MAX Light Rail

The Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) is a light rail system serving the Portland metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Oregon. Owned and operated by TriMet, it spans 59.7 miles (96.1 km) and comprises five lines and 93 stations. The system connects parts of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties, with the Blue, Orange, Red, and Yellow lines converging in downtown Portland and the Green Line operating along Interstate 205 (I-205) in East Portland and Clackamas. Trains run at frequencies ranging from 30 minutes off-peak to 7+1⁄2 minutes in overlapping segments. In 2025, MAX had a ridership of 22.1 million. MAX was among the first second-generation light rail systems built in the United States, emerging from freeway revolts in the 1970s. Planning for its inaugural eastside segment, then known as the Banfield Light Rail Project, began in 1973 after the cancellation of the Mount Hood Freeway. Construction started in 1982, and service between downtown Portland and Gresham commenced on September 5, 1986. The system has since expanded several times, most recently with the opening of the Portland–Milwaukie extension in 2015. MAX is one of three urban rail systems in the Portland metropolitan area, alongside the Portland Streetcar and WES Commuter Rail. MAX connects directly with these systems and with other services, including Amtrak, Frequent Express, and local and intercity buses. Trains operate in consists of up to two cars due to Portland's short downtown blocks. All vehicles and platforms are accessible, and fares are collected using the Hop Fastpass payment system.