Portland keeps all-day free-ride zone

from the Portland Oregonian:



Portland keeps all-day free-ride zone
Transit - TriMet responds to residents, advocates for the homeless and businesses in keeping Fareless Square as is
Saturday, January 19, 2008

DYLAN RIVERA
The Oregonian Staff


Fareless Square -- the downtown area in which it's free to ride buses, MAX light rail and streetcars -- will remain so, despite a recent proposal that TriMet charge nighttime riders in an effort to stymie menacing behavior and crime.

On Friday, TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen abruptly withdrew his proposal to limit fareless hours to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Unveiled just six weeks ago, the limit was to be the first step in a big picture evaluation of how the fareless zone works and its shortcomings.

But scores of people objected to the limits at two public hearings Wednesday, calling the fareless zone a convenience and also a symbol of the city's commitment to sustainable living. By Friday, the agency said it had reviewed 700 e-mails, letters and comments -- two out of three going against the proposal.

"One thing is clear: There is a lot of passion and strongly held views about Fareless Square," Hansen said in a statement Friday. "Fareless Square is so much a part of this region and its environmental stewardship and reputation. Taking quick action on changing Fareless Square is obviously easier said than done."

The abrupt announcement came as the agency pursues a variety of measures to quell public concern over recent violent incidents on the region's MAX light-rail system and public concerns about whether the transit system is safe. The agency has added security guards, lighting and cameras at light-rail stations. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1200714914245120.xml&coll=7

To me, Fareless Square, far from being "dangerous," was a help in getting through iffy neighborhoods at night.