Here’s what he showed me:

And this is what he said would go a long way toward fixing the deficiency.

(1) Stop all rail planning/construction projects, now. The $750 million in “local match funds” required by the feds could be re-allocated to other purposes, including (in some cases) better bus service. TriMet by itself is scheduled to sell at least $60 million in bonds this year for Milwaukie LR, which will have to be paid back by future payroll tax funds. Every penny of that will be cannibalized from the general fund that helps pay for bus service.

 

(2) Give up the futile negotiations with ATU and start contracting out for service. Unionized TM labor has priced itself out of the market.

 

(3) End the “free-rail” zone and collect fares from everyone, including streetcar riders.