1. Keeping Transit Affordable Lessons learned from the front lines
Jake Warr, Title VI & Equity Programs Administrator

2. Local and national context

3. Poverty is increasing…

4. …somewhat consistently by race/ethnicity…
Source: US Census Bureau

5. …but not in the Portland region.

6. Meanwhile… Portland MSA
Source: Housing & Transportation Affordability Index, Center for Neighborhood Technology

7. Not to mention… Image credit: pressherald.com
Image credit: oregonmetro.gov
Image credit: Oregonlive.com

8. What is the role for transit agencies?

9. Traditional Approaches
Free or discounted tickets and passes for non-profit organizations
Discounted fares for seniors and people with disabilities (required by FTA)
Discounted monthly passes

10. New(ish) Models Comprehensive low-income fare programs Fare capping
Longer transfer times

11. Trimet’s experience

12. What we’ve heard
Fare affordability one of most common topics brought up by community
Different riders use fares differently
Opportunity for targeted strategies (e.g. extended transfer times)
Current program not reaching all who need assistance

13. Low-income Fare Program
&
Challenges
Opportunities
$$$
Political will
Current agencies/ partners purchasing fares
Administration
Eligibility
Clarity of mission
Electronic fare media
Local Advocacy

14. Next steps* Peer review Cost modeling
Identification of potential funding sources
Convene partners/stakeholders/community
Determine administration
*Not necessarily sequential

15. Thank you!
Jake Warr