Portland's Fareless Square to Start Charging

The largest free mass transit area in the U.S. is changing its rules next year, when it will start charging people to ride the bus.

1 minute read

August 14, 2009, 6:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

The fare-free area in downtown Portland known as Fareless Square will no longer be free for bus riders beginning in January. The 34-year-old system will still include free rides on light rail lines and streetcars.

"Though 45,000 people board buses each weekday within the fareless area, only 14,000 remain within the square, and fewer are without prepaid bus passes, according to TriMet estimates. As a result, TriMet officials Wednesday said they expected the impact would be offset by expanded free rail service."

FULL STORY: The days of a free bus ride are over

Thursday, August 13, 2009 in The Oregonian

Government / Politics Transportation Oregon Portland Transit Fares Fare-Free Transit Fareless Square View More

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