The TriMet board is expected on Wednesday morning to take its first vote on a proposal to end free bus service in Fareless Square, effective Jan. 3.

It would be the first major cut to the free zone, which was established in 1975 and has been expanded several times since.While Fareless Square started as an effort to curb carbon monoxide emissions from cars, it has evolved into an icon of the region's commitment to mass transit and sustainability. It also has become a lightning rod for criticism of crime on mass transit.

Businesses paying the payroll tax that subsidizes free rides in the downtown area are concerned about what value it serves, according to the TriMet transit agency and the Portland Business Alliance. And the Portland Police Bureau -- and some mass-transit riders -- say the fareless zone promotes an atmosphere of lawlessness, where panhandlers and rowdy teenagers annoy passengers, and drug dealers use the easy access for their trade. Some in Clackamas and Washington counties say they also see little benefit from the service.

The square also has its champions, including downtown neighborhood advocates, mass transit activists and the tourism industry, which promotes the square's symbolism. They say the fareless policy encourages downtown living and mass transit use, which is ever more important in a recession and an era of rising oil prices.

TriMet has had a love-hate relationship with the service, proposing cuts after sporadic incidents of crime over the years, but also basking in the positive attention it draws from visitors.

The change to the square -- covering downtown Portland, Old Town, the convention center and Lloyd Center -- would simplify the system and save money as TriMet's payroll tax collections fall with the recession, agency officials say.

Free rides would continue on the Portland Streetcar and MAX light rail, including two lines that begin running north-south through the downtown transit mall by September. MAX and Streetcar riders account for nearly all users of fareless square, TriMet says, and the new north-south routes will extend make rail service accessible for all those trips. TriMet would also offer a $25 two-year bus pass for elderly and disabled riders who live downtown, to help them retain access.

The agency also says that fareless service on buses is confusing for bus drivers, who lose track of riders to begin in the fareless zone but may try to continue to ride outside the zone without paying.

During a public comment period through July 17 and at two open houses last week, the agency received about 600 comments, TriMet spokeswoman Mary Fetsch said. About 60 percent of the comments supported the change.

TriMet will present a report on the public comments it received on Fareless Square at the board meeting on Wednesday.

The board also will hold a public hearing on the issue during its regular meeting, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. in Room C of the Portland Building, 1120 S.W. Fifth Ave. The hearing might not come up until about 9:30 a.m., Fetsch said.

A second reading and vote at the Aug. 12 board meeting would be required for final approval.

-- Dylan Rivera; dylanrivera@news.oregonian.com