Portland’s Fourth Trimet Railcar Vandalized in Two Weeks

Portland’s Fourth TriMet Railcar Vandalized in Two WeeksPortland’s Fourth TriMet Railcar Vandalized in Two Weeks Portland, Oregon – On Monday, August 22, 2023, TriMet officials announced the vandalism of a fourth railcar within the last two weeks. The incident occurred on a MAX Orange Line train, which was parked overnight at the Gateway Transit Center. According to TriMet spokesperson Angela Murphy, the vandalism included “extensive damage to the exterior of the car, including shattered windows and graffiti.” Witnesses reported seeing a group of individuals throwing rocks and bottles at the train around 1 a.m. on Monday. The incident follows a string of similar vandalisms targeting TriMet railcars. On August 8, a MAX Blue Line train was vandalized at the Providence Park station. On August 15, a MAX Green Line train was vandalized at the PSU South station. And on August 19, another MAX Blue Line train was vandalized at the Clackamas Town Center station. TriMet has condemned the vandalisms and has increased security patrols at railcar storage yards and stations. The agency is also working with the Portland Police Bureau to investigate the incidents and apprehend the suspects. “These senseless acts of vandalism are not only costly to TriMet but also disrupt service for our riders,” said Murphy. “We urge the public to report any suspicious activity or vandalism to TriMet security or the Portland Police Bureau.” TriMet estimates that the cost of repairing the damage to the four vandalized railcars will exceed $200,000. The agency is considering implementing additional security measures, such as installing surveillance cameras on all railcars and increasing the number of security guards on duty. “We will not tolerate these attacks on our public transit system,” said TriMet General Manager Doug Kelsey. “We are committed to upholding a safe and reliable transportation system for our community.”