Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland’s bus and light-rail service, TriMet, is looking at cutting a dozen routes because of the recession.

TriMet has just announced cuts of 5 percent across-the-board. That means fewer routes; buses that come every half-hour instead of every 15 minutes; and fewer trains at off-peak times.

The cuts are coming now because most of the agency’s income is derived from employer payroll taxes. Meaning when people lose their jobs, TriMet loses income.

Spokeswoman, Mary Fetch, says it’s a paradox.

Mary Fetch: “So you have increase in ridership at the same time that transit agencies across the country are making cuts. And it’s because how transit is funded.”

TriMet is holding public meetings later this month to hear from commuters.

Some cuts will start in May, but most will happen in September.