TriMet News

Tyler Graf

  • TriMet improves access, reliability and safety at MAX elevators along I-84 

    Access control devices  now in operation at NE 60th and NE 82nd MAX Station elevators

    As part of our ongoing efforts to improve elevator safety and reliability, TriMet has installed access-control devices on elevators at our NE 60th Ave and NE 82nd Ave MAX stations. These elevators, along with the one at the Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave, are now only accessible to riders with a valid fare. While valid fare is required, there is no cost to use the elevators.

    Elevator access control was first introduced as a permanent feature of the Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave MAX station after a month-long trial in 2023. The result has been a reduction in misuse and improved reliability of the elevator for those who need it, including people with mobility challenges, bicycles or strollers with children.

    Elevator access control – A step-by-step guide

    TriMet operates 17 elevators at MAX stations, transit centers and parking garages across our system. Many of these elevators are located at our grade-separated stations, such as those along Interstate 84. The elevators provide access to TriMet service for people who have mobility challenges. TriMet has worked to upgrade many of our elevators over the years through our Elevator Improvement Program, and we continue to focus efforts on reducing unnecessary wear and tear so they are available for those who need them.

    To use an access-controlled elevator, tap a Hop card, contactless credit/debit card or phone on the black reader by the elevator’s door until it displays “Elevator Access.”  For riders with tickets printed on buses, hold the QR code below the QR code reader underneath the device. The doors will then open, possibly after a brief wait. There is no charge to use the elevator. 

    These devices are not Hop fare readers. Riders must tap their Hop card, payment card or phone at the green Hop reader on MAX platforms to pay fare before boarding the train. 

    Added security measures

    Access control is one of several significant safety and security improvements TriMet has introduced over the past two years. With nearly 500 people dedicated to safety and security on the system, TriMet has more people than ever before to support riders and enforce the rules for riding.

    More enforcement has led to positive security outcomes. Calls for police service on TriMet have dropped 40% since 2022. Having more unarmed security personnel present creates a visible deterrent that discourages inappropriate behavior.

    Recent additions to safety and security over the past year include: 

    • Security Operations Center: Using thousands of surveillance cameras and an integrated communications platform, dispatchers at TriMet’s Security Operations Center respond to calls and deploy safety and security personnel in real time.
    • Blue-light security phones: TriMet has installed 18 blue-light security phones on MAX platforms, with more planned in the future. These red towers with a bright blue light on top give the riders a direct line of communication with TriMet’s Security Operations Center. They are similar to technology that college campuses have used for decades. 
    • Drug laws: Senate Bill 1553 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, making possession of small amounts of illicit drugs on public transit a serious misdemeanor. Since the passage of the law last spring, TriMet has seen a steep decrease in reports of drug use on and around the system. 

    The goal of elevator access control is cleaner and more reliable elevator service for riders. We continue to urge riders to be our eyes and ears and to let us know if you see unacceptable behavior. Text or call our 24/7 security hotline: 503-238-7433 (RIDE). For emergency matters that require police, riders should contact 911 immediately.

  • (VIDEO) Major renovation of NE 82nd Ave MAX Station begins this June

    (VIDEO) Major renovation of NE 82nd Ave MAX Station begins this June

    MAX Blue, Green and Red lines disrupted June 8-9, as crews finish installation of a  temporary platform to keep riders moving during months-long improvement project

    The NE 82nd Ave MAX Station is getting a major makeover! Starting this June, crews will begin the months-long process of modernizing the nearly 40-year-old station. 

    But first, a two-day disruption, from Sunday, June 8, through Monday, June 9, is needed to prepare the area around the station for significant construction activity beginning later this summer. Crews will use the two days to install a stairway on the southbound side of Northeast 82nd Avenue, across the street from the regular entrance to the MAX station. 

    Once the temporary platform opens, the new stairs will allow riders to access it. The elevator will remain operable during most of the renovation project. A platform-level pathway will connect the elevator to the temporary platform. 

    When trains return to regular service on Tuesday, June 10, there will be no access to the regular NE 82nd Ave MAX Station as crews perform renovations there through the end of the year. While construction is taking place, riders will use the temporary MAX platform to board and exit trains. This will allow MAX trains to continue to serve the station during construction.

    Two-day MAX disruption: June 8-9

    The June 8-9 disruption will affect MAX Blue, Green and Red lines. Shuttle buses will replace MAX service between the Oregon Convention Center MAX Station and the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center. The shuttle buses will depart every five minutes for most of the day. However, trips may take an extra 30 minutes, and we encourage riders to plan their trips now by going to trimet.org.

    If you have questions about arrival times or getting around during the disruption, look for TriMet’s On-Street Customer Service team, wearing green vests. You can also call or text TriMet’s Customer Support Center at 503-238-7433 (RIDE) daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.


    Temporary platform to keep riders moving

    Crews have already constructed a temporary MAX platform west of the station. It will open to riders on June 10 and offer many of the same amenities, including signage, lighting and a shelter. Most important, the platform will keep riders moving during construction. 

    The stairs leading down to the temporary platform will be on the opposite side of Northeast 82nd Ave, adjacent to the southbound lanes and across the street from the entrance to the MAX station.

