Winter Weather Tips
When the weather turns bad, many people ride TriMet so they don't have to hassle with driving or worry about getting stuck. If you plan to take TriMet during a snow/ice storm, here's what you need to know:
Safety comes first
TriMet operators are trained to handle adverse weather conditions, and chains are installed on all buses during a snow or ice storm. However, buses will not travel roads that are unsafe for driving.
Some buses will run on snow routes
Buses may not serve parts of their regular routes that are deemed dangerous because of steep hills, etc. Visit the service alerts page at trimet.org or call 503-238-RIDE (7433) to check whether your bus line is on a snow route. You can also watch for announcements on local TV and radio stations.
Some bus lines will be canceled
If a route has steep hills or other potential dangers, service may be canceled until the roads have been cleared.
Buses will not be running on schedule
Snow and ice on the roads affects all traffic, so buses may experience significant delays during weather emergencies. Plus, chained buses cannot travel more than 25 mph. However, buses should still arrive at regular intervals.
TransitTracker may be offline
When many vehicles are delayed, TriMet's TransitTracker™ real-time arrival information system cannot accurately predict when vehicles will arrive at specific stops. As a result, it may be unavailable during bad weather. You can still check trimet.org or call 503-238-RIDE for the most up-to-date information on route detours and cancellations.
Preparation pays off
TriMet staff will be at major transit centers throughout the region to assist riders. Here's how you can make your own preparations:
- Dress warmly and expect delays.
- If there's no traffic going by your bus stop, walk to a stop on a sanded, busy street.
- If your stop is in the middle of a hill, walk to the bottom where the bus can safely stop.
- Stand back from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop; it can slide sideways in slippery conditions.