Bus drivers, light rail operators and transit maintenance employees all work shifts that can make it hard to get to vaccine appointments. So TriMet, which provides bus, light rail and commuter rail transit services in the Portland Metro area, is bringing vaccinations to them.

Recently, the transit agency held a series of vaccination clinics at its operating facilities, photo of clinic at left. Employees, qualified family members and contract workers rolled up their sleeves for one of the 1,000 Moderna vaccine doses included in Trimet’s first allocation.  

The first clinic was April 26 at TriMet Operations Headquarters in Southeast Portland, pictured at left. Bus operator Steven Martinson, pictured below, got the very first dose. “It was absolutely painless,” he said. “I’ve been in self-isolation for the last year other than coming to work, so to have the clinic here is very helpful.”  

TriMet Interim General Manager, Sam Desue, Jr. said he was thrilled that Trimet is able to offer a safe, convenient vaccination option to its employees. ”Our operators, frontline staff and other employees have worked selflessly throughout the past year to keep our transit service rolling and our community moving. They are heroes, and this is one way we can show our appreciation for their commitment and dedication.”  

If you’re wondering about riding transit in the pandemic, know that all TriMet employees and passengers must wear masks. TriMet cleans and sanitizes vehicles regularly, limits capacity so riders can spread out safely, and provides masks and hand sanitizer on board buses and most trains. 

You can learn more about their safety procedures by clicking on the image below.

This article first appeared in the May 5, 2021 issue of Oregon Coronavirus Update.