Homeschool benefits and savings in the Portland metropolitan TriMet district

TriMet's Youth fare lets riders ages 7 to 17 ride buses, MAX, and Portland Streetcar for $1.40 per 2½ hours, with rides free after $2.80 in a day or $28 in a calendar month. It is based on age, so a homeschooled child uses it with no application: from age 15, carry photo ID with proof of age. Other options include library educator cards and resources.

By Andrew Garber, founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed August 25, 2026.

Benefits in the Portland metropolitan TriMet district

1. TriMet reduced youth fare
2. Multnomah County Library homeschool educator card
3. Clackamas County LINCC educator card

TriMet reduced youth fare

Who qualifies

1. Is 7 to 17 years old

   The Youth fare is based on age, with no school enrollment requirement. Children 6 and under ride free with a paying passenger.

2. Or is a high school student

   Students in grades 9-12 or studying for a GED also pay the Youth fare. GED students need a TriMet-issued ID card from their GED program.

3. Carries ID from age 15

   Riders ages 15 to 17 and high school or GED students must show proof of age or student status if a bus operator or fare inspector asks.

What the fare costs

TriMet's fares page lists the Youth fare next to the Adult fare, with Day and Month Passes earned automatically once you reach the cap.

Youth 2½-hour fare

$1.40

Youth Day Pass, earned after

$2.80

Youth Month Pass, earned after

$28

Adult Month Pass, earned after

$100

New Hop card, physical or on your phone

$3

Children 6 and under with a paying rider

Free

The Youth fare also covers C-TRAN Local and Regional buses, but a transfer to C-TRAN Express during Express peak hours costs the price difference.

How to ride at the Youth fare

1. Before you ride

   Choose how to pay

   Pay cash on the bus, buy a ticket from a machine at a MAX or WES station, or use a Hop card bought at a grocery store or a virtual Hop card on your phone.

2. Each ride

   Tap or pay once

   One Youth fare covers any combination of buses, trains, and streetcars for 2½ hours.

3. From age 15

   Carry proof of age

   Keep a photo ID with proof of age, or proof of student status, ready for operators and fare inspectors.

4. During the month

   Ride free after the cap

   A second Youth fare after 2½ hours earns a Day Pass good until 3 a.m., and spending $28 in a calendar month earns a Month Pass for the rest of it.

What it includes

Included

• TriMet buses, MAX, and WES
• Portland Streetcar
• C-TRAN Local and Regional buses

Not included

• The $3 Hop card itself
• The C-TRAN Express price difference at peak hours

Who to contact about the Youth fare

TriMet Customer Service answers questions about fares, Hop cards, and proof of eligibility.

Customer Service

Multnomah County Library homeschool educator card

Who qualifies

1. Homeschools in the service area

   Educators who live or teach in the library service area qualify, including families who homeschool.

2. Brings photo identification

   Visit a library location with photo identification, or contact the library to ask about obtaining the card.

What you get

The library’s educator card page publishes these borrowing privileges.

Loans

Six-week periods

Renewals

Six-week periods

Holds

Up to 40

Late returns

No late fines

Lost-item fees

Up to 2 items cleared a year

How to get it

1. Before applying

   Confirm educator eligibility

   The library includes homeschool educators among people who live or teach in its service area.

2. At the branch

   Bring photo identification

   Request an educator card at a Multnomah County Library location, or contact the library for assistance.

3. When borrowing

   Use your educator privileges

   Borrow materials for six weeks and place up to 40 holds.

4. When more time is needed

   Renew your materials

   The educator card offers six-week renewal periods.

What it includes

Included

• Extended loans and renewals
• 40 holds
• No late fines
• Limited lost-item fee relief
• Homeschool curriculum previews

Who to contact

The liaison answers questions about library services for homeschool families.

learning@multcolib.org 971-500-1733

Clackamas County LINCC educator card

Who qualifies

1. Teaches homeschool

   LINCC's Educator Card Policy lists homeschool education among the teaching roles that qualify, for adults who plan and provide educational activities for children.

2. Lives in Clackamas County

   You must live in Clackamas County or teach at a school in LINCC's service area.

3. Shows proof of homeschooling

   Bring a valid photo ID and a letter of acknowledgement of homeschooling from your local Education Service District.

4. Owes $25 or less

   Your personal LINCC card must be in good standing, with $25 or less in fines.

What the card gives you

The limits come from LINCC's library card page and its Educator Card Policy.

Physical items out at once

80

Holds at a time

40

Loan period

6 weeks

Renewals per item

1

Overdue fines

None

Educator cards per person

1

Lost or damaged items are still billed, and your account is blocked once those charges pass $25.

How to get the card

1. Before you go

   Gather your papers

   Bring a photo ID and your ESD letter acknowledging that you homeschool.

2. At any LINCC library

   Sign up in person

   Ask for an Educator card. It is a separate card from your personal library card.

3. Each checkout

   Return or renew on time

   No late fines, but return or renew by the due date. Repeated late returns or personal use can cost you the card at every LINCC library.

4. After July 1 each year

   Renew in person

   Every Educator card expires June 30. Bring your photo ID and proof of educator status to a LINCC library, with a $0 balance on the account.

What it includes

Included

• Books and other physical items for teaching children K-12
• Up to 40 holds
• Six-week loans

Not included

• E-books, digital audiobooks, and databases for group use
• Lucky Day items
• Interlibrary loan requests
• Items for personal use

Lucky Day and interlibrary loan items for your homeschool can still go on your personal LINCC card.

Who to contact about the card

LINCC asks you to contact your local library with questions about Educator card eligibility.

Locations and hours

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Oregon

You must notify your local Education Service District (ESD) within 10 days of withdrawing from school, or of the school year's start if not withdrawing. You must notify the ESD if you leave your school district or stop homeschooling. After a move to a new ESD, notify the new ESD within 10 days.

Oregon sets these rules:

• Subjects: Oregon does not require specific subjects or a particular curriculum.
• Testing: Use an approved standardized test by August 15 after grades 3, 5, 8, and 10, subject to the initial 18-month testing grace period and disability-plan alternatives. Interscholastic participants meet annual testing or district-adopted alternative academic-evidence requirements, which may include an approved portfolio or work sample.
• Records: Keep test results and submit them to the Education Service District when requested. Retaining the ESD notification acknowledgment is also recommended.
• Teachers: Oregon does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.

Read the Oregon homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Oregon

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