Oregon Governor Kate Brown, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and other elected officials and project partners May 15 took the First Ride on the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project – the future Max Orange Line. It was the first time Max trains operated at regular speeds with passengers along the entire 7.3-mile route between downtown Portland and north Clackamas County. About 500 people participated in the event that marked a major milestone for the project, which opens in 119 days.
“Investments in transit are essential if we are going to preserve the mobility of goods and people who live and work in this region,” said Brown.
U.S. Sen. Merkley added “This seven-mile stretch of rail, including the extraordinary Tilikum Crossing Bridge, will contribute to making our region more economically vibrant. “It was great to ride the new Orange Line today and to celebrate this terrific addition to our transportation infrastructure.”
TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane thanked all of the partner agencies and key stakeholders that supported the project. “The Orange Line will deliver more and better transit service, along with expanded bike and pedestrian pathways plus $40 million in roadway improvements between Milwaukie and downtown Portland. All of this while coming in on time and under budget, which is a great accomplishment.”
The guests boarded new Type 5 Max trains at the Lincoln St/SW 3rd Ave Station in Downtown Portland and traveled across Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, through SE Portland to the end of the line at the SE Park Ave Station. TriMet is buying 18 Type 5 trains from Siemens. The First Ride event was sponsored by Siemens.
Catch the Orange
Over the next few months TriMet has planned numerous events leading up to the Grand Opening Sept. 12.
