Transportation Bill Dies: Oregon Transit Association Says Cuts Are Inevitable
State lawmakers adjourned the 2025 session without passing House Bill 2025, the Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package. The Democrat-backed bill was proposed to balance the needs of transportation users across the state, including those who ride transit. The Oregon Transit Association says it’s deeply disappointed about the outcome, stating in a news release, “The financial challenges that transit agencies face are not going away. Without strong action by the Oregon Legislature to protect transit service, tens of thousands of Oregonians will lose access to reliable public transportation.” OTA says it’s hopeful that lawmakers can build on negotiations and approve stable, sufficient funding for transit in a future session.
In the session’s final moments, House Republicans didn’t provide enough votes to fast-track a last-ditch effort to raise gas taxes by three cents per gallon.
According to OTA, the cost of operating a transit vehicle increased by more than 50% from 2019 to 2024. The Covid-19 pandemic changed Oregonians’ work habits and travel patterns. OTA says without action from the state legislature, widespread service cuts are inevitable.
In a news release, Gov. Tina Kotek stated, “The legislature adjourned two days before Constitutional Sine Die without meeting even the basic needs of our transportation system. I will be huddling with my team today to start planning for next steps.” Kotek could call a special session like she did last year to address wildfire funding.
—Nic Moye
50
—How many years the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is celebrating this year.
“Sorry, that’s my pig, George.”
—Miles Michaud, singer and guitarist in the band, Allah-Las, in Sound.
This article appears in Source Weekly July 3, 2025.
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