After a swift public outcry this week, TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen on Friday abruptly shelved his proposal to limit the hours of Fareless Square.
In December, Hansen proposed limiting free transit rides in the downtown core to the hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Rides in Fareless Square have been free 24 hours a day since 1975.
The proposal was part of TriMet's response to recent violence against transit riders at suburban MAX light-rail stations.
But at two public hearings Wednesday, the overwhelming majority of people testifying said TriMet was moving too fast to limit Fareless Square and should instead invest in more security personnel to keep transit service safe.
--The Oregonian
