Portland's MAX light rail system has existed since the early
1980's. Initially a system from Gresham to downtown Portland, it was extended
all the way to Hillsboro in 1995. A extension to the airport opened in 2001 and
a Northbound extension to the Expo Center, just across the river from
Vancouver, opened in 2004. Future plans include extending MAX south along I-205
to Clackamas and a possible extension into Vancouver, Washington.
MAX uses cars made by Bombardier and Siemens. It runs normally in
it's own right of way, taken from alongside freeways or using old trolley
lines. In downtown Portland it runs on city streets with automobiles. The Red
line to the airport and the future I-205 line will use transitways built when
I-205 was constructed in the late 70's.
Interesting
Facts:
The Washington Park station under Portland's West hills is the
deepest mass transit station in North America at 260 feet underground. It
serves the Portland Zoo
I have ridden MAX several times, mainly from the Gateway transit center
into downtown. Once I did go to Washington Park to the Zoo. The system is
normally pretty efficient (although not as efficient as a fully grade-separated
automated system such as
Vancouver's). A few problems have
resulted from the at-grade tracks, the same kinds of problems and limitations
with any at-grade system. MAX also allows cross-connections with the bus lines
and the Portland Trolley, making it an efficient way to get around the city and
the region.
The greatest benefit of the system is you can park for free outside the
city and then ride the train in. Portland, like most cities, is hard to get
into and out of, and is expensive to park in. A friend of mine who lived in
Vancouver used to take 205 into Portland, park at Gateway (for free) and then
ride the train into town for her job. When I have visited relatives in
Vancouver we have done the same.
Future:
Extensions to Clackamas, possible extension (using I-205 or I-5) into
Vancouver.
