MAX moves riders past traffic, but plan ahead, as congested roads may affect some bus service
No one enjoys scrunching over the steering wheel in bumper-to-bumper gridlock, wondering how much longer they’re going to have to pump the brake more than the gas. It’s times like these, as traffic grinds to a standstill, when TriMet helps you beat the backup and keeps you moving.
Starting Friday, Sept. 11, as the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) begins its weeks-long closure of southbound Interstate 5 as part of the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project, TriMet’s MAX trains will be the best option to avoid the closure and the expected traffic nightmare. MAX trains run on their own restricted right-of-way and don’t share the track with other vehicles. There are places where autos cross the tracks, but for the most part, trains can keep moving even when nearby roads are clogged with traffic.
The I-5 alternative: MAX Yellow Line
The MAX Yellow Line will likely be the best choice for those traveling between the Vancouver area and Downtown Portland. It runs parallel to I-5, with Park & Rides at Expo Center and Delta Park/Vanport to make it easy to connect with trains. Yellow Line trains arrive every 15 minutes or sooner throughout most of the day. Get Park & Ride details below.
A typical trip on the MAX Yellow Line from the Expo Center to Downtown Portland takes about 30 minutes.
The I-205 or I-84 alternative: MAX Blue and Red lines
During ODOT’s closure, southbound I-5 traffic will be redirected onto Interstate 405. Heavier-than-usual traffic is expected on the portions of I-5 that remain open, as well as on Interstate 205, I-405 and surface streets, especially those that run parallel to I-5.
MAX Blue and Red lines are also options for those traveling into Downtown Portland from Vancouver or elsewhere. Red Line trains are an alternative to driving on I-205, as they depart the Park Rose/Sumner Transit Center every 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Blue and Red Line trains move riders past I-84 traffic, with trains departing the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center every seven to eight minutes. Get Park & Ride details below.
The southeast alternative: MAX Orange Line
MAX Orange Line is an option for those who normally start their drive from south of Portland and travel to Vancouver. Two Park & Rides are located at the southern end of the Orange Line, at the SE Park Ave. and SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek MAX stations. Trains arrive every 15 minutes and become MAX Yellow Line trains as they travel north toward Delta Park/Vanport, where riders can transfer to C-TRAN buses to Vancouver. Get Park & Ride details below.
Plan for possible bus delays
Because TriMet buses rely on surface roads, they may experience delays. In North and Northeast Portland, several bus lines may be vulnerable to traffic redirected from I-5. These include:
- Line 4-Fessenden
- Line 6-Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
- Line 8-Jackson Park/NE 15th
- Line 17-Holgate/Broadway
- Line 35-Macadam/Greeley
- Line 44-Capitol Hwy/Mocks Crest
- Line 77-Broadway/Halsey
Congestion could also slow other routes near I-84 and I-205. Consider taking a train instead if MAX can get you to where you’re going. MAX operates largely on its own right-of-way, allowing trains to avoid much of the congestion on area roads.
We encourage riders to start planning now by going to trimet.org.
We appreciate the partnership of ODOT and the many agencies working together to minimize the impacts of this major project.
To the best of our ability, TriMet will keep buses and trains moving, but we encourage riders to stay prepared. You can check Service Alerts before you go at trimet.org/alerts.
Park & Ride: hundreds of free parking spots available
TriMet’s Park & Rides can help you avoid traffic, especially during planned freeway projects like the one beginning on Sept. 11.
MAX Yellow Line
- Expo Center Park & Ride: Up to 100 weekday parking spaces are available through an agreement with Oregon Metro. Riders must arrive before 10 a.m. to avoid a Metro parking fee. The lot is served by the MAX Yellow Line and, on weekdays, TriMet Line 11-Rivergate/Marine Dr.
- Delta Park/Vanport Park & Ride: A little over a mile from the Expo Center, the Delta Park/Vanport Park & Ride offers 304 parking spaces. C-TRAN Route 500, a temporary shuttle bus, will also serve the station during the southbound closure of I-5. These buses will operate between 99th Street Transit Center in Vancouver and the Delta Park/Vanport MAX station, where riders can transfer to a MAX Yellow Line train.
MAX Blue and Red lines
- Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center Park & Ride: The northernmost Park & Ride on the MAX Red Line is located less than two miles south of Northeast Marine Drive and the Portland side of I-205’s Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge. It features 193 parking spaces.
- Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center Park & Ride: A major transit hub on the east side, it provides connections to the MAX Blue and Red lines. The multi-story Park & Ride offers 480 spaces, while the nearby surface lot features an additional 210. Please note that the top floor of the Park & Ride is reserved for The Oregon Clinic.
MAX Orange Line
- SE Park Ave Park & Ride: The southernmost station on the MAX Orange Line, SE Park Ave is home to a Park & Ride with roughly 700 parking spaces.
- SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek Park & Ride: Located near Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard, the Park & Ride offers 318 parking spaces.
There’s usually space available at these Park & Rides on most days. For more information about TriMet’s Park & Rides, visit trimet.org/parkandride.
Know before you go
TriMet’s online trip-planning tools make it simple to find the best route during the closure.
At trimet.org, riders can use the Trip Planner to compare travel options, identify departure times and find the best connections using TriMet, C-TRAN and other regional transit services. Add Park & Rides to your travel options and start from your home.
Before heading out, riders should also check TransitTracker™ for real-time arrival information and service updates. Digital arrival signs are located at every MAX station, all transit centers and many bus stops, displaying upcoming departures.
Additional information about riding TriMet, including instructional videos for new riders, is available at trimet.org/howtoride.
Tap to ride every time
Whether you’re new to TriMet or you commute every day, remember that fares are always required when riding.
There’s no need to have a Hop Fastpass® card in advance. You can pay our adult fare by simply tapping a contactless bank card or smartphone on a green Hop reader each time you board. If you do have a Hop Fastpass® card, this is also where you tap.
Hop Fastpass® cards are available at fare card vending machines, located at every MAX station and transit center. In addition to Adult and Youth cards, they dispense Honored Citizen Hop cards to eligible riders. (If you qualify based on disability, income or military status, you need to apply in advance and obtain a photo ID Hop card.) The machines feature large, easier-to-use touchscreens with step-by-step instructions, giving riders another convenient way to purchase or reload a Hop card.
Just remember, each rider needs their own way to pay. Have a different card handy for every rider. Tapping is your proof of fare, after all, so make sure you do it every time you board. Even with multiple taps, you’ll never pay more than the daily fare of $5.60 thanks to fare capping, which stops charges once you reach the maximum.
Stay open to options
The traffic impacts of the weeks-long closure of I-5 south won’t necessarily start or stop with the freeway. More vehicles on nearby streets may mean slower trips for buses and drivers alike.
We recommend that you give yourself extra time, check conditions before leaving and consider whether MAX can take some of the uncertainty out of your commute.
Visit trimet.org to plan your trip now.