Riding MAX Light Rail

TriMet’s 5 MAX lines are the backbone of our transit system. With 15-minute service throughout the day, every day, you don’t even need a schedule. Hop on and enjoy the ride!

 
MAX illustration

Meet MAX

 

1 Fast contactless payment

Before boarding, tap the green Hop Fastpass reader at the station with your phone, contactless credit/debit card, Hop card or Hop ticket to pay. Here’s how to pay your fare.

2 Easy low-floor boarding

MAX has low floors for easy boarding (there are no steps to climb). You can easily roll carts or luggage on board.

3 Priority seating

The seats near the doors are reserved for seniors and people with disabilities. You can use this area as long as it is not needed by another rider.

4 Destination signs

Signs on the front of each train identify the line (Blue, Green, Orange, Red or Yellow) and destination.

5 Bike racks

You can bring your bike with you on MAX if there’s room. Place it upright in the rack inside the door marked with the bike symbol. Here’s how to load your bike.

6 Fresh air

With MERV-10 filters, air conditioning that brings in air from outside, and doors that open frequently, MAX trains have good airflow.

7 Stop announcements

The next stop is displayed on a sign on the ceiling and announced over the speaker. MAX stops at every station.

How it works: step-by-step

1 Pay before boarding

Tap the green Hop Fastpass reader at the station to pay your fare before boarding. (There are no Hop readers on board MAX.) You can tap with your phone, contactless credit card, Hop card or Hop ticket. Learn more about TriMet fares and ways to pay.

Rider tapping Hop reader on MAX platform

2 Boarding the train

Wait behind the white bumpy tiles as MAX approaches. The doors will open automatically. Let other riders exit first, then board the train.

Rider waiting behind the white bumpy tiles, as MAX approaches in background.

3 Getting off the train

MAX stops at every station, so you don’t need to signal the operator to get on or off. The next stop is displayed on a sign on the ceiling and announced over the speaker. The doors will open automatically and you can exit the train.

Forward-facing interior shot with seats/riders and ASA screen visible showing stop name.
Frequent Service - Every 15 minutes or less

Frequent Service

All MAX lines provide Frequent Service, with trains running about every 15 minutes or better most of the day, every day.

Learn more

Tips for a great ride

  • Respect the ride

    Please remember the basic Rules for Riding. We’re all in this together!

  • Need help?

    Our team of safety supervisors, security personnel and customer service staff are happy to answer questions or lend a hand during your trip.

  • Look both ways when crossing

    Always look both ways before crossing MAX tracks, and use the marked pedestrian crossings. Trains may be running on any track, at any time, in either direction.

  • Be seen and be safe

    When it’s dark out, wear light-colored clothing, reflectors or lights when walking.

  • Remember to tap the Hop reader

    Fare inspectors randomly check for valid fare, so be prepared to show your proof of payment (phone, credit card, Hop card or Hop ticket).

  • See something? Say something.

    If you see suspicious behavior or a suspicious package, or if there is an emergency or unsafe situation on board, tell a TriMet employee or call 9-1-1.