TriMet proposes saving Sherwood’s Line 97 with new route

SHERWOOD, Ore. — Facing a budget deficit, TriMet originally proposed to entirely cut Sherwood’s Bus Line 97 — but now has a new proposal to keep it, with changes.

Proposed changes to Line 97 include combining it with Line 38, giving the bus a new route and a new name. TriMet released the updated proposal packages on March 11, subject to board approval.

The new route, named 97-Tualatin-Sherwood/Kruse Way, runs from Sherwood to the Tualatin Park & Ride, through Lake Oswego, and ending at the Barbur Transit Center.

“Our updated proposal to maintain Line 97 service on Tualatin-Sherwood Road and extend the line to Barbur Transit Center is one of the changes made in response to the feedback that we heard,” Tia York, manager of media relations with TriMet, told The Sun. “We thank our riders for speaking up, sharing information and taking an active role in advocating for their transit service.”

Nearby connecting Line 96 is being combined with Line 37, which is being moved off I-5 to traverse S.W. Boones Ferry Rd., and Line 78 continues services along Country Club Road to the Lake Oswego Transit Center.

The proposed changes to 12 bus lines is slated to be heard in April by the TriMet board before the new package goes into effect. If approved, changes are slated to take effect August 23.

Background

This comes after Sherwood city officials met with TriMet on Tuesday, February 3 to discuss proposed changes to bus routes in the city, including the proposition to save some of Line 97’s service route. No changes are currently proposed for Sherwood’s Line 94.

TriMet cited low ridership and a $300 million annual gap between revenue and operating costs as the reason for the cuts and changes, which could mean longer commute times for riders.

“With steep cost increases, less revenue coming in from fares, and projections showing all of our funding streams lower than expected, service cuts are a difficult but necessary step toward our long-term financial stability,” said Tia York, manager of media relations with TriMet, in a release. “By taking action now, we will preserve vital transit service to jobs, schools, services and other important destinations across our 533-square-mile service district for decades to come.”

The proposed changes incorporate community feedback from 13 open houses held in January that drew over 8,100 responses. In total, 34 bus lines could see changes.

“The proposed changes remain centered on network efficiency, combining lines or reducing where lines run near others, eliminating some bus lines and moving routes,” York said. “Our goal is maintaining as much service as possible while focusing our service investment where it is needed and used most.”

Next steps

The TriMet Board of Directors is slated to vote on the changes on April 22, after a March 25 budget committee meeting and a March 18 public forum.

Community members can sign up to give testimony online at www.trimet.org/meetings/board.

If approved, 34 bus route changes are slated to take effect August 23, including to Sherwood’s Line 97.

In May, TriMet is expected to release its proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, July 2026-June 2027. So far, it does not include all cost-cutting efforts, such as reduced internal spending and staff reductions, or the currently proposed changes. Those changes are slated to be added after their approval, and before the board adopts the budget in May, meaning the adopted budget will likely be lower than the current proposed budget.

“It continues to rely on reserve funds to preserve the core transit service essential to our riders, employees and the regional economy while we work to balance our expenses with our resources,” York said. “Also, TriMet leadership is currently finalizing another round of internal spending cuts as well as a staffing reduction that will include another round of layoffs.”

Community members can submit comments online at support.trimet.org, via email to boardtestimony@trimet.org, or by calling 503-238-7433 (RIDE).