TriMet Announces Layoffs, Works to Close $300 Million shortfall
Transit agency cuts $17.7 million in internal spending, eliminates 68 positions as part of long-term financial recovery plan
TriMet has begun implementing a series of internal cost-cutting measures aimed at stabilizing its long-term finances, including significant staffing reductions and departmental reorganizations. The agency announced the elimination of 68 administrative positions, 26 of which resulted in nonunion employee layoffs. More than half of the eliminated positions were vacant at the time of the decision. No union staff were laid off, though some were reassigned under existing labor agreements.
The reductions are part of a larger effort to close an estimated $300 million shortfall projected over the next several years. According to TriMet, the changes follow months of workforce assessments, operational reviews, and attempts to limit involuntary separations through attrition.
“These administrative cuts are part of a broader recovery plan to stabilize TriMet’s finances and ensure long-term sustainability so we can continue providing the public transit service our region needs for decades to come,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr.
TriMet is offering severance packages and reemployment assistance to employees affected by the layoffs. The agency emphasized that the decisions were based on operational needs and not a reflection of employee performance or contributions.
To date, TriMet's internal spending reductions total $17.7 million. These include staffing cuts, reorganization of certain work groups, a hiring freeze, discretionary spending reductions, and other efficiency measures. But Desue noted that internal cuts alone will not be enough to close the agency’s long-term gap. TriMet is exploring new revenue sources, including a potential fare increase, and aims to fully balance its budget by July 1, 2028.
“Layoffs are always a last resort,” Desue said. “We’ve worked hard to limit them as much as possible, but the financial realities we face made some unavoidable.”
Service reductions are also part of the recovery plan. Beginning November 30, 2025, and continuing into March 2026, TriMet will scale back service on select bus lines during low-ridership hours. More substantial cuts in 2026 and 2027 are expected to bring service levels closer in line with available funding. As service is reduced, TriMet anticipates that staffing needs will decrease accordingly, with future reductions prioritized through attrition.
“With rising costs and challenges around sustainable funding, our expenses have outpaced our revenue, despite our efforts to increase ridership and make riding easier and safer,” Desue said. “We remain committed to protecting the core transit services our community depends on.”
TriMet recently completed an initial round of community engagement to gather feedback on service priorities. Updated proposals for broader service reductions are expected in January 2026, followed by another public comment period. More information is available at trimet.org/servicecuts.
Cover image: TriMet