ON TRACK FOR TRIMET IMPROVEMENTS

Big changes are coming to the Portland area’s TriMet system, primarily to the MAX light rail system, that could improve commuting to Mt. Hood Community College.

IN WITH THE NEW, OUT WITH THE OLD

Among the biggest will be the introduction of “Type 6” light-rail trains by the end of this year. These new cars will replace the aging Type 1 trains first put into service at the start of MAX service in 1986.

They are a huge upgrade from the latter, while similar to some newer Type 5s already in use, and should ensure a better ride. One of the most obvious changes can be seen when you step inside. On the ceiling is a color screen with a map showing the next station stops, and it will update dynamically based on the train’s location. There also will be better temperature control.

More important should be the improved reliability with these new trains. The Type 6 is able to communicate digitally with TriMet maintenance staff so it can find problems before they interrupt service.

Each new train has room for 168 riders in a single car and since TriMet usually runs these trains coupled, there’s room for up to 336 passengers.

INCREASING RELIABILITY AT PDX

Introduction of the new trains coincides with major upgrades of the light-rail Red Line, from the Gateway Transit Center all the way to the Portland International Airport.

A months-long closure (now ended) was required to add around one mile of new track on the route. This helps a lot, because now trains have a separate track for each direction and don’t have to wait for another train heading the opposite direction to clear the track.

TriMet also completely redid the MAX station platform at PDX. Overall, these projects help bring more reliability to the Red Line, and the whole MAX system.

INCREASED BUS SERVICE COMING TO MHCC

Bus riders may have seen large signs popping up on stops around Troutdale and Gresham, informing them of proposed changes that could be coming to bus lines in the area.

One of the biggest changes is the extension of Line 25, which begins at the Gateway TC and ends at Southeast Burnside Street and 181st Avenue. This extension will bring the line all the way to Reynolds High School and MHCC.

It’s significant because it allows riders who are coming from other parts of Portland to use the MAX and then take Line 25 directly to the college. It also runs on one of the busiest streets, Glisan Street. This could make public transportation to Mt. Hood more accessible.

Currently the college is served only by bus Lines 80, 81, and 20. Lines 81 and 80 are north-south routes between Troutdale and Gresham; Line 20 rolls west all the way to Beaverton. Right now, coming from Portland it is kind of tedious getting to MHCC as you have to transfer to Line 20, which connects only to the MAX Blue Line.

This leaves riders who use the Green or Red MAX lines needing to make a extra transfer (to the Blue Line) to catch the 20 bus. The proposed revisions to Line 25 would get rid of this problem, and also help people who live close to Glisan to get to classes without tedious transfers.

Finally, TriMet proposes for Lines 81 and 80 be combined, between the Troutdale Reynolds Industrial Park (this area contains the Amazon and FedEx shipping facilities) and Gresham, with additional weekend service. Service to Glenn Otto Park will be discontinued.

Again, these are only proposed changes: If you would like to voice any comments or concerns, you can do so on the “Feedback” tab at trimet.org/plan.