Lawmakers consider transit‑funding task force as agencies face service cuts
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Summary
A bipartisan transit funding task force (LC 257) was proposed to study statewide funding options after STIF revenues and rising costs left several transit providers planning deep cuts; testimony emphasized STIF achievements but warned of imminent service reductions without new revenue.
Lawmakers heard testimony supporting the formation of a bipartisan transit funding task force to assess long‑term, statewide funding for transit operations and maintenance.
Brian Vitulli, general manager of the Tillamook County Transportation District and newly elected president of the Oregon Transit Association, summarized STIF (the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund created by HB 2017) accomplishments—citing ODOT figures through June 2024 on expanded service miles and rides—but warned that rising operating costs have put some agencies at risk. He described the program’s payroll tax funding mechanism and said modest increases enacted in 2025 did not fully close emerging shortfalls.
Metro Councilor Christine Lewis described proposed TriMet cuts harming her constituents and urged collaborative state‑regional solutions. Bruce Hanson of ATU Local 757 said recent TriMet proposals threaten routes, jobs and access to medical care and called for new revenue and a statewide conversation.
Several lawmakers sought clarification about the task force’s scope (whether it will study only revenue mechanisms or broader operational issues), representation and whether any statewide funding proposal should go to voters. Representative concerns included the accountability of appointed bodies authorized to impose payroll taxes and geographic equity between metro and rural areas. Committee staff said the concept’s primary tasks include determining funding levels needed and supporting potential funding mechanisms; further amendments were anticipated.
The task force concept was included among three legislative concepts the committee moved to introduce as committee measures at the end of the meeting.