It’s that time of year again.
The days are getting shorter, the rain is making a comeback, and it’s dark when you’re heading to work in the morning and again when you’re heading home in the evening.
So, as we settle into the darker months, it’s a good time for a reminder: We’re watching out for you — even when it’s harder to see you. But a little extra visibility can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
Catching the bus? Make sure your operator can see you! 🚌
Our bus operators want to pick you up. But spotting someone at a bus stop can be tricky when it’s dark and rainy.
- Stand somewhere visible. If there’s a streetlight near your stop, stand underneath it as your bus approaches. Keep a safe distance from the road while waiting.
- Give your operator a signal. A friendly wave works, but when it’s dark, try waving your phone’s flashlight as the bus approaches – just not directly into the operator’s eyes.
- Wear something that stands out. Light-colored clothing, reflective accessories or a small light attached to your bag can make you easier to spot.
💡Here’s a tip you might not know: Between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., you can ask your bus operator to let you off at any point along your route, even if it’s not a designated bus stop. Just let them know a block or two in advance. They’ll stop if it is safe to do so.
Walking or biking? Brighten yourself up🚶🚲
While you might see approaching headlights, that doesn’t necessarily mean a bus operator can see you. We tend to wear darker colors this time of year, which can make it harder to see you after sunset.
But here’s the thing: You don’t need to change your entire wardrobe. Just a few pieces of reflective clothing and accessories can make a big difference, especially on rainy evenings. Try adding reflective tape to your backpack, attaching a small light to your jacket or carrying a reflective umbrella.
When crossing the street, use designated crossings when available, watch for turning vehicles and make sure drivers have stopped before stepping into the road.
Being visible is especially important for cyclists.
In Oregon, the law requires a white front light that is visible up to 500 feet and a red rear reflector. But that’s just the minimum! Consider adding a rear light, reflective bands on your ankles or reflective tape to your bike, helmet or backpack.
The more visible you are from different directions, the easier it is for others to spot you, and let’s be honest, this is Portland, so zhuzh-ing up your bike is the way to go.
Look for the blue lights 👀
They’re hard to miss, and that’s the point. Blue-light security phones are shining across our transit system, located at most TriMet MAX stations and transit centers.
Our blue-light phones mark a direct connection to someone who can help if you have a problem or need to reach TriMet Security. They’re a reminder to everyone: help is a button press away.
Press the red button and wait for a dispatcher to answer. You’ll be connected to our Security Operations Center, where staff can talk with you and use the phone’s camera to see the surrounding area and help coordinate a response. The phones are available around the clock.
You can also text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) anytime to report a non-urgent security concern. In an emergency, call or text 911. Learn more at trimet.org/security.
Driving? Slow down and stay alert 🚗
If you’re behind the wheel, remember that pedestrians and cyclists can be much harder to see in low-light conditions, particularly when it’s raining.
So, remember to slow down, never use your phone while driving and give yourself extra time to react.
Pay especially close attention near intersections, crosswalks and bus stops, where people may be walking or waiting to cross.
MAX spotlights riders 🚊
We’ve been making improvements to help keep our transit system safer and more visible after dark!
Since 2021, we’ve improved lighting at roughly 90% of our MAX stations, transit centers and Park & Rides. We’ve also improved sightlines to help reduce dark spots and make it easier to see your surroundings.
Watching out for you, day and night
We all have places to be. The sun may be working fewer hours, but our schedules haven’t changed.
Whether it’s waving your phone’s flashlight to get a bus operator’s attention, adding a reflector to your backpack or slowing down behind the wheel, small actions can help make our streets safer for everyone.
And remember, TriMet’s employees and contractors are here to help. Our Security Operations Center is staffed 24/7. Dispatchers monitor live camera feeds, respond to reports from riders and employees and coordinate help across the system.
Never hesitate to call or text us at (503)-238-7433 (RIDE) to report non-urgent security concerns.
Stay safe and stay seen as you keep riding during the months ahead.