Letter: C-Tran cedes more power

C-Tran’s board approved another contract with Portland’s almost bankrupt TriMet. They will spend $1.7 million immediately, plus $46,000 monthly, with upward inflation adjustments. (Oct. 15 story reported “C-Tran board OKs electronic fare system.”)

TriMet’s e-Fare system will not save C-Tran money. There were no identified savings. Board member Bill Ganley was left saying, “I hope there will be some cost savings.” Hope is a poor business strategy.

This adds 1.7 percent to annual C-Tran operations costs, putting automatic pressure for future fare increases. At the meeting, a Fruit Valley neighborhood association representative was told to wait 11 months before C-Tran “might” address their additional service request. Yet the board will spend more than $2 million in that same 11 months on e-Fare.

TriMet’s e-Fare system is not compatible with the Bus Rapid Transit ticket system C-Tran just bought. We will maintain staff to handle both cash and BRT tickets.

Three years ago, citizens approved a 0.2 cent sales tax increase to protect “essential bus service.” This e-Fare is not “essential.”

C-Tran appears to be giving our systems and control to TriMet. A year after their “absolute and irrevocable” contract ceded eminent domain authority and a $5 million penalty clause to this nearly bankrupt agency, we have another bad contract. Outrageous.

John Ley

Camas