    The renovation represents a major investment in the MAX system, making it safer, more comfortable and more durable. The station is not only one of our oldest, it is also vital in connecting East Portlanders to jobs, education, healthcare and services. This project will help revitalize the station while laying the groundwork for future development and investment in the surrounding community.

    The renovation will include:

    • Stairway construction: The existing stairway will be rebuilt.
    • Shelter renovation: The current shelter will be re-roofed and refurbished, preserving its historic design. A second shelter will be added to the east side of the platform.
    • Lift building removal: The non-operational lift building at the end of the platform will be removed completely to improve sight lines. Constructed in the 1980s, these buildings formerly housed devices that lifted people in mobility devices into MAX trains. They became obsolete when low-floor trains were introduced in the 1990s, and many have already been removed from the system. 
    • Barrier replacement: The existing bollard and cable barrier on the edge of the platform will be replaced with a guardrail for improved safety.
    Demolition of the lift building has commenced without affecting MAX service.

    Additional improvements will include upgraded signage and lighting. The mural by acclaimed artist Alex Chiu on the west end of the platform, will be preserved.

    Making Transit Better

    TriMet appreciates our riders’ patience as we work to improve community connections. As a busy transit hub in the heart of Northeast Portland, the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station links thousands to jobs, services and healthcare. 

    The NE 82nd Ave MAX Improvements Project is part of systemwide modernization efforts aimed at providing a more accessible, welcoming and reliable transit experience for the Portland region – today and into the future. This includes the introduction of our newest trains, the Type 6, which started service earlier this year.

    Other significant projects have included our recently completed East Burnside MAX Improvements Project and A Better Red MAX Extension and Reliability Improvements Project, which extended the MAX Red Line 10 stations west. 

    Improvements like these benefit everyone! Safe, reliable and comfortable public transit means less congestion, cleaner air and safer roads. It also means a thriving economy, giving people access to work, education, stores, services and recreation. 


    More information about the project and service impacts is available at trimet.org/improvements.

  • TriMet prepares to keep riders moving during major renovation of NE 82nd Ave MAX Station

    TriMet prepares to keep riders moving during major renovation of NE 82nd Ave MAX Station

    Limited service impacts during construction’s first phase, starting, Tuesday, April 15 with the building of a temporary platform

    The first phase of a major renovation of the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station will begin on Tuesday, April 15, with the construction of a temporary MAX platform that will open later this summer.  

    Construction of the temporary platform marks the start of a broader effort to improve one of the oldest and most heavily used stations in the MAX system. While riders may notice construction taking place near the station for the next few weeks, there will be no disruption to MAX Blue, Green or Red Line service during this first phase of the project.

    Construction begins with a temporary platform

    Initial work will focus on constructing a temporary platform located just west of the existing station. Once built, the temporary platform will have lighting, a weather shelter and signage. It will be connected to the main station’s elevator via a walkway. It is expected to open in June and allow TriMet to maintain uninterrupted MAX Blue, Green and Red Line service during demolition and construction of the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station, which will last through the end of 2025.

    Minimizing impacts on riders

    The temporary platform will allow the station renovation to proceed with minimal rider disruption. Crews will need to demolish significant parts of the station to rebuild it, which can only take place if the station is closed. However, the project will require a few short disruptions this summer and fall. TriMet will inform the public of those in advance.

    Station updates focus on accessibility and design

    Renovations to the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station are designed to enhance safety, accessibility and the overall rider experience while preserving key cultural elements. Planned upgrades include:

    • New concrete surfacing
    • A rebuilt stairway
    • A refurbished shelter that maintains its original design
    • The addition of a second shelter to match the original shelter 
    • Updated lighting and signage
    • The removal of the inoperable mobility-device lift building, which has not been used since the mid-1990s
    • The replacement of outdated barriers with a modern guardrail

    The mural by local artist Alex Chiu, located next to the elevator, will be preserved as part of TriMet’s commitment to celebrating community identity.

    Strengthening community connections

    Located at the intersection of transit and opportunity, the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station is important in connecting East Portlanders to jobs, education, healthcare and services. This project will help revitalize the station while laying the groundwork for future development and investment in the surrounding community.

    All construction activity will take place at the track level between the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and I-84. There will be no changes to the station’s street-level entrance or elevator access during the construction of the temporary platform.

    The project is part of systemwide modernization efforts aimed at providing a more accessible, welcoming and reliable transit experience for the Portland region today and into the future. This includes the introduction of our newest trains, the Type 6, which began earlier this year.

  • (Video) A fresh future: cleaning focus sets TriMet record, thrills riders

    (Video) A fresh future: cleaning focus sets TriMet record, thrills riders

    TriMet crews work day and night — cleaning trains, removing graffiti and scrubbing stations — to keep the system inviting

    A TriMet employee mopping the floor of a MAX train.

    At the Cleveland Ave MAX Station in Gresham, TriMet Service Aide Matt Sunshine, equipped with the typical tools of the cleaning profession, steps onto a MAX Blue Line train.

    Service Aides like Matt have about 10 minutes to wipe down surfaces, sweep out trash and mop the floors before vehicles depart. At the end of each MAX line, the trains have a brief layover to give operators time for a break. The Service Aides are trained to work quickly and purposefully. After all, this is the cleaners’ time to shine.

