Nov. 3 marked the re-instatement of TriMet’s Night Stop program.
The program allows riders to be dropped off at “a safe location along the route other than a designated bus stop to get them closer to their destination,” according to a press release from TriMet.
The program, which has been in place for decades, is called a night stop during the dark winter months. During lighter months, undesignated stops requested by riders are called courtesy stops.
“We wanted to provide the opportunity for riders to get closer to their destination,” said Mary Fetsch, chief media relations officer for TriMet.
Riders are advised to inform the bus operator well in advance if they would like to make a night stop. The minimum recommendation according to TriMet is “a block or two ahead of the destination.”
“It gives the operator notice to find a safe place to stop,” Fetsch said.
While a rider may request a night stop, it is up to the bus operator to decide if the location is safe. If the stop is near a road hazard, exit ramp, ditch or causes the bus to block traffic, the bus operator will not stop.
This year, the Night Stop program has been subject to several changes, most noticeably the addition of a policy regarding stops on blocks in which the bus makes a left-hand turn. Riders who request a Night Stop on a block on which the bus makes a left-hand turn must wait until the turn is completed before the rider will be let off.
In April of last year, bus operator Sandi L. Day hit five pedestrians in Northwest Portland in the process of making a Night Stop. While making an illegal left-hand turn, Day collided with the pedestrians as they crossed the street.
Two of the pedestrians were fatally injured in the Night Stop collision. Day was found guilty of six traffic charges in February of this year and sentenced to over $1,000 in fines and 200 hours of community service.
After the accident, bus routes 17, 12 and 44 were re-routed in order to allow more room for the left-hand turn required on their stop.
TriMet is working to prevent further accidents of this nature. Along with the new left-hand turn policy, TriMet is working to educate riders on how to be more easily seen.
The “Be Seen Be Safe” program recommends riders wear bright and reflective clothing. Additionally, it is recommended that riders carry a flashlight or strobe light that can be used to wave down drivers who may not see pedestrians.
“It’s you are in a dark or wooded area, use a strobe or a cell phone light to ensure you’ve got [the operator’s] attention,” Fetsch said.
“The addition of a light also allows for a rider to be seen to other road users,” she continued.
The Night Stop program will continue to service riders throughout the dark winter months. The program operates from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. at all stops outside the Portland city center and Lloyd District.