City Cast Portland
Why riding the bus is getting more expensive
May 26, 2023
Hello! It’s expected to be a summery weekend, with more 80-degree days. This month is one of the warmest Portland Mays on record.
What's CITY Talking About?
Bus Fare to Increase
With TriMet ridership down 38% since 2019, TriMet voted to raise fares in January 2024 by 30 cents, to $2.80 for adults, and by 15 cents for riders eligible for reduced fares, to $1.40. The monthly Hop Fastpass caps will remain $100 or, for riders eligible for reduced fares, $28. [Oregonian]
Proposed 50 Cent Liquor Surcharge
Gov. Tina Kotek is pushing for a new 50-cent surcharge on all bottles of liquor, which distilleries and industry oppose. The money would go to drug and mental health treatment, but it seems unlikely the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission will approve it. [Willamette Week]
Shoplifting Bill Passed
The Legislature passed a bill to prosecute organized shoplifting crime. It allows prosecutors to charge people for multiple incidents in multiple counties at once. It also increases the penalty to two years in the event of a conviction. [KGW]
Settlement Over Sidewalk Campsites
The city reached a tentative settlement over a lawsuit that argued that camping by unsheltered people illegally blocked sidewalks. Of course, disability rights advocates opposed this legal action. It’s a round-up of this week’s news, including a push for an MLB stadium and the TriMet fare hike. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
What To Do
Bird Song Walk | Friday | 7 - 9 a.m.
Join the guided walk to the waterfront, into open fields, and among the cottonwoods. “BYOB: Bring your own binoculars, if you have them.” [Free but RSVP, Kelley Point Park]
Mariee Siou | Friday | 7:30 p.m.
The California singer-songwriter plays neo-folk. [$22.50, Downtown]
2023 Portland Rose Festival Opening Night Fireworks | Friday | 9:50 p.m.
The official ribbon cutting is at 5 p.m., music by the NuWavers begins at 8:45 p.m., but fireworks don’t start until late. [Free, Downtown Waterfront ]
‘Stories of the Pacific’ | Saturday | 2 p.m.
Teva Oriata Polynesian Dance Troupe celebrates Polynesian history and culture with music and dance. [$25+, Beaverton]
Multnomah County Fair | Saturday - Monday | 12 - 7 p.m.
Check out the needlepoint, floral arrangements, and farm animals. On Saturday, watch the wiener dogs race at 2 p.m. Oaks Park rides and skating will also be open. [Free entry, Sellwood-Moreland]
Memorial Weekend Bash: Portland Hip-Hop | Sunday | 9 p.m.
The late-Sunday-night show features local rappers. [$10, Downtown]
Hoyt Arboretum Tour | Sunday | 1 p.m.
Arrive early to secure your spot on this weekly tour where you’ll stroll up to a mile. [Free, Washington Park]
Rae Room at Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial Mausoleum | Monday | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Experience the once-a-year opening to the historic room in the oldest mausoleum in Portland. A Memorial Day ceremony at 1 p.m. will honor veterans. [Free, Sellwood-Moreland]
Oregon Short Film Festival | Monday | 12 p.m.
It’s a once-a-season showing of independent films from new talent. [$50, Southeast Clinton Street]
Today on City Cast
TriMet's Fare Hike, Sidewalk Camping Lawsuit Settlement, and MLB at the Lloyd Center
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re discussing how the city reached a tentative settlement in a lawsuit over sidewalk camping that alleged violations for people with disabilities. We’re also looking into the increase in TriMet’s fares and the possibility of the Lloyd Center becoming the location for a major league baseball stadium. Joining host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own audio producer, Giulia Fiaoni.
I think the moves that Wheeler has been making over the past six months, especially around the mass encampment plan, maybe had something to do with this [lawsuit settlement].
I hope you have a good holiday weekend. My next email will be on Tuesday! See you then.
— Rachel Monahan
Free · Daily