MAX on the Vanport Bridge

Interstate Transit Project

Opened on May 1, 2004, the fourth MAX line connects North Portland to Downtown Portland.

MAX Yellow Line
Expo Center/City Center

  • Opened: May 1, 2004
  • Length: 5.8 miles
  • Stations: 10
  • Construction: November 2000–May 2004
  • Cost: $350 million
MAX at the Rose Quarter MAX at the Rose Quarter

Highlights

  • Connects North and Northeast Portland with Portland City Center and the rest of the MAX light rail system
  • Built in partnership with the City of Portland, the Portland Development Commission (PDC), Metro, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the communities of North and Northeast Portland
  • Funded by the Federal Transit Administration (74%), regional transportation funds (11%), TriMet capital funds (7%) and urban renewal funds (8%): No additional property taxes needed
  • Completed ahead of schedule and millions under budget
  • A national model for environmentally friendly construction practices and community involvement
  • Set new standards in participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms
  • Enhanced neighborhoods in North Portland with new sidewalks, trees, art, paved roads, bike lanes and bike lockers
  • Catalyst for more than 50 new businesses opening along the line during construction
  • Yellow Line ridership has exceeded ridership on the former bus line serving Interstate Avenue

 

Interstate MAX Yellow Line Project: A history and overview of the MAX Yellow Line extension to N/NE Portland, which opened in 2004. PDF