Design work on the Southwest Corridor Light Rail Project was paused in 2020 after voters rejected a local funding measure for multiple transportation improvements. In early 2022, Metro, TriMet and the Federal Transit Administration completed the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and issued a Record of Decision (ROD) to ensure the project is eligible for future federal funding. See Metro’s project website to access to these documents.

Benefits

The Southwest Corridor Light Rail Project was designed to improve access and opportunities for everyone, advance climate strategies, and get people where they need to go, safely and affordably.

 

Equity, Climate and Economy

Equity

Better access to
jobs and schools

The project would increase access to living wage jobs in Tigard and Tualatin, and to educational opportunities, serving PCC Sylvania, OHSU, PSU and other institutions

 

Equity

Supporting
dense development

Since the decision to build MAX was made, almost 40 percent of all new and rebuilt multi-family housing has occurred within walking distance of light rail lines.

 

Equity

40+
DBE firms and counting

As of fall 2020, more than 40 disadvantaged business enterprises — firms owned by women and people of color — worked on project development.

 

Equity

Identifying sites for
950
affordable housing units

Partners have a bold vision for preserving and building more affordable housing along the light rail route, including a pledge to identify sites for 950 units.

 

Climate

10 miles
of new sidewalks and 6 miles of improved bike facilities

The project will make biking and walking safer and more comfortable, with 10 miles of new sidewalks and crosswalks and over six miles of enhanced bicycles facilities, including areas with shared streets, raised protected bike lanes and protected intersections.

 

Climate

Reducing
greenhouse gas emissions

The project would make biking and walking safer and more comfortable, with 10 miles of new sidewalks and crosswalks and over six miles of enhanced bicycles facilities, including areas with shared streets, raised protected bike lanes and protected intersections.

 

Climate

MAX is
green

MAX runs on electricity uses regenerative braking and is a proven green technology in our region for more than 30 years.

 

Economy

28,000
new jobs

The project was projected to create nearly 28,000 jobs, supporting the region’s economy.

 

Economy

Transit has spurred $25 billion+
in development

Investing in transit encourages private and public development. To date, more than $25 billion in development has occurred within walking distance of MAX.

 

Economy

MAX is
economically sustainable

MAX costs less to operate per ride than buses, making it an economically sustainable investment.

 

Supporting businesses owned by people of color and women

By fall 2020, the project had exceeded its goal of awarding 20 percent of design contracts to DBE firms. To date, 20 percent of project preliminary design contracts have been awarded to firms owned by people of color and women.

 

As of fall 2020

71 firms have worked on project

52 firms are based in the Portland region

44 firms are certified DBE and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE)

Learn more about TriMet’s programs to create a more accessible transit system for everyone.

 

Comments or questions?

Call 503-962-2150 or email for more information.

 

 

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Project Partners

TriMet Metro ODOT Washington Couty City of Durham City of Portland City of Tigard City of Tualatin