PORTLAND, Ore. — TriMet began rolling out a new resource to address safety concerns among its riders this week.
The transit agency announced it will be installing bright red security phones at most MAX platforms. It started this week at the Rose Quarter Transit Center and the Convention Center Station.
The phones will connect people immediately to TriMet's 24/7 security hotline. In a release today, the agency said to find one, "look for the blue light." The blue light and the phone towers' bright red color should make them easy to spot, day or night.
The security phones also come with security cameras to give the agency more views of its stations and show the person calling.
"Blue-light security phones have been shown to increase overall awareness around security, deterring crimes from being attempted in the first place," TriMet said in a statement. "After Rice University installed them in 2010, the school reported a decrease in crime, including a 68% drop in burglaries."
The agency said that it has boosted its frontline safety and security staff to more than 460 people in recent years. The 24/7 security hotline was added in 2023, and riders have been able to call or text security through 503-238-7433 (RIDE).
"While mobile phones are portable, not everyone has one handy," TriMet said. "Even if they do, it may have low or no battery, and in a high-stress situation, it might be easier to push a button. There are also times when cell service drops completely, making blue-light security phones another layer of security and communication on our transit system."
For emergencies, riders should still contact 911 directly, the agency said.
TriMet said it will continue installing phones in the coming weeks along I-84 between the Rose Quarter Transit Center and Gateway Transit Center.