    It’s a fast-paced job to make the riding experience as comfortable as possible, but Matt has found more than just work here — he’s found a sense of purpose and community that has kept him with TriMet through changing times. Starting as a temporary cleaner, he has become a part of TriMet’s expanding efforts to spruce up buses, trains and facilities.

    “I got laid off from my previous job as a cook. When I was hired by TriMet, I was in the first group of COVID cleaners,” Matt says. “When COVID started cooling down, the restaurant wanted people back, so they called me, and I said, ‘no, I like it at TriMet too much. Sorry, I’m staying here.’”

    He says the great environment and his dedicated and helpful co-workers have inspired him for five years. Knowing that riders appreciate his work — often thanking the team for what they do — is also a bonus. These factors are a major reason 2024 was a record-setting year for sprucing up the system.

    Riders are taking notice of the more welcoming station areas and the heightened attention to maintaining a safe and inviting experience. Joan R. said she had stopped riding for a time but decided to give it another go after learning about TriMet’s efforts around cleanliness and safety. The riding experience exceeded her expectations.

    “I used MAX yesterday, and it is a 180-degree difference — it is secure and clean,” Joan wrote in an email.  “I am so impressed and pleased with the changes. I now have a HOP card!”

    TriMet is not letting up! Riders have told us that cleaner, brighter and more vibrant vehicles and stations make them feel better about riding. We understand. Over the first four months of 2025, crews have notched 792 reports of pressure washing and 1,096 for track cleaning, setting us on track for another record-setting year.

    Multiple cleaners, one mission

    With a service area spanning 533 square miles, TriMet’s Facilities Management team and other crews play a critical behind-the-scenes role in keeping the region’s transit system clean, safe and running smoothly. In 2024, the department introduced the Clean Team and delivered major systemwide improvements — often under tight timelines and challenging conditions.

    Matt explains what his days look like as a Service Aide, addressing the onboard needs of trains when they reach the end of the line — the last station on each line, where operators take breaks. 

    “Every time a train comes in, I hop on board,” Matt says. “I sweep up the trash. I wipe down the seats. I mop the floors. I make it smell good if it needs to be freshened up a little bit, and make it a more pleasant riding experience.” 

    TriMet’s Service Workers deep clean vehicles during the overnight hours.


    All told, TriMet’s cleaners performed 36,982 activities at the end of all the MAX lines in 2024. Additionally, cleaners pressure-washed stations 3,170 times in 2024 and cleaned litter from the tracks 2,561 times. 

    Trains are cleaned throughout the day, and both trains and buses are cleaned once they’re done carrying passengers. Service workers, who work overnight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., can give vehicles more attention by wiping windows, scrubbing off mud and performing more detailed work. Meanwhile, the Clean Team, made up of TriMet employees, focuses on maintaining cleanliness and safety at stations and surrounding areas.

    Various teams, one mission

    In addition to the increased presence of safety and security personnel across TriMet’s transit system, our various cleaning teams help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all riders. 

    Keeping our system orderly is a shared responsibility. Riders can help by using trash cans at stations and on board, avoiding feeding pigeons and reporting inappropriate behavior when you see it. To report a non-urgent safety, security or cleanliness concern 24/7, text or call our hotline at 503-238-7433 (RIDE) or submit a report at trimet.org/security. Every small action helps keep our transit system safer and more welcoming for everyone.

  • (VIDEO) Improvements coming this spring to TriMet’s MAX Blue Line east of Gateway

    (VIDEO) Improvements coming this spring to TriMet’s MAX Blue Line east of Gateway

    A two-week project, April 27-May 10, will improve the durability of TriMet’s original rail line

    Mark your calendars. Improvements are coming to the MAX light rail system this spring.

    TriMet will perform a series of upgrades on the MAX Blue Line east of the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center from April 27 through May 10. The two-week-long East Burnside MAX Improvements Project will require crews to work on and above the tracks to replace and upgrade equipment for durability, extra reliability and a smoother ride. 

    It’s not a stretch to say that extreme heat can vex the light rail system, causing overhead wires to sag. Instead, we turn to a system that applies tension to keep the wires taut as temperatures creep upward. Crews will install a new version of the system during the project as the summer months approach.

    The overhead wires will receive further attention elsewhere, with crews planning to replace about 8,000 feet of them. The two weeks of construction will give crews time to make the necessary upgrades to the overhead wire system, replace a rail crossing, and improve other elements of the track. 

    Moving riders around construction

    TriMet has plans in place to help riders navigate the disruption. We have worked to limit the impacts as much as possible, including reducing the disruption during the second week. 

    Week 1 (April 27-May 3): Shuttle buses will serve riders between Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center and Cleveland Ave MAX Station – the end of the MAX Blue Line in Gresham.

    Week 2 (May 4-10): The disruption area will be shortened. Shuttle buses will serve riders between E 172nd Ave and Cleveland Ave MAX stations only. 

    Remember to plan by going to trimet.org/planner. If you plan on riding during the disruption, make sure to include future travel dates. Riders will want to plan an extra 30 minutes for their trips. You can also sign up for service alerts to be delivered directly to you via text message or email by going to trimet.org/email.

