Tougher penalties for drug use on TriMet buses and trains

Oregon’s new law for illicit drug use on public transportation vehicles went into effect Jan. 1

Our riders and bus and rail operators deserve an environment free of people using illegal drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl. That’s why we welcomed a new state law, effective Jan. 1, 2025, to address illicit drug use on public transportation vehicles. The new law makes illicit drugs use on board transit a Class A misdemeanor, the most serious of misdemeanors, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a $6,250 fine or both.

How this will affect TriMet

The Oregon Legislature approved Senate Bill 1553 in March 2024. Governor Kotek signed it into law, to go into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

The law adds the use of illicit drugs on public transit vehicles in Oregon to the offenses punishable under the crime of Interfering with Public Transportation. It gives law enforcement another tool and better direction on how to handle incidents involving drugs on board transit. Those convicted of the crime may receive access to state-funded treatment in many instances.

This important change will help to ensure that TriMet and all public transit agencies statewide can effectively work to make their vehicles free of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.

Keeping our system safe and drug-free

TriMet continually works to improve security on our transit system for the safety of our riders and employees. We’ve recently added a 24-hour Security Operations Center. Dispatchers now coordinate safety and security responses to issues such as vandalism and loud or disruptive behavior reported by riders via our security hotline set up in 2023.

We’ve also added better lighting at stations and parking lots, upgraded closed-circuit security camera views and rolled out blue-light security phones at some MAX stations to give people a direct line of communication with TriMet’s safety and security staff around the clock.

Learn more about security on TriMet at trimet.org/security.

More personnel to address rule violations

Since 2022, we have more than doubled the number of safety, security and customer service staff on our transit system.

We have about 475 staff dedicated to keeping our system safe and welcoming. Some work to enforce our rules for riding, including checking fares, while others perform welfare checks and connect people on and around our system with social services. All our safety and security personnel provide a presence that reduces bad behavior, and they’re there to help you get where you need to go, safely and reliably.

Learn more about TriMet’s personnel and security staff at trimet.org/personnel.

How to report drug use on the transit system

Riding TriMet should feel safe and comfortable for everyone, without worry of being exposed to illegal drug use. If you see drug use on board, at transit stations or TriMet property, like bus shelters, please call or text 503-238-7433 (RIDE) to connect with our security staff.

If you are texting, please provide basic details, like the name of the MAX station or transit center, your vehicle number (located inside all buses and trains) and any other information that may be helpful.

For an urgent concern, please alert the operator or text or call 911.