TriMet serves hundreds of thousands of Oregonians and manages billions in public and federal funds. Yet its top leadership is chosen through a closed appointment process, not by the people who depend on the system every day. Over the past decades, riders have experienced repeated service disruptions, declining reliability, and growing costs — while decisions about leadership, compensation, and long-term direction remain insulated from direct public accountability.

The governance structure of Oregon's largest transit agency, TriMet, is deeply flawed and lacks transparency. With leaders appointed rather than elected, there is minimal accountability to the public they serve. This lack of public influence leads to decision-making that often does not align with the needs and expectations of transit users and taxpayers.

Currently, TriMet operates with a governance model that bypasses the democratic process. The leadership appointments are made without sufficient public input or voter oversight, leaving the over a million residents in the Portland metropolitan area out of essential governance decisions that impact their daily transportation.

It is crucial to implement a system of governance where TriMet's leadership is chosen by the voters who fund and rely on the system. This will ensure that those in power are directly accountable to the public. Voter oversight would also encourage more transparent budgetary and operational practices, as leaders would be incentivized to prioritize public interest and efficiency.

Statistics have shown that when public transit agencies operate with voter oversight and transparent governance, service reliability and efficiency improve significantly. Implementing voter elections for TriMet's board would align it with democratic values and public interests, fostering a transit system that better serves its riders.

We urge lawmakers to propose and pass legislation mandating voter oversight for TriMet’s leadership. This change is pivotal in transforming TriMet into an agency that truly reflects the needs and desires of its riders and taxpayers. Your support can drive this change. Sign this petition to demand direct voter oversight for TriMet leadership. Together, we can craft a future where public transit in Oregon is accountable and responsive to those it serves.