    Staying ahead of Mother Nature

    The overhead wires are like the circulatory system of MAX trains, pumping cleaner, renewable electricity into every vehicle. During the East Burnside MAX Improvements Project, TriMet’s crews will retrofit some overhead wires to make them more resilient to extreme heat and boost their durability. TriMet will do this by upgrading systems that have served riders for decades.

    The overhead wires need to be tight, like a stretched rubber band, for trains to move at normal speeds. However, when temperatures soar above 90 degrees, “thermal expansion” causes the copper wires to droop. That’s why TriMet uses weight stacks, which weigh a ton and are connected to the wires, to keep the wires tight in extreme heat. The system works well, with the weights dropping toward the ground when temperatures rise. However, it has become so hot in recent years, including a record-setting 116 degrees in 2021, that there have been times when the weights have hit the ground.

    By introducing the new, automated overhead wire tensioning system in some areas, TriMet will replace the weight stacks that have been in use. Enter a new, automated overhead wire tensioning system. The new system applies more pressure, about 3,000 pounds of it overall.  

    Rebuilding the eastbound and westbound rail crossing at Northwest Eleven Mile Avenue in Gresham will give motorists and MAX riders a smoother ride through the intersection. This current crossing was installed decades ago and is in heavy use. In addition to autos and MAX Blue Line trains, every train that enters and leaves our Ruby Junction Rail Operating Facility travels over the crossing. New track parts, including 50-100 rail ties, will also be added during construction.

    Cleaning will also be a priority during the project. Crews will clean closed stations, remove litter and graffiti and clear brush on the east end of the MAX Blue Line when the trains aren’t running. Riders can expect to see more TriMet employees near closed stations and shuttle bus locations to help them make their connections. Look for people wearing green vests (On-Street Customer Service), blue vests (Ride Guides) or TriMet uniforms. We will also have extra safety and security personnel available to support riders. 

    Minor traffic impacts

    Crews will sometimes need to work in the roadway. Auto traffic will be limited to a single lane near Northwest Eleven Mile Avenue and East Burnside Street, and traffic controls will be in place to help drivers navigate the work. Additionally, two four-hour street closures will be needed for rail welding, restricting all vehicular access to Northwest Eleven Mile Avenue between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. 

    MAX improvements

    TriMet works to keep our transit system in the best condition possible through regular upkeep and maintenance. This is why the MAX Blue Line, the second oldest light rail line on the West Coast, has provided millions of trips since opening in 1986. 

    As much as we try to work during overnight hours or in ways that minimize rider impacts, some work can only be done when we stop service altogether. We thank our riders for their patience and understanding as we prepare to kick off the project.

    In recent years, MAX improvements projects have resulted in rail improvements through Downtown Portland, upgrades to rail crossings in Gresham and the recent introduction of our Type 6 MAX trains earlier this year. 

    For information about the upcoming disruption, go to trimet.org.

  • This spring break, take TriMet! The easiest, most affordable way to start your vacation

    This spring break, take TriMet! The easiest, most affordable way to start your vacation

    TriMet’s MAX Red Line offers a fast, affordable and hassle-free way to get to and from Portland International Airport

    Spring break is right around the corner. It’s time to dust off your luggage, review your travel itinerary and plan your trip to Portland International Airport with TriMet.

    This year, 820,000 people are expected to pass through PDX between Friday, March 21, and Sunday, April 6, according to the Port of Portland. With this being one of the busiest travel periods of the year, TriMet’s “train-to-plane,” using the MAX Red Line, will be the most convenient and affordable option for tens of thousands of travelers. 

    With money a major consideration for all travelers, no one wants spring break to turn into spring broke.

    Taking TriMet can save you anywhere from $50 to $150 on travel. On average, a one-way-trip on the train to PDX is at least $40 less than using a rideshare,* taxi or airport shuttle. And when it comes to parking for the duration of spring break, it costs about $90 more to use PDX’s economy parking lot than it does to take the MAX Red Line. And from there, the prices go up. economy parking at PDX starts at $15 per day, while long-term parking is $24 per day.

    But with TriMet, you can beat the crowds and save a considerable amount of money. 

    Riding MAX to PDX

    This will be the first spring break since the MAX Red Line was extended 10 stations west to Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds in August 2024. The extension was the culmination of TriMet’s A Better Red MAX Extension and Reliability Project. It means more people than ever before now have the opportunity to take a one-seat ride to catch their flights, saving time and money in the process. The Red Line also serves the Rose Quarter Transit Center, a connection point for all MAX lines, and the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center, a connection point for MAX Blue and Green lines. Many of the Red Line’s 36 stations are also within a few feet of dozens of bus stops, making transfers convenient.

    To plan your trip in advance to see if you need to make any connections, go to trimet.org/planner. You can also track the location of your train or bus in real time at trimet.org. 

    Ride and save

    The average taxi or rideshare trip from PDX to Downtown costs between $30 and $45 (before tip). But on MAX, it’s only $2.80 for Adults  – or $1.40 for Youth or Honored Citizen fare. That’s roughly the cost of the surcharge you would pay for a rideshare. Plus, travelers can’t beat the location of the Portland International Airport MAX Station, which is only 150 feet from the baggage claim area.

    MAX Red Line operates for nearly 20 hours everyday, including late at night and early in the morning. But if your flight arrives or departs during the hours when MAX Red Line trains aren’t running, TriMet provides bus service in place of MAX overnight. This gives you another option to get to and from Portland International Airport, but there may be times when this service isn’t running. To find out more at trimet.org/MAXbus. 

