Thank you for participating in discussions about TriMet bus Line 39-Lewis and Clark. Based on many comments from the community that demonstrated interest in making the Line 39 a success, I am pleased to announce that TriMet will proceed with the proposal to extend the Line 39 to Hillsdale for a six-month trial period beginning June 4, 2006.
Over the last year, TriMet has worked with neighborhood associations, business groups, Lewis and Clark College/School of Law and nearby residents and riders to look at ways to improve the ridership productivity on Line 39. We are concerned about continuing low ridership on Line 39 and the fact that ridership has declined over the last several years. We want to make the most effective use of public funding for transit service by addressing lines that have very low ridership. Staff attended several meetings with representatives from Lewis & Clark, the Collins View, Hillsdale, Multnomah and South Burlingame neighborhood associations, and other community interests to develop and evaluate alternatives that might increase ridership productivity.
As a way to increase ridership, we heard the need to extend Line 39 to nearby residential and community districts, such as Hillsdale. TriMet staff reviewed the safety and operational feasibility of all proposals and shared their findings. At the March 2nd public hearing, testimony supported the community's proposal for the six-month trial extension to Hillsdale beginning on June 4, 2006.
Throughout our discussions, and at the hearing, we explained that the key is to achieve ridership objectives. The following table displays the current ridership on Line 39 and the minimum objective to be achieved by December 4, 2006 (conclusion of the six-month trial). TriMet will provide ridership updates to you in mid-July, September and November. At the conclusion of the trial period, TriMet staff will review the ridership performance of the route and have a community meeting to discuss next steps.
If the objective is not met, we will then have to look at alternative approaches, including ways to reduce costs and service on Line 39, ranging from discontinuation of service during certain times of the day or days of the week up to discontinuation of the entire line. Thank you for participating in discussions about TriMet bus Line 39-Lewis and Clark. Based on many comments from the community that demonstrated interest in making the Line 39 a success, I am pleased to announce that TriMet will proceed with the proposal to extend the Line 39 to Hillsdale for a six-month trial period beginning June 4, 2006.
Over the last year, TriMet has worked with neighborhood associations, business groups, Lewis and Clark College/School of Law and nearby residents and riders to look at ways to improve the ridership productivity on Line 39. We are concerned about continuing low ridership on Line 39 and the fact that ridership has declined over the last several years. We want to make the most effective use of public funding for transit service by addressing lines that have very low ridership. Staff attended several meetings with representatives from Lewis & Clark, the Collins View, Hillsdale, Multnomah and South Burlingame neighborhood associations, and other community interests to develop and evaluate alternatives that might increase ridership productivity.
As a way to increase ridership, we heard the need to extend Line 39 to nearby residential and community districts, such as Hillsdale. TriMet staff reviewed the safety and operational feasibility of all proposals and shared their findings. At the March 2nd public hearing, testimony supported the community's proposal for the six-month trial extension to Hillsdale beginning on June 4, 2006.
Throughout our discussions, and at the hearing, we explained that the key is to achieve ridership objectives. The following table displays the current ridership on Line 39 and the minimum objective to be achieved by December 4, 2006 (conclusion of the six-month trial). TriMet will provide ridership updates to you in mid-July, September and November. At the conclusion of the trial period, TriMet staff will review the ridership performance of the route and have a community meeting to discuss next steps.
If the objective is not met, we will then have to look at alternative approaches, including ways to reduce costs and service on Line 39, ranging from discontinuation of service during certain times of the day or days of the week up to discontinuation of the entire line.
Ridership
| Schedule | Current | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | 129 | 200 |
| Saturday | 54 | 125 |
| Sunday | 50 | 115 |
We appreciate your interest in TriMet providing the best possible transit service. We look forward to continued work with you to increase ridership on Line 39.
Sincerely,
Fred Hansen
General Manager