Save Energy, Money, Time and be Comfortable

TriMet System

Small Car

Energy Use:

41 Passenger-Miles per gallon (MPG) (rail)
29 Passenger-Miles per gallon (bus)
Less Energy: 58 Passenger-MPG (1 passenger)
29 Miles per gallon (driver only)

Pollution:

Pollution generally follows energy use.
Diesel may be particularly polluting.
Less Pollution: Pollution generally follows energy use.

Cost:

$127 / month / per passenger (whole system)
(using only payroll tax subsidy, property tax subsidy
and  farebox. Actual cost is much higher when you
include Federal & State subsidies)
Cheaper: $114 per month/passenger (1.2 passenger average). Includes 5 year "bumper to bumper warranty 5 year roadside service and 10 year power train warranty

Speed:

Slow - stops every few blocks Faster: about 1/2 the time of transit

Comfort:

Standing room only during rush hours
Can smell fellow passengers
Can hear their music
Get panhandled
Can pick up disease from closely packed passengers
Comfortably Seated
Fresh air. Air-conditioner optional
Listen to YOUR radio or CD
Safe, hassle free
Little chance to pick up disease

Freedom:

Limited to fixed destinations and times
Little night service
Must walk blocks to bus stop
Difficult to pick up the kids, groceries on the way home
Go anywhere, anytime. Door to door
Go anywhere, anytime. Door to door
Go anywhere, anytime. Door to door
Go anywhere, anytime. Door to door

Subsidies:

Your tax money pays over 80% of Trimet's budget
You Subsidize $100,000 dollar lawyers and the needy
NO SUBSIDIES - Cars contribute $$ to transit
City should only subsidize the needy (see below)

Instead of spending $600 million/year on TriMet:
  • Encourage people to drive smaller cars with cash payments
  • Buy a small car for those that can't afford one
  • Provide Free Taxi service to those unable to drive.
  • Let private enterprise fill whatever gaps are left.

How we calculated the above data    PDF Version of this page for easy printing