    New Hop card machines

    Hop cards are now available at TriMet’s MAX stations and transit centers as TriMet moves to phase out disposable paper tickets. Cards can either be bought, for a one-time $3 fee, and then loaded with fare, or an existing card can be loaded with fare at any of the machines. Everyone traveling will need their own card, so remember to purchase and load fare onto each card before tapping to ride.

    Tap your credit card or phone

    You can also pay by tapping your credit or debit card or your mobile wallet against the green Hop reader before boarding. Taps from a credit or debit card or mobile wallet are only good for Adult fare, and you will need to use one payment device per family member. Always remember to tap, as your Hop card, debit/credit card or mobile wallet will act as your proof of fare. 

    Travel by train or bus

    For travelers who prefer a train-to-train option, TriMet can also get you to Union Station to catch Amtrak. MAX Green, Orange and Yellow lines, as well as various TriMet bus lines, serve Amtrak’s Union Station. You can also connect with the Greyhound or FlixBus bus stops, located on Northwest Station Way, by bus and MAX Blue and Red lines.

    Here to help

    To plan your trip, go to trimet.org/planner. If you have questions, reach out to TriMet Customer Service by calling 503-238-7433 (RIDE) between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily. Real-time arrival information is available 24 hours a day. 

    On-Street Customer Service staff and security will be stationed at the airport to help answer questions or assist riders. Look for On-Street Customer Service in green vests and Transit Security Officers in bright yellow and black uniforms.

    MAX Red Line

    Did you know the MAX Red Line was the first train-to-plane connection on the West Coast? It was built as part of a public-private partnership that spurred major development and economic growth, leading to the development of Cascade Station, home to popular retail destinations like Ikea. 

    Since 2001, the MAX Red Line has seen hundreds of thousands of travelers off on memorable trips and welcomed just as many back to the comforts of home. Often, it’s the first thing visitors see when they exit the airport. It remains one of our most used MAX stations, with thousands of trips made every day. 

    For MAX Red Line schedules and maps, or to sign up for Service Alerts for the MAX Red Line, visit trimet.org/schedules/maxredline.  

    *The average cost of an 11-mile trip via rideshare between Downtown Portland and PDX is about $40

  • All aboard! First of TriMet’s newest MAX trains – ‘the Type 6’ – start serving riders

    Two of the new vehicles entered regular service for the first time on Thursday, Jan. 16

    The first riders hopped on board TriMet’s new “Type 6” MAX trains on Thursday, Jan. 16, signaling another major advancement in our light rail system.

    Two of the new vehicles, paired together to create one train, rolled out of TriMet’s Ruby Junction Rail Operating Facility at 6:06 a.m. to meet riders for the morning commute. In total, 30 new vehicles will enter service in the months ahead, operating on all five MAX lines. As TriMet’s most advanced trains, the Type 6s are part of an overall effort to boost reliability and the rider experience. 

    TriMet is excited to introduce the new trains. Before service, each one undergoes thousands of miles of testing to ensure they will provide a safe and reliable ride. With these trains being our most advanced, they require an even more exacting level of attention.

    The Type 6 trains hold another notable first. They’re the first that are not entering service alongside an extension of the MAX system. That has been the norm since TriMet introduced the MAX system in 1986. Testing took place after hours, during regular service and during a short disruption in June 2024.

     Better rides, more reliability

    On the outside, the newest MAX trains look similar to our last generation of vehicles, the “Type 5,” introduced in 2015 when the MAX Orange Line opened. Both are manufactured by Siemens Mobility. They’re the same length – 96 feet, 11 inches – and the same width – 8 feet, 8 inches.  They’re also both blue with orange stripes. But look closely on the inside, and it’s a different story.

    Video-enabled destination screens: On the ceiling are digital destination displays, enhanced by graphics and video. Not only do they show the station the train is approaching, they’re capable of displaying special messages and video packages. By using improved accessibility features, riders will have more information available to them as they ride.

    Improved lighting and temperature control: New LED lights around the doors indicate when they’re available for boarding and getting off trains. The lights will display in green when a door is ready for use, red when it’s closed and cannot be used and flash yellow when the doors are operating to provide better visual aids for riders. Improved temperature controls will help the trains stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

    Predictive maintenance for reliability: One thing riders may not notice – at least not at first – is the ability to use predictive maintenance to improve the trains’ reliability. Sensors in the trains will communicate digitally with our maintenance teams, giving them better information to troubleshoot and solve issues before they occur.  

    Advanced security system: On board security cameras are better, too. They will provide clearer pictures and feature wireless data for remote downloading of footage.

    Here’s another way to know you’re on a Type 6: Check the train number! Every Type 6 is labeled with a three-digit number that starts with 6. From the outside of the train, you’ll see the number on the top near the light and on both sides of the vehicle. Inside, the train number is displayed on both ends near the operator cab

    Introducing a better MAX

    The new Type 6 trains are an investment in the future, as light rail vehicles typically last for decades. The Type 1s are evidence of this, serving the MAX system for nearly 40 years. 

