Forty-six buses will replace older models, 25 will expand fleet as TriMet continues to increase service

The next generation of TriMet buses is starting to roll into service. Between now and next summer, you’ll see 71 new buses on the streets, connecting our riders to opportunities throughout the region. We’re expanding our fleet to keep pace as we continue with the largest bus service expansion in TriMet history. We’ve added more than a thousand hours of bus service since fall of 2018, and there’s much more to come. Newer buses go hand in hand with better service. They help improve reliability and reduce delays, so we can keep everyone moving.

TriMet’s 4000-series Gillig bus

Ready to take a ride?

Our new buses feature a number of updates and upgrades. Here are five tips to help you know when you’re riding one:

1. Learn your numbers. These are our 4,000-series buses. Each one will be marked with four-digit number starting with a four and a zero.

2. Spot the stripes. The buses will be sporting the new paint scheme we debuted earlier this year. It has a blue base and three orange stripes, which are a throwback to our original bus fleet.

3. Look down, look all around! Interior updates include darker flooring and improved lighting.

New seating is ergonomic, durable and easier to clean and maintain

4. Take a seat. Our new seating is more ergonomic, durable and easier to clean and maintain.

5. Listen up! We’re testing a new audio feature on a handful of new buses. When the back doors are activated for riders to exit, you’ll hear a voice instructing you to “touch the yellow tape to open the doors.” The voice will also announce when the “doors are closing.” The audio signals may help people as they’re getting off the bus and speed up trips to keep buses on time. Let us know what you think by calling 503-238-RIDE, texting 503-238-7433 or tweeting @trimethelp.

New audio signals may help people as they’re getting off the bus

Exterior safety improvements

You’ll also notice some new safety features on the outside of the bus. These include larger brake lights; amber light bars to help drivers know when the bus is making a turn; and two new stoplights that light up when a bus is coming to a stop or has come to a complete stop. The stoplights are there to get drivers’ attention when you’re traveling behind a bus and help prevent rear-end collisions.

Larger brake lights, double stoplights and light bar turn signals are new features of the 4,000-series buses

But wait, there’s more!

We made some updates to improve the ride for our operators too. They include a new, digital speed and performance dashboard. It’s an upgrade over the analog controls because it brings all of the warning lights and indicators into one centralized location. The new buses are also equipped with a safety panel around the operator’s seat that can be customized to their desired level of protection.

New dashboard design brings warning lights and indicators into centralized location

Hello to the new, goodbye to the old

As we add new buses to our fleet, we bid farewell to the workhorses that have served our riders for years. With preventive and responsive maintenance, our buses keep going strong for up to a million miles. Forty-six of these new buses will replace older models. The remaining 25 will expand our fleet beyond 700 buses. Once all of the new buses are in service, our fleet will have an average age of five years, an industry-leading standard. We’re making transit better, and we invite you to come along for the ride.