health of transit agencies and their ability to provide public transportation for their communities.

Safe and reliable public transportation is a cornerstone of a thriving society. It is a vital source of equitable transportation that contributes to community revitalization and economic development, reduces traffic congestion, and plays an important role in meeting local, regional, and statewide climate action goals.

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A new handbook will help local governments navigate state and federal funding opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

The Every Mile Counts Funding Handbook for Local Governments provides information about the various resources available, including funding amounts, which federal or state agency is in charge, when to apply, who to talk to, and where to learn more.

Read the funding handbook PDF online.

More than $369 billion in federal funds are available, thanks to recent historic investments from Congress to help the country transition to clean energy and tackle climate change. Many state funding opportunities are available, too.

The handbook was published by the Every Mile Counts partnership of state agencies, which includes the Oregon Departments of Environmental Quality, Land Conservation and Development, Transportation, and Energy.

Transportation makes up about 35% of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. State agencies are working to reduce emissions from transportation over the next several decades; by 2050, emissions will be 60% lower than they were in 1990. Learn how at the Oregon transportation emissions website.

For more information about the handbook, contact:

Cody Meyer, Land Use and Transportation Planner, DLCD, 971-239-9475.

Brian Hurley, Senior Transportation Planner, ODOT, 503-986-4398.

Suzanne Carlson, who recently served as director of ODOT's Climate Office, was named administrator for ODOT's Public Transportation Division and will join the OTA Board of Directors. 

Carlson joined ODOT as Director of its Climate Office in July 2021. She has worked throughout the country in multimodal transportation and climate action, with a focus on collaboration and results. Prior to joining ODOT, Carlson led transit and active transportation programs for Tennessee DOT, Innovate Memphis and Chicago DOT. She also served as Director of Environmental Affairs at Chicago Public Schools. Carlson has a Master’s in Public Administration and is a LEED Accredited Professional BD+C.

She can be contacted at suzanne.carlson@odot.oregon.gov or 503-986-3300.

Please welcome Suzanne to the OTA!

Legislators and transportation industry leaders, including many OTA members, attended the Oregon Transportation Forum annual meeting today in Portland at the David Evans & Associates headquarters. 

OTA board members present included President Andi Howell from Sandy Area Metro, Vice President Tom Markgraf from Tri-Met, Past President Julie Brown from Rogue Valley Transit District, Pat Walsh from Lane Transit District, Julie Wilcke Pilmer from Ride Connection, and Suzanne Carlson from the ODOT Public Transportation Division. OTA staff present included executive director Patrick Sieng and government affairs director Drew Hagedorn. Other transit advocates in attendance included Miles Pengilly from Tri-Met, Tyler Janzen from Thorn Run Partners representing Tri-Met, Waylon Buchan from CFM Advocates representing Cherriots and Rogue Valley Transit District.

Senator Brian Boquist (I-Dallas), Senator Chris Gorsek (D-Troutdale), and Representative Susan McLain (D-Hillsboro) made up the legislative panel to provide a preview to attendees of the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions. All three did not expect there to be any major transportation initiatives for the short session, but said there is a "big lift" for transportation advocates ahead of the 2025 session. 

Brown, who also chairs the Oregon Transportation Commission, also shared tidbits about her insight of the department, the state's funding challenges, and how we have to work together leading up to 2025. She was introduced by Hagedorn. Both are pictured above.

Attendees learned about transportation funding, electric vehicles, and also spent some time strategizing on how to prepare for a comprehensive funding package in the 2025 session. 

The Public Transportation Advisory Committee (PTAC) will hold its meeting both in person and by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5033836733 at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023. The agenda and materials for this meeting are available on the PTAC website.

Agenda for the May PTAC Meeting will be as follows:

• Executive Committee Update
• Approval of Recovery Funding – CARES/ARP Discretionary Grant Funds
• Approval of updated Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan for Sunset Empire Transportation District (SETD)
• ODVA- Rural Veterans Overview
• Public Transit Division Updates

Meetings of the Public Transportation Advisory Committee are open to the public, this meeting is a hybrid meeting and will take place both in person and virtually through Zoom. The in-person location will be at: The ODOT Mill Creek office - 555 13 St. NE, Salem Oregon, 97301. (Parking Permits are required and will be provided when you check in at the Mill Creek building.)

Written public comments are being accepted and can be delivered by completing the PTAC Presentation or Comment Submission form. Accommodations will be provided to people with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available on request. Please call 503-986-3300 (or statewide relay 711) for accommodations.

Meeting Materials will be provided on September 7, 2023 and if you would like to learn more about this committee’s work, visit the Public Transportation programs website.

For information: Stephanie Zellner, stephanie.zellner@odot.oregon.gov