Celebrating 10 years and 10 million rides
July 28, 2011
Airport MAX Red Line reaches major milestone in 10 years of service
TriMet and its partner agencies today celebrated a major milestone for the Airport MAX Red Line—10 million rides in its 10 years of service. The 10-million milestone includes riders traveling to and from the Portland International Airport (PDX) on MAX.
Port of Portland Executive Director Bill Wyatt, Portland Development Commission Executive Director Patrick Quinton and Travel Portland Executive Vice President of Convention and Tourism Sales Brian McCartin joined TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane for the celebration.
The Airport MAX Red Line was the first train-to-plane connection on the West Coast and created through an innovative public/private venture.
"The Red Line was the first of its kind, built years, if not decades ahead of schedule because private funds helped to build it and the Cascade Station development at the entrance to PDX," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane.
The Airport MAX Red Line was a key factor in earning PDX recognition as the best domestic airport in four of the last five years in Conde Nast Traveler magazine poll.
"Airport MAX provides a terrific way for travelers and airport employees to get to PDX—an option that doesn't exist in many communities," said Bill Wyatt, Port of Portland executive director. "That's especially helpful as we project doubling air travelers to some 27 million by 2035."
MAX ridership at the airport is nearly four times greater than the ridership on the former bus line.
"The MAX Red Line has proven to be an efficient and effective option for travelers going to and from PDX," said PDC Executive Director Patrick Quinton. "What's more, the Red Line has helped create an attractive employment district in and around Airport Way."
About the Airport MAX Red Line
In 1997, Bechtel Enterprises approached the region with a proposal to design and construct the Airport MAX extension in exchange for development rights to a 120-acre site at the airport's entrance. That development site—Cascade Station—features hotel, shopping and visitor attractions. The public/private partnership required no federal or state general funds and no new taxes. Because of the private investment, it was built earlier than anticipated.
The 5.5-mile extension from the Gateway Transit Center to PDX opened September 10, 2001. Red Line service operates between Beaverton Transit Center and PDX with easy transfers from other bus and MAX lines and WES Commuter Rail.