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September 11, 2009

MAX Green Line opens tomorrow

TriMet's 5th light rail line begins with ceremonies at Clackamas Town Center & PSU

TriMet's MAX Green Line opens to the public on Saturday, September 12, and reaches a major milestone of connecting all three counties by light rail. TriMet's fifth MAX line extends from downtown Portland to Clackamas County.

Construction of the 8.3-mile line began in early 2007 and adds a second light rail alignment through downtown Portland along 5th and 6th avenues between Union Station and Portland State University, and new tracks along I-205 to Clackamas Town Center.  

Clackamas Town Center ceremony

8:00 a.m.: MAX Green Line train departs from PSU Urban Center/SW 6th & Montgomery St Station to take media and guests to the event at Clackamas Town Center MAX Station.
8:30 a.m.: The Green Line train arrives at Gateway Transit Center to take additional guests and media to the event at Clackamas Town Center MAX station.
8:45 a.m.: MAX train arrives at the Clackamas Town Center Station carrying guests for the Clackamas County celebration.
8:50 a.m.: Celebration begins with remarks from Clackamas County Commission Chair Lynn Peterson, U.S. Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Kurt Schrader, State Rep. Dave Hunt, State Senator Martha Schrader, Hans Bernard from Gov. Kulongoski's office, TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen and North Clackamas Chamber CEO Wilda Parks.
9:15 a.m.: Guests begin boarding the MAX train to travel to the opening ceremony at PSU.
9:30 a.m.: Train departs for downtown.

Grand opening ceremony at Portland State University Urban Center

10:20 a.m.: Train pulls into PSU Urban Center/SW 5th & Mill St Station; drum line performs as guests deboard.
10:30 a.m.: Celebration begins with remarks from PSU President Wim Wiewel, Mayor Sam Adams, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff, Metro President David Bragdon, Clackamas County Commission Chair Lynn Peterson, State Rep. Mary Nolan, State Senator Ginny Burdick, Hans Bernard from Gov. Kulongoski's office and TriMet's General Manager Fred Hansen.
11:30 a.m.: First Green Line MAX train begins service; free rides on the Green Line through the end of service.

Celebrations along the Green Line!

Public celebrations with entertainment and children's activities will be held at five locations along the new Green Line beginning at 11:30 a.m.:

  • Pioneer Courthouse Square: Musical performances, theater, fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, shopping, deals and other entertainment
  • Clackamas Town Center (east end near JC Penney): Musicians and performances, farmer's market, face painting, balloon magic, climbing wall, food and giveaways
  • Lents Town Center/SE Foster Rd Station: A street fair on SE Ramona Street between 92nd Avenue and the MAX station showcases the good things happening in Lents Town Center with informational booths, live music, vendors and children’s activities
  • SE Fuller Rd Station: Entertainment, educational booths, coupons and food
  • SE Main St Station: Music, health screenings, food and more

Festivities will run from until 6 p.m. For the complete lineup of performers, refreshments, attractions and activities at all five stations, visit trimet.org/maxgreenline/opening. Green Line opening day events for the public are underwritten in part by sponsor contributions.