Well Portland has an ordinance about city parks but you really need not worry about it as ORS 166.170 is quite plain. You are correct in assuming tri-met doesn't have a leg to stand on. JIC I always carry a copy of the relevant state statutes with me in my wallet, and in case I ever catch the bus(rare but for a couple weeks there I had to as I didn't have insurance on my truck at the time I did catch the bus and I did carry) I also carry a copy of tri-met ordinances.
Tri-met has recently changed their laws a little, it's under category 2 violations under section B and is as follows.
"Weapons: No person, except a peace officer, shall bring or carry aboard a District Vehicle any firearm, knife(except a folding knife with a blade of less then 3 1/2 inches in leng), or any other weapon, except in accordance with administrative rules as may be promulgated by the General manager or otherwise provided by law. Where possession of such weapons cannot be prohibited by law, a person in possession of a weapon may not display or carry the weapon in a manner which is likely to result in fear or alarm by other persons or District employees."
As you can see now with this except as where provided by law they are allowing it, at least in theory. However they are still posing regulations on that carry which is still in violation of ORS 166.170 but is kind of a moot point since that is the idea behind concealed carry anyway. However as history in Oregon has taught us, give them an inch and they take 500 miles. We must not budge, not even on common sense issues such as this. If they are prohibited from making laws regarding it then they are prohibited, common sense or not.
You should read the little fiasco on the OFF website(
www.oregonfirearms.org) between the legislature and the Portland Airport. In 100% accordnace with federal law you can indeed carry inside the terminal, just not past the checkpoint, however Port of Portland says they will arrest anyone carrying and they can have their day in court. Despite the Oregon legislature that wrote the law telling them plainly that their bylaws are illegal, and are void. Also see the section in there regarding carry of firearms on school grounds. Any signs in Oregon regarding firearms near schools, is not extended to CHL holders. If you see any signs that say so they are in violation of the law, and you should take notes and pictures and report it to OFF, they will have their lawyers handle it from there. More then one sign has been removed. Federal law does prohibit guns in public schools, with CHL holders being exempt.
Either way regardless, in regards to ORS 166.170, Oregon State Law is the ONLY law you should give a damn about other then federal when dealing with firearms within Oregon. PERIOD! Tokeep yourself safe take copies of some of the laws with you, as well as anything else you may find relevant on the OFF website. You may or may not like the OFF or the owner of OFF, however the site is still full of useful information for us.
Rev. Michael
**EDIT**
Portland Local Code regarding firearms can be found here:
http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/index.cfm?&a=15437&c=28514