He pointed out that present system of allowing passengers to board buses only
through the front door forces people to show a driver proof of payment as they
board. ``Criminal types may be more inclined to ride the trains because they
don't have to present proof of payment unless challenged by a fare inspector or
us,'' Collins said.
 

Tri-Met is devising a long-term security program aboard its vehicles in which
the agency will contract out such work to the Portland Police Bureau. Earl
said such a program still had to be worked out with the transit union during
current labor negotiations for a new three-year contract.

---------------------------

POLICE PREPARE TO BEGIN PATROLS FOR TRI-MET SPECIAL
PORTLAND UNIT TO BE VISIBLE, INVISIBLE ON BUSES AND TRAINS
      Oregonian, The (Portland, OR)
      April 30, 1989

The Portland Tri-Met police unit, which will start patrolling buses and
MAX trains May 15, will be flexible and innovative, officials at the
Portland Police Bureau promised Friday.

      Officers of the special Portland police unit, assigned to guarding
the safety of Portland's public transportation system, will be both visible
and invisible. The Tri-Met board voted last week to eliminate the agency's
transit police force and set aside $552,000 to contract for one year with
the Portland Police Bureau to patrol transit vehicles.

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