TriMet has launched an investigation after a woman called the agency's rider support line on Tuesday to report that her two-year-old daughter had been stuck by a needle on a MAX train.

TriMet spokeswoman Roberta Altstadt confirmed the call, first reported by KATU News. She said she did not know exactly when or where the incident happened, and it is unclear which train the woman and child were riding at the time.

Altstadt said TriMet hopes the girl will be okay after the "frightening experience." The agency is investigating the incident, and staff is reviewing the train's video.

"It is not unheard of for our service workers to find and remove hypodermic needles when they clean our vehicles," she said in an email. "However, we do not track the number."

Altstadt encouraged riders to check an area before they sit down. This is a good practice in any public place, she said.

Anyone who sees anything concerning on a TriMet vehicle should alert a TriMet employee, she said.

-- Anna Marum

amarum@oregonian.com

503-294-5911

@annamarum