April 12 , 2006

TriMet rolls out annual budget

Includes construction start on I-205/Portland Mall

Light Rail & commuter rail

TriMet unveiled its $343 million proposed FY 2007 operating budget at today’s Board of Directors meeting that includes starting construction on the 8.3-mile I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail extension and the 14.7-mile Washington County Commuter Rail project.

Other FY07 budget proposal highlights:

$1.4 million in security improvements includes adding CCTV security cameras to downtown MAX station platforms; funded with Department of Homeland Security funds.
$285,000 for ice cap to help prevent ice build-up on MAX overhead power wires during winter storms. Ice cap will be installed between Ruby Junction/197th Ave and Cleveland Ave stations, and between the Steel Bridge and NE 82nd Ave Station.
$1 million to start replacement of the original, 20-year old Ticket Vending Machines located along Eastside MAX line with debit/credit-card only machines.
41 Accessible Transportation Program (ATP) vehicles totaling $2.9 million, 90 percent funded with federal funds.
$4.9 million increase from last year’s original FY06 budget in diesel fuel due to record high diesel prices, bringing the fuel budget to $15 million. TriMet buys 6.5 million gallons annually. The price per gallon for fixed route service will increase from $1.50/gallon to $2.20/gallon in the FY07 budget.
A regular fare increase of 5 cents is planned for September to help cover inflation.

“This budget allows us to move forward on building and expanding our regional rail system, increase security on the MAX system and better respond to swings in the price of diesel,” said TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen.

The proposed budget brings the total annual Productivity Improvement Process (PIP) savings to $20.1 million in operating and capital spending. The seven-year PIP program takes front-line employee suggestions that have changed the way the agency does business and delivers service more efficiently. This year bus and MAX schedules will be adjusted to better match ridership with service and capacity. Some low ridership trips will be eliminated.

The Board will adopt the budget at its June 28th meeting; the budget year begins, July 1, 2006.