2026 LIFT Service Changes

Effective 4/20/26, LIFT Operators must Maintain Effective Control of the Vehicle

Effective Control means the Operator maintains continuous ability to monitor, secure, and respond to the vehicle and any passengers at all times.

A. Curb-To-Curb service.

Operator provides assistance only between the curb adjacent to the LIFT vehicle and the vehicle itself, up to 10 feet. No door-knocking, no entry onto private property.

• Customers who are unable to access the vehicle independently, can request Door-To-Door service when they reserve their ride, and it will be granted unless the operator cannot maintain effective control of the vehicle in service to the customer.
• Door-To-Door service will include the Operator providing assistance between the outermost exterior door of a building and the LIFT vehicle while maintaining visual sight of the vehicle, up to 100 feet. Includes escorting, steadying support, and helping navigate obstacles along a safe, ADA-compliant path.

What is a “Safe, ADA-Compliant” Path of travel?

1. Maximum Escort Distance = 100 feet (or ½ a block)
2. Maximum Steps to climb ≤ 5 steps (exterior) – no interior stairs
3. Not losing sight of the vehicle
4. Maximum incline ≤ 1:12 slope (8.3% grade)

B. Carry-on item policy:

• LIFT policy has always been clear that operators will not transport customer belongings or luggage. This has caused confusion for other parcels or groceries. To clarify, operators will only assist customers with their person – not their belongings moving forward.
• One exception: Operators will assist customers with a grocery cart ≤ 30” tall x 18” wide x 18” deep. Customers will need to be able to carry and transport any items they bring with them on the bus, or have a Personal Care Attendant travel with them.

C. Operators “Announcing” their arrival clarification.

• All customers will be defaulted to receive “5 minute arrival” and “your vehicle has arrived” notifications via text or phone call (other methods of communication available upon request).
• Verbal announcements will be made within 10 feet of vehicle for curb-to-curb service.
• A verbal announcement for door-to-door service may include a knock at the customer’s door.

D. No Show Notification Enforcement.

• Strict enforcement of 5 minute arrival policy
• The 5 minute arrival window starts when the operator arrives at the location (within the pick-up window) which will prompt the “Your vehicle has arrived” notification to the customer.
• If the customer does not proceed toward the vehicle within five minutes, the trip will be determined a “No Show”.
• TriMet LIFT staff will not make calls to locate a rider.

E. An Operator is considered to be maintaining effective control when all of the following conditions are met:

• Continuous Awareness:
  The Operator can visually observe the vehicle or maintain a position close enough to detect unsafe activity, passenger distress, or vehicle movement.
• Immediate Response Capability:
  The Operator can return to the vehicle without delay to address an emergency, prevent unauthorized entry, assist a passenger attempting to exit, or correct any unsafe condition.
• Vehicle Security:
  The vehicle remains properly secured (parking brake set, transmission in PARK, hazard lights as needed) and no passengers are left unobserved in a manner that creates risk.
• Unobstructed Access:
  The Operator’s path back to the vehicle is short, direct, and free of barriers. Any location where the Operator cannot quickly access the vehicle constitutes a loss of effective control.