    Introduction of the Type 6 means our first generation MAX trains will retire. They have been a reliable source of transportation for riders across the MAX system since 1986, a 39-year period where some of the trains have surpassed 2 million miles. That’s the equivalent of about 80 trips around the Earth’s equator! 

    The decommissioning process for the Type 1s began when the first Type 6 trains began arriving for their extensive testing period. TriMet will continue phasing out our original Type 1 vehicles in 2025. Not only have the trains exceeded their lifespan, parts for the vehicles are no longer available. 

    TriMet plans to donate one of the Type 1 trains to the Oregon Electric Railway Museum in Brooks, Ore., for preservation. 

    Improving the overall system

    TriMet has been working on ways to reduce travel times and improve the overall rider experience on MAX. This is achieved through investments in technology and personnel, along with improvements projects that keep the MAX system running reliably. Recently, the multi-year A Better Red MAX Extension and Reliability project was completed, with the extension of the MAX Red Line to Hillsboro opening to riders on Aug. 28, 2024. 

    Along with major reliability projects aimed at improving the light rail system, TriMet has also invested in enhanced cleaning efforts focused on our MAX system. Our Clean Team is out every day, power washing, removing graffiti, picking up litter and more to make our facilities feel safe and welcoming. 

    We’ve also added more safety and security personnel than ever before, along with other safety resources, such as our Security Operation Center and blue-light security phones, for reporting issues. Remember, you can always text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) to report suspicious or illegal behavior.

  • Take TriMet to festive lights and local delights for free this New Year’s Eve

    Beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, hop on board and ride responsibly to and from your New Year’s celebration of choice

    With 2025 right around the corner, there’s one annual tradition that’s even more predictable than making (or breaking) a list of resolutions, and that’s riding TriMet for free on New Year’s Eve. 

    TriMet wants you to celebrate responsibly, travel smart and kick off 2025 on a high note. Free rides on buses and MAX trains start at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and will last until the end of service after midnight. Bus service and extended late-night service on the MAX Blue, Green, Orange and Yellow lines will make it safe and convenient to get to and from events across the area.

    Three celebrations to remember

    • Portland’s New Year’s Eve Drone Show at Pioneer Courthouse Square: Let’s go to the drone show! This year, Portland’s New Year’s Eve Drone Show at Pioneer Courthouse Square will be a dazzling, family-friendly way to ring in the new year. The event will feature a display of 200 synchronized drones lighting up the night sky. Two shows are scheduled — one at 9 p.m. to celebrate midnight on the East Coast and another at midnight for the West Coast countdown. This free and open-to-all celebration promises a memorable experience in the heart of Downtown Portland. 

    You will want to try to get there early, as MAX service through Downtown will temporarily pause during the drone shows. All MAX riders should plan for some delays while the drone shows are taking place.

    Getting there: The MAX Blue, Green, Orange, Red and Yellow lines serve stations near Pioneer Courthouse Square. Numerous TriMet bus lines stop nearby, particularly along the Transit Mall — Southwest Fifth and Sixth avenues — and surrounding streets. 

    • ‘Bing’ in the New Year: Did you know the Bing cherry was developed in Milwaukie and named after the horticulturalist, Ah Bing, who first cultivated it in 1875? It will be easy to remember after attending Milwaukie’s New Year celebration, which will honor this bit of cultural heritage with live music, Chinese cultural performances, food vendors, a beer and mead garden and a cherry drop! The family-friendly fun starts at 6 p.m. Make sure you arrive at 10723 SE Main St, Milwaukie (site of the Milwaukie Farmers Market) for the lowering of an illuminated, seven-foot, sparkling  Bing cherry at 9 p.m.!

    Getting there: Take the MAX Orange Line to the Milwaukie/Main St MAX Station. It’s a short walk to the market, located at Southeast Main and Harrison streets. Several TriMet bus lines also serve downtown Milwaukie, including Line 33-McLoughlin/King Rd, Line 70-12/NE 33rd Ave and Line 75-Cesar Chavez/Lombard. 

    • New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow: You can also celebrate New Year’s Eve in a safe and sober way with the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) at their annual New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow. This family-friendly event features youth activities, drumming, dancing, and a special sober countdown to ring in the new year. Attendees are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes and join the festivities. This year’s powwow takes place at the Oregon Convention Center (Exhibit Halls A-A1), a convenient location whether you’re traveling by bus or MAX.

    Getting there: Take the MAX Green, Blue or Red Line to the Convention Center MAX Station. Bus Line 6-Martin Luther King Jr Blvd stops near the Convention Center on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, while Line 8-Jackson Park/NE 15th stops at the Lloyd Center/NE 11th area, within walking distance. Also within walking distance is the Rose Quarter Transit Center, where multiple bus lines stop.

    Plan your trip today

    With so many celebration options available this New Year’s Eve, we encourage riders to start planning their trips now! TriMet covers 533 square miles and 24 cities, all spread across three counties. With free rides returning this New Year’s Eve, this makes us the most expansive free travel option in the state! Portland Streetcar and C-TRAN are also offering free rides, so you have even more ways to get around for free.

    This year, MAX Blue, Green, Orange and Yellow Line trains will operate two to three hours later than usual and arrive at stations every 30 minutes. MAX Red Line trains will end service on their regular schedule, with the last train to Portland International Airport departing the Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station at 10:34 p.m. For more information about schedules, go to trimet.org/NYE.

