TriMet will discontinue bus service along North Kerby Avenue and North Russell Street in North Portland beginning March 1, 2026. According to reporting by KGW, the change is part of a wider effort by the Portland-area transit agency to address a budget shortfall.

TriMet’s own February 2026 service alert states that Line 24 will no longer operate on those streets as part of a package of reductions intended to reduce operating expenses. The affected segment sits just south of the interstate corridor used by many Cowlitz County residents who work or receive medical care in Portland, especially those who rely on transit connections once they reach the city.

The discontinued stops are in an area that ties together several North Portland destinations, including industrial employers and health services. Riders traveling from Southwest Washington who transfer to Line 24 after using C‑TRAN’s express routes will need to plan for different transfer points or alternative lines beginning Sunday.

TriMet has attributed the change to persistent financial pressures and systemwide cost reductions. The agency’s published service alerts indicate that more adjustments across multiple routes are expected as budget balancing continues in 2026.

Why this matters for Cowlitz County

While the change occurs within Portland city limits, it affects workers from Longview, Kelso, and surrounding communities who rely on multi‑agency transit connections to reach North Portland employers. Reduced coverage on Line 24 may increase travel times or require additional transfers for cross‑river commuters.

Residents planning weekend or weekday trips into Portland that previously depended on stops along North Kerby Avenue and North Russell Street should review TriMet’s updated maps and alerts before traveling.

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