Access Transit: Fare Assistance Program
Nonprofit Organization Application
TriMet’s commitment to transit equity is rooted in ensuring low-income riders affected by fare increases are able to remain
active in using TriMet services. As a public transit agency, TriMet serves a broad and diverse community. In recognition
of the growing demand for social services in the region, TriMet has implemented a Fare Assistance Program for qualified
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and governmental entities serving low-income clients.
The Fare Assistance Program provides an incentive to eligible organizations to continue or to increase current funding levels
for purchase of TriMet fares for low-income recipients. For purposes of the program, “low-income” means a person whose
annual household income is at or below 150% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’s poverty guidelines.
ELIGIBILITY (NONPROFITS)
The program provides an administrative allotment to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that purchase TriMet fares
that are disbursed to low-income recipients. To be eligible to participate in the program, organizations must meet the
following minimum requirements:
•
Organizations must serve low-income clients.
•
Organizations must serve a majority of clients whose residence is in the TriMet service district.
•
Organizations must use the fares to help low-income clients access services critical to employment, housing and
personal stability.
•
Organizations must be in good account standing with TriMet.
•
Organizations must agree to only distribute fares to its clients.
To participate in the program and receive the administrative allotment, eligible organizations will be required to enter
into a fare-purchase agreement with TriMet that includes administrative duties such as verification of fare-recipient low-
income status, intake, processing and fulfillment of orders to qualifying recipients, record keeping and management of fare
inventory, including reporting of fare disbursements as described in the agreement.
PROGRAM FUNDING PRIORITY
Applicants meeting the minimum eligibility qualifications for the program will be accepted for participation in the
program subject to available resources for the program as determined by TriMet. The level of administrative allotment
offered to organizations under the program will be established and adjusted as determined by TriMet. Duration of the
program is at TriMet’s discretion. It is highly recommended that participating organizations also guide their clients to
apply for the TriMet Low Income Fare program which enables qualified riders to utilize the reduced Honored Citizen
fare based on their qualifying income. More Information about this program can be found at this link:
https://trimet.org/lowincome/
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Applications for the TriMet Fare Assistance Program will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed to
determine if the criteria listed are met.
Upon completion of review of an application, TriMet will issue a response to the applicant indicating the status of the
submitted application. The response will serve as receipt and proof of the organization’s eligibility for participation
in the program. TriMet may require an applicant that has been determined to be eligible to reapply if the
organization is not accepted by TriMet for participation in program within six months after submission of the
organization’s application.
APPLICATION SUBMITTAL
Email submissions are gladly accepted. Please email your application and all required materials to
transitassistance@trimet.org. Or you can mail them to:
TriMet Access Transit Program
Attention: Wes Charley
1800 SW 1
st
Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