    You can also start planning now by going to trimet.org/planner. Just remember to set Jan. 1 as your departure time for trips back home if you’re leaving after midnight. 

    We know that plans can change when you’re already out. You can check trimet.org at any time for the latest information — including real-time locations for all of our buses and trains. When you are out, we want to hear from you if you see disruptive, illegal or inappropriate behavior. Call or text non-urgent concerns to 503-238-7433 (RIDE). In an emergency, always dial 911. 

    Stay safe and have a happy New Year!

    The New Year brings promise and opportunity. But with all the celebrating taking place on New Year’s Eve, it can also be a dangerous night to be out on the road — even if you aren’t driving. Make sure to stay alert, check your belongings and report any security concerns to TriMet personnel.

    Along with our transportation partners, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), TriMet wants to help people avoid impaired driving. In addition to TriMet’s free rides on New Year’s, PBOT will also offer Safe Ride Home this year, which provides discounts on Uber and Lyft rides on New Year’s Eve between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. 

  • (VIDEO) TriMet’s ‘Clean Team’ continues major push to keep your system a welcoming place

    TriMet’s enhanced cleaning efforts score big for riders and the community following yearlong push 

    If cleaning were a sport, TriMet’s Clean Team would be winning gold. 

    More than a year after elevating our cleaning game with the introduction of the Clean Team, more stations are being power washed, more surfaces are being scrubbed and more litter is being removed than ever before. 

    Spearheaded in 2023 with a focus on sprucing up and deep cleaning MAX stations, transit centers and park and rides, the Clean Team–along with TriMet’s other daily deep cleaning efforts–has established itself as a daily force, tackling grime, grit and graffiti. The 15-member Clean Team is part of a larger effort, with employees made up primarily of TriMet’s maintenance teams and on-call contractors. While they are responsible for cleaning the transit system, their efforts extend to the areas around the system as well.

    Since July, these combined efforts have helped to remove nearly as much graffiti as in the previous 12 months combined. Altogether, TriMet’s cleaners spend about 80 hours per week removing graffiti–everything from large, spray-painted displays to small Sharpie markings and etchings. They’re also on track to pressure wash MAX stations more than 2,000 times in 2024, a feat never before accomplished. 

    When it started last year, the Clean Team focused on some of our oldest and most heavily used stations along Interstate 84. Since then, they have expanded to cover the entire MAX system and key transfer points. This is an important part of our ongoing focus on improving stations, as well as identifying and addressing safety and security issues and ramping up our overall maintenance efforts.

    Customer experience in mind

    TriMet is working to make it cleaner throughout the system, both on board and off. End-of-line cleaners are stationed at key transit centers and MAX stations, where operators take their scheduled breaks. These dedicated cleaning teams work seven days a week to address spills, remove trash and ensure buses and trains are tidy and ready for service throughout the day. This initiative reflects TriMet’s commitment to providing a cleaner and more comfortable experience for everyone.

    “We really want to provide the cleanest, safest system for our riders,” TriMet’s Facilities  Management Director Jeremy Rehfeldt said. “We heard that cleanliness and security were the two top priorities, so we want people to know: we’ve been listening, and this is for them.”

    What elevated cleaning does

    Over one weekend this past summer,  TriMet’s maintenance staff, along with other TriMet contractors, removed 4,500 pounds of trash, cleaned 20,000 square feet of surfaces and used 355 gallons of paint to freshen up areas of the MAX system next to I-84. This major project, requiring the partial closure of I-84, came under the direction of Gov. Tina Kotek and in partnership with other local agencies, including the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and Metro.  

    It was just one significant and visible example of our elevated cleaning efforts. Littering, tagging and property damage are unacceptable and violate TriMet’s Rules for Riding. We address these issues swiftly to contribute to cleaner and safer rides. 

    Listening to our riders

    TriMet is listening to our riders who tell us their top issues are cleanliness, along with safety and security, according to our 2024 Attitude & Awareness Survey, conducted last spring

    The survey showed our ongoing focus on safety, security and cleanliness making a difference in how our riders view the system. It found that 77% percent of riders either strongly approved or somewhat approved of the job that TriMet is doing. That uptick in approval is an indication we’re on the right track, as it followed the introduction and expansion of the Clean Team and our other enhanced cleaning efforts.

    We believe that cleanliness and safety go hand-in-hand. Our riders thrive with a transit system that feels comfortable and inviting. The Clean Team helps TriMet improve the riding experience, and it comes as we continue building out our comprehensive series of safety and security initiatives, such as the introduction of TriMet’s Security Operations Center. 

    You can help

    TriMet’s Clean Team is nimble, moving from one location to another. But they can’t be everywhere at once. That’s where our riders can help. 

    • Report graffiti: You can help us keep TriMet clean, inviting and safe by reporting graffiti. Make a report by using the security reporting feature on the top right of our homepage or texting 503-238-7433 (RIDE).
    • Don’t feed the wildlife: Pigeons and other birds can spread diseases and create waste for our cleaners to wash off. Please do not encourage them with food. 
    • Use trash cans: Litter is a nuisance, bad for the environment and it can also attract pests. Always use trash receptacles at or near stations or onboard TriMet’s buses and trains. 

