Trimet is planning cuts (full proposal) to make up a $12 million hole in their budget.

They are planning to eliminate the Free Rail Zone, change rates, refiguring 15 bus lines and eliminating some trips on 10 others.

A series of public hearings have been planned for next week. Times and locations are listed below.

This guy’s got some ideas to reform Trimet. Here’s another idea that would save $7 million. Other commenters, including some from the Oregonian, want Trimet to cut manager salaries, stop spending money to fund the City’s streetcar expansion and the expensive WES Commuter Rain Service. Focusing on maintaining bus service rather than expand the MAX was also suggested.

3/19/12 * Clackamas Town Center,  12000 SE 82nd Ave., Lower Level, Community Room * 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

3/20/12 * Beaverton Library, 12375 SW 5th St., Auditorium * 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

3/21/12 * Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th, Auditorium * 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

3/22/12 * Multnomah County East County Health Center, 600 NE 8th St.
Gresham, OR, Sharron Kelly A & B * 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

3/27/12 * Multnomah County Library, North Portland Branch, 512 N Killingsworth St., 2nd Floor Meeting Room * 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM