TriMet to replace single-day ticket dispensers with new Hop card vending machines

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland’s public transit service will soon operate vending machines that aim to give riders an easier way to restore or replace their fare cards on-site.

TriMet’s current machines dispense single-day paper tickets, but the new touch-screen technology will allow users to purchase a new “Hop” card altogether or deposit more money onto it.

“Currently, reloadable Hop cards are available at hundreds of supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores throughout the metro area,” TriMet said in its blog. “But with Hop card machines at stations, riders will have access to the cards when and where they need them most with an easy reload option, especially for those using cash or a payment card.”

The agency began installing the upgraded machines earlier this month. They likely won’t be accessible to users until early December, as part of a pilot launch happening at just five locations: the Willow Creek Transit Center, Beaverton Transit Center, Rose Quarter Transit Center, Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport.

Because the parts needed for the current ticket dispensers are no longer made, TriMet plans to fully replace them in the coming months.

The new machines will still offer Hop cards for adults, in addition to youth fare and the “Honored Citizen” cards for riders who are at least 65 years old or Medicare recipients. They will also enforce the monthly fare cap of $100 for adults and $28 for youth and Honored Citizens.

The pilot launch is expected to last through early 2025. Starting in February, the transit service will install 169 new machines across different MAX stations.

According to TriMet, staff will be on-site to help riders learn how to use the machines.