Expensive Promises vs Costly Reality

A look at the amount of funding TriMet has received in payroll taxes, approved by Oregon's legislature in 2003, shows broken promises. Testimony was vehement that the payroll tax increase would result in increased services.

Cascade Policy Institute easily found this to be untrue. Not only have payroll taxes increased, fares and other funding sources increased as well. A quick look at TriMet's own numbers demonstrates that the expressed promise before Oregon's legislature was not fulfilled. Route service trends have dropped. Taxpayers and fare payers are paying more for diminished services.

Portland area residents and TriMet riders are free to reference these numbers when TriMet goes before Oregon's legislature asking for more.

Resources: Cascade Policy Institute