TriMet Wants To Make Sure This Is Clear: No Spitting On Employees

PORTLAND, OR —Oregon law says it's a crime to spit on someone. Chapter 28 of the TriMet Code says any activity that's criminal under state law is forbidden. So, it should be clear that it's a crime to spit on people – even on TriMet.

Apparently, it hasn't been clear because people are spitting on employees.

On Wednesday, TriMet's Board of Directors passed Ordinance 364.

That gives TriMet to ban people for long periods of time from using the buses, riding MAX and WES.

"Most riders treat our operators and other frontline employees with respect, but those who don’t should lose the privilege to use our transit system," TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr.said

"With the Board's support of this change in TriMet Code, I fully intend to support our employees and hold people accountable for such unacceptable behavior."

The TriMet board made a few other changes, including:

• prohibiting police from checking fares in most instances; a move to bring checking fares in-house and take some of the pressure off the criminal justice system,
• changing references in the TriMet Code so that they are gender neutral; and
• allowing supervisors to intervene in non-criminal violations.

The changes go into effect on February 25, 2022.