On Aug. 30, Max Orange Line test trains will begin running frequently along the 7.3-mile route between Downtown Portland and north Clackamas County. The Orange Line opens on Sept. 12, at 11 a.m.
Also starting on Aug. 30, Max Blue, Green, Red and Yellow line schedules will have minor adjustments to accommodate the new Orange Line into the system, as well as to improve reliability and connection times.
Orange Line trains will run from around 5 a.m. until around midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends. Trains will run about every 15 minutes or better between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Again, trains will not be picking up riders during simulated revenue service Aug. 30 through Sept. 11.
With new train operations, the public should be alert of approaching trains. We’re stepping up our safety efforts to educate motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians about being safe around trains. On Monday, Aug. 31, the Transit Police Division and the Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division will begin a multi-week safety campaign at the SE 8th, 11th and 12th rail crossings south of Division Street. We’ve seen risky behavior at these light rail and heavy rail crossings. People violating traffic and pedestrian control devices will be issued warnings or citations.
Additionally, as fencing and gates are being removed along the Orange Line, we want to remind the public that for their safety and the safety of our riders and operators the Orange Line tracks are for transit-use only. The transit-only trackways include the Harbor Viaduct (east of SW Naito Parkway), Tilikum Way (east of SE Water Ave) and Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People. Trespassing in the track area is hazardous and illegal.
There are many sponsored events leading up to the Grand Opening on Sept. 12, including First Light on Sept. 10 when TriMet "flips the switch," on the aesthetic nighttime light program for Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People. Visit Catch the Orange for details; more than 40 businesses and partners are sponsors, led by:
Stacy and Witbeck—Title Sponsor
Pamplin Media Group—Presenting Sponsor
Kiewit—Tilikum Crossing Sponsor
Siemens Industry Inc.—Premier Sponsor
KGW—Media Sponsor