    If you want to help the Clean Team win, you can do your part. Remember, TriMet’s 24-hour security hotline, 503-238-7433 (RIDE), is the number to call or text to report non-urgent concerns. Dispatchers in our Security Operations Center then alert TriMet’s safety or security team members who are near the issue. Emergencies will always be handled by the police, so for urgent matters, we urge riders to contact 911 and alert the operator.

  • Free rides on TriMet are the easy, safe and affordable way to ring in 2025

    Free, late-night service returns this New Year’s Eve starting at 8 p.m.

    TriMet welcomes you to ring in the New Year with free rides on buses and MAX starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. 

    TriMet is proud to once again bring back our annual tradition, which provides a safe and affordable way to travel to and from year-ending festivities. TriMet’s transit partners, Portland Streetcar and C-TRAN, are also lifting fares on New Year’s Eve. All you need to do is hop on board and relax!

    TriMet and our transportation partners, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), urge people to avoid impaired driving, the leading cause of crashes involving serious injuries and fatalities.  
    Before heading out, plan your trip at trimet.org. Remember to set the date to Jan. 1 if you’ll be traveling after midnight.

    Extended MAX service returns

    On New Year’s Eve, MAX Blue, Green, Orange and Yellow Line trains will operate two to three hours later into the service day than usual and arrive at stations every 30 minutes. MAX Red Line trains will end service on their regular schedule, with the last train to Portland International Airport departing the Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station at 10:34 p.m.

    • The last eastbound MAX Blue Line train will leave Hatfield Government Center MAX Station to Portland City Center and Gresham at 1:35 a.m., and the last westbound train to Hatfield Government Center will leave Cleveland Ave MAX Station toward Portland City Center and Hillsboro at 2:01 a.m.
    • The last westbound MAX Green Line train will leave the Clackamas Town Center Transit Center MAX Station to Portland City Center at 1:46 a.m., and the last eastbound train will leave the Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Station to Clackamas Town Center at 1:52 a.m.
    • The last southbound  MAX Orange Line train will leave the Pioneer Place/SW 5th Ave MAX Station at 2:06 a.m., and the last northbound train to Portland City Center will leave the SE Park Ave MAX Station at 2:58 a.m.
    • The last eastbound MAX Red Line train will leave the Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station at 10:34 p.m., and the last westbound train will leave Portland International Airport MAX Station at 12:31 a.m.
    • The last southbound MAX Yellow Line train will leave the Expo Center MAX Station to Portland City Center at 1:36 a.m., and the last northbound train will leave the Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Station at 2:30 a.m.

    Late night buses, Safe Ride Home

    In addition to extended MAX service, TriMet will also operate our late night/early morning bus service along MAX lines, which we introduced on Aug. 25, 2024. The buses do not run through the night, but they will provide some extra service on New Year’s Eve. Make sure to check trimet.org/planner before you go. 

    This bus service includes:

    PBOT will also offer Safe Ride Home this year, which provides discounts on Uber and Lyft rides on New Year’s Eve between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. 

    Drones, dancing and TriMet

    This New Year’s Eve, take TriMet to a one-of-a-kind drone light show and dance party at Pioneer Courthouse Square. More than 200 drones will provide two aerial performances in the heart of Downtown for this free community New Year’s Eve celebration. The first will take place at 9 p.m., while the second will countdown the final moments of 2024 and usher in the New Year. 

    TriMet can get you to within feet of Pioneer Square, with MAX Blue and Red lines serving the north and south sides of the square, and the MAX Green and Yellow lines serving the Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX station. If bus is a better option, more than a dozen lines service the Portland Transit Mall along 5th and 6th Avenues, and many more serve Downtown Portland.

    Some MAX trains will hold for a time during the drone shows. This will impact MAX service through Downtown, which could affect service elsewhere. MAX riders should plan for some delays during the drone shows on New Year’s Eve. 

    Stay safe and seen!

    As we welcome the New Year, TriMet’s Customer Safety Supervisors and security officers will be out across the system to help keep riders and operators safe.

    With more people expected to travel on New Year’s Eve, we encourage everyone to put safety first and follow these tips:

    • Stay alert: Keep your attention on your surroundings, especially around buses and trains.
    • Pause your devices: Put away phones or headphones and look both ways when crossing streets or tracks.
    • Respect others: Be courteous to operators and fellow riders.
    • Check your belongings: Ensure you have all personal items when boarding or leaving TriMet vehicles.
    • Report concerns: If you encounter unwanted behavior or disruptive conduct, let us know.

    TriMet makes it easy to report security concerns 24/7. Text or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) to reach our Security Operations Center. For emergencies, call 911 right away.

    Thank you for helping us create a safer, more enjoyable ride for everyone this New Year’s Eve!

    Plan ahead and leave the driving to us

    The majority of deadly crashes involve alcohol and/or drug impairment. Last year was the deadliest year on Portland roads, with 69 fatalities. These figures are a reminder that the safest option is to leave your keys at home and the driving to us.

    Offering free rides on New Year’s Eve has been a TriMet practice for decades, and we’re excited to be bringing back the peace of mind it creates. With TriMet, PBOT and ODOT working to make New Year’s Eve travel easy and safe, no one should drive impaired. 

    For more information, go to trimet.org/nye.