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.

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

Join TriMet in recognizing the hard work and dedication of our region’s transit operators on Tuesday, March 18

What’s the best way to show a transit operator you appreciate the work they do?

There’s the classic Portland way, with a wave and a “thank you” as you head out the door, and there’s the more formal way, when you call, text or connect with TriMet customer service online, to submit a commendation. For example:

“Shout-out to Operator Sean! His friendly face and cheerful greeting each morning on Line 14 get my workday off to a great start. I appreciate him, and I can see his other riders do, too.”

“He is very personable… Being on a first-name basis makes me feel more connected to the community. He is also always on time and a great driver. I want him to know how much I appreciate him.”

And there’s another way to show your appreciation: Transit Driver Appreciation Day is coming up on Tuesday, March 18. This one makes it easy for everyone, riders and non-riders alike, to say “thanks.” Simply share a wave, a smile or a kind word with any transit driver you see! Visit trimet.org/thankyou to learn more and find ideas for showing support.

Look for our big public display in Downtown Portland. The annual “Tunnel of Appreciation” is a daylong gathering of cheering employees and supporters on the Portland Transit Mall. This year, we’ll come together from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Southwest 6^th Avenue, between Alder and Yamhill, and Southwest 5^th Avenue, between Main and Jefferson. We’re also posting banners that the public can sign, at PSU Urban Plaza and four regional transit centers: Beaverton, Clacakamas Town Center, Gresham Central and Rose Quarter. Stop by and join us!

A little something for everyone

Every day, TriMet operators maneuver massive machines – buses that weigh up to 40,000 pounds and MAX trains that weigh up to 100,000 pounds – safely through the streets of Portland and communities throughout Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. They serve thousands of stops and stations and tens of thousands of people daily, but it’s the personal connections that keep them going.

“Ninety-nine percent of it is just great people getting around. Sometimes, you know, somebody needs a little help. So that’s what we do,” said Line 14-Hawthorne/Foster bus operator, Sean.

With about a decade of service behind the wheel for TriMet, Sean keeps the job interesting by connecting with riders one-on-one.

“I talk a lot … probably more than I should,” he said. “But I greet everybody the same – always. And I thank you out the door.”

“I want to make a commendation about one of my drivers that is super awesome. He’s helped me so much in the last 6 months. He’s been a really good spirit in my heart and kept me going. His name is Sean. He also got together with other people and got me an electric-powered wheelchair, and I can’t tell you how thankful I am.”
– Bill

One of those riders was Bill Townsend. Bill has a degenerative bone disease, and he recently started using a manual wheelchair to get around his Southeast Portland neighborhood. Bill rides the bus a lot, and it did not take Sean long to notice that using the manual wheelchair seemed to take its toll on Bill’s strength and energy. Sean wanted to do something to help. An unexpected message from his mom gave him an idea.

“Bless her heart, she lost her little brother, my uncle,” Sean recalled. “She texted and said, ‘Hey, do you know anybody that could use a mobility device?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I think I really do.’ And that was Bill.”

Sean picked up the motorized device and held on to it until he could coordinate a special delivery for bus rider Bill, who in a very short time had become a close friend. 

“We were texting back and forth, and Bill said, ‘I’ve got something to show you.’ He comes cruising down the road and I was like, ‘Wow, sweet!’ It was really heartwarming.” 

More than 1,600 reasons to say ‘thanks’

TriMet has more than 1,600 bus and rail operators, and Sean believes every single one would have done the same thing for a person in need.

For 55 years, TriMet has helped millions of people travel throughout the three counties that we serve. Our buses and trains provide a safe, convenient and reliable ride to destinations across our service area, and the people who operate them bring a friendly face with a promise of hope and support along the way.

Our operators are essential frontline workers who are up early and out late, connecting people to jobs, education, shopping and vital services. They are friendly faces with steady hands, cool heads and unwavering commitments to the community. Let’s join together, to give them their due, on Transit Driver Appreciation Day!

The public comment period begins today, March 5, 2025, for TriMet’s proposed budget for the upcoming year. Our fiscal year 2026 begins July 1, 2025, and  runs through June 30, 2026. The proposed budget is posted online at trimet.org/budget.

TriMet’s fiscal year 2026 proposed budget outlines $1.94 billion in spending and holds the line—with no increases beyond necessary contractual obligations, such as rising electricity costs. We will continue working toward the adopted budget to be released later this spring for Board consideration. That budget will reflect key priorities, including:

• Mission-critical staffing needs
• Service level requirements
• System and facility maintenance
• State of Good Repair investments
• Capital project planning and construction

We have also updated our financial forecasts, evaluated revenue assumptions, and analyzed multiple funding scenarios to prepare for potential funding cuts. Given the uncertainty at the federal level—where grants have been frozen and FTA staff reductions have occurred—we are increasing the budgeted amount of contingency funds to allow time to adjust, if needed.

Like other public transit agencies across the nation, TriMet is facing financial challenges and has been operating on reduced revenues since the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to a dramatic drop in ridership with stay-at-home orders followed by an increase in remote work. TriMet’s ridership has also been impacted by community-wide challenges including civil unrest, extreme weather events, crime, open-drug use and the homeless epidemic. TriMet has made considerable investments in response. That includes historic investments in safety and security.

Today, TriMet has more safety and security personnel on our transit system than ever. As we have increased that personnel to almost 500 over the past three years — double the number of personnel we had at the end of 2022. Calls for police services have decreased more than 40% during that same time.

TriMet ridership is increasing with the investments in security, along with other efforts to improve the customer experience and adjust bus service through our Forward Together service plan to bring it closer to more people who rely upon it.  Those efforts, combined with more return to in-person work and events, has generally led to year-to-year increases in monthly ridership since 2020. However, TriMet’s ridership remains about 30% below pre-pandemic figures. Lower ridership equals lower passenger fare revenue. We have been using federal pandemic relief funds, which have proved a lifeline for public transit agencies across the nation, to backfill the drop in fare revenue, but those one-time stimulus funds have now been depleted.

TriMet will continue to identify efficiencies to this financial plan as we move forward in the budget process before the TriMet Board adopts a FY2026 budget, which is expected to occur at its May 28, 2025 business meeting. 

People can view the proposed budget at trimet.org/budget and submit feedback through Wednesday, March 26, via email to hello@trimet.org or by calling our Customer Service team at 503-238-7433 (RIDE). The public can also provide comment during the public forum period at upcoming TriMet Board meetings on March 26, April 23 and May 28, or during the public hearing on the budget at the Multnomah County Tax and Supervision Conservation Committee (TSCC) meeting on April 23. Meeting details will be posted on trimet.org/meetings/board.

About TriMet

TriMet has provided public transit service in the greater Portland metro area since 1969. At that time, we only ran buses, and there were less than 881,000 living in the tri-county region of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington.

Over the past 55-plus years, TriMet service has grown from buses only, to also include MAX light rail, WES commuter rail and LIFT paratransit service. Our service district stretches 533-square miles across a tri-county area where 1.7 million people live today. Our safe, reliable, convenient transit service provides millions of trips each month. In fact, the Portland metro area enjoys the 13th-largest transit ridership in the country, even though it is only the 23rd-largest metro area in the country. Among the 60 largest metro areas in the United States, TriMet and the Portland area rank 10th in transit boardings per capita.