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Since 1969, TriMet has been an integral piece in how Portlanders get to and from urban destinations and the outlying areas, accounting for over 1.8 billion rides. The fleet of light rail trains and buses has served as a national model for public transportation as it’s constantly expanding and improving. Although TriMet’s service area is ranked only 29th in population nationally, it is listed as 13th in rider ship, making it the most successful transit system of its size.
At the head of TriMet’s success is the 44-mile long Metropolitan Area Express, commonly known as MAX. A light rail system of four interlinked lines of service connects the cities of Portland, Gresham, Beaverton and Hillsboro, carrying nearly 100,000 riders each weekday. Additional lines are planned for Interstate-205 towards Clackamas, and into Washington County along Highway 217, two heavily traveled corridors of commuters and their cars.
Over 200,000 rides per day are taken on the 93 bus lines that converge on Downtown Portland’s Transit Mall. The central location and intersecting routes makes it easy to catch a connection to anywhere in Portland. As an environmental leader, TriMet is one of the first transit agencies in the country to test a hybrid diesel-electric bus that runs cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.
Along the streets of Portland’s core is the more pedestrian-friendly Streetcar line, connecting Upper Northwest to South Waterfront, and running through the Pearl District and downtown.
TriMet’s greatest claim-to-fame is that the majority of its riders choose to take public transportation. Over 75 percent have a car available or have decided not to own one because the system is so reliable.
Maps & Schedules
Portland's Streetcar
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