Adams, TriMet clash over school passes

KOIN:

By Jim ReddenThe Portland TribuneTriMet is asking the Portland City Council to reject or delay a fee increase proposed by Mayor Sam Adams to pay for free rides for public school students.Adams has asked the council to increase the minimal fee TriMet pays for benches and shelters on city property by 8,000 percent. Such an increase would raise about $2 million that Adams would use to maintain the Free Youth Pass program that is expiring.The council is scheduled to take up the proposal on Wednesday. But on Tuesday, TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane and Board of Director President Bruce Warner wrote the council and asked them not to do anything at that time.According to the letter, TriMet had not paid for the program previously. It had been supported in part by Business Energy Tax Credits approved by the Oregon Legislature. That funding has not been renewed and TriMet did not plan on picking up the cost in the budget that tales effect on July 1. In fact, the board raised fares and cut service to close a $12 million shortfall.“If you enact this ordinance and fee increase, we would need to make additional service cuts which would have a devastating impact on riders throughout the region, many in Portland,” the letter says.The letter says TriMet is open to helping fund the program. Among other things, the regional transit agency would consider supplementing the school district’s contribution to make the passes available to those on qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. TriMet would also consider paying one-third of the costs along with the district and city.“We are happy to consider these conversations,” the letter says.

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