TriMet personnel & security staff
It takes teamwork to keep everyone safe and transit running smoothly.
Ride on our transit system and you’ll likely see many different types of customer service, operations and security staff. Each has their own role and skills they bring to the table. All are here to help you safely get where you need to go.
This page is a guide to all the groups of people who work on our system, what they do and what uniforms they wear.
A note about ICE
TriMet does not work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Nor will we inquire about anyone’s immigration status. Sometimes, people claim otherwise on social media. Please do not spread these baseless rumors that only serve to discourage vulnerable members of our community from using transit.
Ride Guides
Ride Guides
Duties
- Assist TriMet operators and supervisors during special events and service disruptions
- Engage with and assist riders
- Educate riders about the TriMet system
- Encourage safe behavior around buses and trains
- Report serious concerns to TriMet’s Operations Command Center, police, or emergency responders
Uniforms
- Blue vests with orange stripes
- TriMet logo and “Ride Guide” on back and left chest
- TriMet employee ID on request
Customer Service Representatives
Customer Service Representatives
Duties
- Engage with and assist riders
- Educate riders about the Hop Fastpass® fare system, safety and service adjustments
- Encourage safe behavior around buses and trains
- Assist TriMet operators and supervisors during special events and service disruptions
- Report serious concerns to TriMet’s Operations Command Center, police, or emergency responders
Uniforms
- High-visibility yellow safety vests
- “Customer Information” on back and left chest of vest
- TriMet employee ID on request
Field Supervisors
Field Supervisors
Duties
- Assist with TriMet operations
- Assist riders and employees
- Respond to serious incidents and emergencies
- Encourage safe behavior around buses and trains
- Report serious concerns to TriMet’s Operations Command Center, police, or emergency responders
Uniforms
- White or light blue TriMet shirt with navy blue or grey pants or shorts
- High-visibility yellow safety vest with “TriMet” on back and/or left chest
- May wear a navy or bright blue, black or grey coat with TriMet logo
- May wear TriMet supervisor or TriMet inspector badge
- TriMet employee ID on request
You may sometimes see other TriMet staff out assisting riders and employees on our system. They will all have TriMet safety vests.
Customer Safety Officers and Supervisors
Duties
- Work together to patrol the TriMet system, discourage inappropriate behavior
- Supervisors enforce our rules (the TriMet Code), including checking to make sure riders have valid fare
- Assist riders and employees
- Report serious concerns to TriMet’s Operations Command Center, police, or emergency responders
Supervisor Uniforms
- White or light blue TriMet shirt with navy blue or grey pants or shorts
- May wear a high-visibility yellow vest or coat, or navy or royal blue or black coat with TriMet logo on left chest
- TriMet logo and “Customer Safety” printed on back of top/coat, and on sleeves
- “TriMet Customer Safety Supervisors” patch on left chest on vest and coats
- May wear a TriMet inspector badge
- Trimet employee ID on request
TriMet Customer Safety Supervisors
Officer Uniforms
- Two-toned bright blue and black shirts and coats, black pants and high-visibility blue/yellow safety vest
- TriMet logo and “Customer Safety Officer” on back of top/coat, and on sleeves
TriMet Customer Safety Officers
Safety Response Team
Safety Response Team
Duties
- Provide a presence on the system while assisting riders, TriMet employees and the public
- Discourage inappropriate behavior
- Assist riders, employees and others in need on or near our transit system
- Conduct social service outreach and provide referrals to health care, housing, mental health and addiction services
- Offer conflict resolution services
- Perform first aid
Uniforms
- Two-toned bright blue and black shirts and coats, black pants and high-visibility blue/yellow safety vests
- “Safety Response Team” on back
- TriMet log and “Safety Response Team” patch on sleeve
Allied Transit Security Officer
Allied Transit Security Officers
Duties
- Patrol the TriMet system, discourage inappropriate behavior
- Report serious concerns to police, emergency responders
- Assist riders and employees
- Encourage safe behavior around buses and trains
Uniforms
- Black pants and high-visibility yellow/black top or high-visibility yellow coat
- “Transit Security” on back of top or coat
- TriMet logo/Allied patch on left chest
Note: Allied Transit Security Officers (and personnel from other security companies) work for other local organizations, such as banks and schools. Many of their employees take transit to work. If they’re monitoring on our system, their uniform will say “Transit Security” on the back.
Police officers
Transit Police officer
Duties
- Patrol the TriMet system, discourage inappropriate behavior
- Respond to serious incidents, emergencies
- Enforce local/state laws, TriMet Code
- Assist riders and employees
Uniforms
- Police uniform and gear
- May have “Transit Police” patch
- Badge and patch of home agency (i.e., Port of Portland, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office)
- Police ID available on request
Working Together For Safety
TriMet employees, security officers and Transit Police officers want to help you have a safe, enjoyable and reliable ride on our transit system. Please approach us if you have a concern, you see something suspicious, you’re not sure how to pay fare or just need help getting where you need to go.
For serious issues, contact the vehicle operator, if possible. MAX and WES trains have up to four emergency intercoms to reach the operator.
If a crime is occurring or there is an immediate threat, call 9-1-1. If you cannot safely make the call, text 9-1-1.
If the issue is not urgent but you need help and don’t see a member of our staff or security personnel, contact our Rider Support team. Call 503-238-RIDE (7433) seven days a week between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
See something, say something
If you see suspicious behavior or a suspicious package, or if there’s an emergency or unsafe situation on board, tell a TriMet employee, security officer, police officer or call 9-1-1.
Protect your stuff
Please keep personal items, such as purses, bags, backpacks and packages, with you at all times. Keep electronic devices in your pocket or bag, and be aware of your surroundings.