FTA, TriMet and partners officially break ground on ‘A Better Red’ MAX extension and improvement project

TriMet was joined by Federal Transit Administration officials and local partners for the ground breaking on the agency's A Better Red project. 

The project will extend the MAX Red Line west into Hillsboro to serve 10 more stations. It also brings important track improvements between the Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport that will improve reliability on the Red Line, while keeping trains running on time throughout the entire MAX light-rail system.

The new and improved MAX Red Line service will be up and running in 2024. The project is made possible thanks to a $99.9 million construction grant award from the FTA, which covers a substantial portion of the approximately $215 million cost of the project.

“FTA is proud to join our partners at TriMet to support the Better Red project, which will connect riders throughout Portland to important parts of their lives, by extending the MAX Red Line light rail and improving public transportation throughout Portland,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “We commend TriMet’s commitment to improving service, reducing delays and protecting riders by focusing on ensuring a state of good repair.”

“TriMet appreciates the support of the FTA, Administrator Fernandez Nuria and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to improve our transit system,” added TriMet General Manager Sam Desue, Jr. “While the MAX Red Line has served our region well for the past 20 years, we’re looking forward to a ‘A Better Red’ that serves more people, provides a more convenient alternative than driving and increases reliability throughout our MAX light rail system.”

Track improvements to increase MAX reliability

A Better Red will add a second set of tracks in two sections of the MAX Red Line between Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport. That will reduce delays where currently MAX trains traveling both directions on a single set of tracks have to wait for oncoming trains. It will increase reliability system wide as those potential delays can cascade onto the MAX Blue and Green Lines at Gateway Transit Center as well as on to the other lines in the interconnected light rail system. Simply put, A Better Red will make the MAX light-rail system – powered by 100 percent renewable energy – a more attractive and convenient transportation option.

“It is so wonderful that we now have a leader in the White House who believes in science and will serve as a strong partner in the city of Portland’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions,” Portland Transportation Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty said. “Thanks to federal support and local community commitment, Portland has been a leader in the national movement to reduce carbon emissions by making it easier for people to walk, bike and take public transit. We are looking forward to federal support to help us go even further, to help us use public transit to ensure that everyone has access to housing and jobs, regardless of your race or income.

New station serves as gateway to Portland, wider region

With the second set of tracks being added near Gateway Transit Center, a new Gateway North Station will be built. This will be served by MAX Red Line trains heading south from PDX toward Downtown Portland and allow for more efficient travel. The MAX station at the airport will be renovated as part of the project.

“Transit connectivity is essential to our success at Portland International Airport,” said Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold. “Twenty years ago, TriMet and the port worked together to establish the first ‘train-to-plane’ service on the west coast. Two decades later, our partnership continues with the Better Red Project – which stands to benefit visitors to the region, resident travelers and airport employees.”

A new multi-use path being built by TriMet and the Port of Portland will connect the Portland International Airport and the renovated MAX station there with NE 82nd Avenue.

A Better Red brings a better ‘Green’ – Gateway Green

Two new bridges will carry the new section of track at Gateway Transit Center over existing trackway, the I-205 multi-use path, Interstate 84 and Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

The new bridge over I-84 will include a multi-use path that will connect the new Gateway North Station with the existing platforms and bus stops at the Gateway Transit Center. To the north, the path will provide new access into Gateway Green Park, currently accessible only from the I-205 multi-use path. This is possible only through an important partnership between Portland Parks & Recreation and TriMet.

Not only will the new path make it easier for people to access Gateway Green Park, it will provide access to the park for emergency vehicles. TriMet crews will also regrade the south end of the park to facilitate bigger and better mountain biking terrain.