Metro presented an update to the Washington County Coordinating Committee on Dec. 15 on its Community Connectors study, emphasizing that the work is intended to shape a long‑term transit vision rather than to identify concrete, funded projects.

Ally from Metro said the study is tied to the regional transportation plan and the 2028 RTP update and described it as “a visioning exercise” that is not financially constrained. The study team has developed a policy framework, mobility‑hub typologies and a companion implementation toolkit that addresses design, operations, funding and performance metrics.

The study identified different levels of mobility hubs and connector service opportunity areas, and Metro described a parks‑transit analysis that grouped regional destination parks into clusters for potential service pilots. Metro staff said the work will inform the RTP transit network vision map and a future strategic project list, and that the agency plans community workshops and partner engagement in February and March before returning to committees in May.

TriMet’s representative, John, told the committee TriMet is participating but cautioned that the agency is facing budget shortfalls and “there is no current funding identified for any of these propositions,” saying broad public outreach about network expansion could confuse riders while TriMet proceeds with service cuts. Ally said Metro will limit broad public campaigns during this phase and prioritize community‑based events that can present the full context.

Committee members noted existing local pilot services — for example, the Bethany Link Shuttle and a micro‑transit pilot in southwest Beaverton — and asked Metro to reflect prior shuttle work and local conditions in its recommendations. Metro said it will incorporate that history and return with updates in the spring.

The committee did not take formal action on the study at the meeting; Metro asked for feedback and said it will return with further milestones and opportunities for local engagement.