Washington County is asking residents to weigh in on how transit dollars should be spent over the next two years, with an online survey open through Sept. 13 that will shape bus routes and shuttle services across the region.
The county's Transit Development Plan open house launched Wednesday, Aug. 19, and covers proposals for shuttles that directly serve Beaverton-area commuters, including the BethanyLink and westLink services.
Residents can review six topic areas and take a survey at the open house site.
The Transit Development Plan is updated every two years and serves as the county's roadmap for transit investments funded through Oregon's Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund. This cycle's feedback will guide spending for fiscal years 2027–28 and 2028–29, with implementation set to begin in July 2027.
"Our goal is to make transit more reliable, accessible and connected for everyone," Stephen Roberts, director of Washington County's Department of Land Use & Transportation, said in the county's announcement. "Your feedback will influence the adjustments and improvements we pursue."
What's on the table
The county has laid out specific service proposals for public review:
- westLink: Maintain current service while exploring expanded stops and coverage in Banks and North Plains.
- Community and Job Connector Shuttles: Keep existing service levels within the TriMet district. Route adjustments for the North Hillsboro Link and Tualatin Shuttle to fill gaps left by recent TriMet service reductions are targeted for completion by June 2027.
- BethanyLink stops: Continue comfort and accessibility upgrades at shuttle stops, primarily along the BethanyLink route.
- SPOT Southwest Microtransit: Pursue grant funding to keep the service running through June 2028, with potential weekend expansion.
The survey also asks residents about priorities including earlier and later service hours, more frequent trips, stronger connections between TriMet, SMART and local shuttles, and improved pedestrian and ADA access at stops.
Who's involved
The plan is developed in partnership with Ride Connection, the nonprofit that manages Washington County's Community Connector shuttles. Ride Connection CEO Andy Nelson said in a July 9 TriMet announcement about an upgraded regional Trip Planner: "For over a decade, Ride Connection, Washington County, and TriMet have partnered together to enhance our transit system."
The Washington County Transit Committee will review public input in September and October and develop recommendations for the Board of County Commissioners, which is scheduled to endorse the plan in October for inclusion in TriMet's Tri-County Public Transportation Improvement Plan. TriMet is scheduled to approve that regional plan in November or December.
How to participate
Residents can visit tdp2026.washcoopenhouses.org anytime before the Sept. 13 deadline. The Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to take action on the final plan in October.
