The Better Red project extends MAX Red Line west to serve 10 more stations and improves schedule reliability for the entire MAX system. The project brings nearly $100 million in federal funds and creates jobs for the region.
Construction near the Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport Station and in the Gateway area begins in fall 2021, and at Portland International Airport in early 2022. The new Red Line service in Beaverton and Hillsboro opens in fall 2024.
Riders and community members in Beaverton and Hillsboro have been requesting more MAX service for years. And we can see why: During the afternoon peak, Blue Line trains are full while Red Line trains are generally only half-full, suggesting that many riders need to travel farther west than Beaverton Transit Center.
Over on the east side, we’re planning to add a second track to sections of the Red Line near Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center and Portland International Airport. Using the existing single track, delayed Red Line trains affect Green and Blue line trains passing through Gateway — even small delays can have a domino effect that spreads throughout the system. A second Red Line track would separate airport-bound trains from trains heading to City Center, Beaverton and Hillsboro.
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Project costs are approximately $215 million, including four new light rail vehicles to accommodate the increased service.