Portland has TWO LIGHT RAIL SYSTEMS | Comparing MAX Light Rail and the Portland Streetcar

[@daveydoodle52]

Excellent assessment of Portland's transit system. It's one of the top reasons why I ditched my car and moved here. I'm glad you noted that the streetcar delay was due to vehicles parked on the tracks. That is the No. 1 reason for delays, according to streetcar operators I have talked to. I was on a streetcar a few months ago that had to stop dead downtown because an idiot had parked his car on the track to pick up a take-out order from a restaurant. When he eventually emerged, he flipped us off and drove away with no contrition. The streetcar operator told me they used to jack up and move such vehicles off the tracks, but that practice was stopped after car owners complained. A side note: As much as I use and enjoy the rail systems, my favorite mode is bus! They run more often, are the best at being on time, and if there's a vehicle blocking their lane, they can just drive around it. The drivers are great and usually quite personable. Buses, MAX and streetcars all operate under Trimet, so one Trimet pass card gives you a ride on every mode in the system. Also, as of fall 2022, more safety personnel have been hired to monitor behavior on Portland's transit. There are still issues, but I can attest that it is much better than it was a year ago.

[@Sivah_Akash]

I moved to Portland for similar reasons as well! Maybe it's my location and/or the specific lines I take, but I feel like the trains are more frequent than buses though.

[@daveydoodle52]

@@Sivah_Akash I think you're correct: Frequency of service depends on the line/location. I'm lucky to live in a SW neighborhood with bus and MAX lines at my door, and streetcar stops just two blocks away. I can often get to my destination by grabbing whichever comes first!

[@Sivah_Akash]

@@daveydoodle52, oh nice! I live near Kinton and it's a 15 minute bike ride to the nearest bus stop, which only has a bus frequency of around ~50 minutes. 😅 Another 30 minute ride brings me to the Blue line with a frequency of 15 minutes.

[@BetaD_]

wait whaat they stopped to jack up cars?? How stupid is that? So now these idiots can block the tracks and wont even face any repercussions.... And does that mean that the tracks are sometimes blocked for hours if the owner doesn't show up? That's at least what would happen in vienna, if they wouldn't be moved. The trams have been there since cars got common for normal people and tracks today are still regualarly blocked by wrongly parked cars.... Strange that your buses are more often on time then your street cars, normally it should be the opposite way I believe. At least it feels that way in vienna, as buses are more often stuck in rush hour traffic jams. But yeah if cars wouldn't be moved off the tracks then they'd also have much more delays. Street cars have priorty with traffic lights, are sometimes seperated from streets (own dedicated space for tracks) and often use smaller streets (ie. dont run on the main car arterys in vienna), which probably play a big factor on why they are more often on time compared to buses. frequency really depends on the different lines here, there is no general rule. Only that small buses are used for low demand lines and therefore have worse frequency of course. But worst frequency in vienna is one every 15min anyway so.... (apart from night time, etc of course)

[@LongIslandCityLayout]

Wait, $5.00 for an ALL-DAY pass? That's just unreal. Five dollars can't even get you two one-way rides in a lot of systems. That's a pretty nice system, despite the rainy weather.

[@Thom-TRA]

Chicago’s is also $5! It’s very nice

[@Jabid21]

NYC used to offer day pass years ago. Now minimum unlimited pass you can buy is for a week. The new omny system caps weekly fares once you reach the threshold of 12 rides ($33), resetting every Monday. So the $5 day pass is a bargain.

[@brentwebster9072]

What’s nice as being a local here in Portland for almost a year, there’s a few programs that helps people with getting 50% off bus fares. 2.50$ for a day pass

[@Evan-cu7kp]

It's pretty great, $5/day for bus, max, streetcar and the WES commuter rail. It also caps out, so once you spend $5 in a day it turns into a day pass, and once you hit $100 in a month it becomes a month pass, either using a card or virtual card on iphone/android. Honored Citizen cards (senior citizen, disabilities, low income) cap out at $2.50/day and $28/month. The hop system is also used on C-Tran in Clark County, WA (Vancouver) and you can get a combo TriMet/C-Tran pass for $7.70/day or $125/mo.

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

You can get a day pass on one of Metra’s line for $10

[@Geneviev285]

Thank you for your wonderful analysis of Trimet. I’ve been working with Trimet for 20 years. I love working there. I love Trimet and I ride it all the time. I’m a new sub, btw.. just came across your video. Since Covid, most people have lost their minds. Covid affected a lot of people mentally…so riding Trimet can feel unsafe sometimes. There are issues on the system but we have Transit Security.. Thank you. I enjoyed your video 🙏🏽

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video! I’ll have another TriMet video this coming December!

[@johnslyfield5096]

Since this video, the Red Line goes further towards Hillsboro! This is awesome. Trimet, like Seattle's Sound Transit albeit a bit later, is starting to take steps to clean up the service, while maintaining the same level of access to those needing transportation. Tillicum crossing, you said it right in the video!

[@Rabbitrails315]

14:36 That submarine is part of OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). I went in it, and it is awesome. I highly recommend checking it out.

[@cesars842]

Watching this video was like mainlining 100% pure, uncut nostalgia for me. I think you gave the system a super accurate and fair assessment. I'm glad you made it on the WES. I rode it 4x a week and literally never stopped thinking about what a ridiculous train it was, but I really liked it.

[@Thom-TRA]

Glad to take you down memory lane!

[@EverettCDavis]

I grew up outside of Portland wow this video was so nostalgic, from the buildings, landmarks, all the way to hearing "Doors to my right, puerta a la derecha."

[@gilliganmcneuter4550]

I'm just enamored with your energy and I share your views on pedestrian life and I really enjoy this video. Thank you for the info 🙂

[@johntousseau9380]

I've used the MAX when I visit Portland. It's pretty good at connecting the city. Yeah there are some sketchy people on it sometimes, but I've never had a real problem on it. I'll have to try the street car next time I visit. I wish Seattle's system was even half as good as Portland's.

[@Thom-TRA]

I really enjoyed the whole Portland network! For a US city its scale, it’s really good. Did you get a chance to see our WES Commuter Rail video?

[@johntousseau9380]

@@Thom-TRA I did. I've never been on it, but it is an interesting train. I would have to ride for the sake of riding it one day.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@johntousseau9380 that’s pretty much why I rode it! To cross it off my list. Though I would definitely go back to Portland. Seattle is really high on my list of places to visit now.

[@johntousseau9380]

@@Thom-TRA The Seattle light rail is expanding to cover a pretty wide area of the Puget Sound including crossing the Sound into Bellevue. What's cool is you can ride the Amtrak Cascade train which connects Eugene, OR to Seattle (to Vancouver, BC once COVID restrictions relax). It uses a Spanish Talgo train, and is kind of a commuter train along the I5 corridor.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@johntousseau9380 I saw the Talgo at Portland Union Station when I was there. Though I’m from Europe I’ve never been on a Talgo train before, so I want to go back and ride the Cascades. I believe the new Intercity trainsets are going to replace them in the future?

[@TheRealBekefi]

I can't wait to watch all of your videos! You are very pleasant to watch and I'm glad I found your channel.

[@Thom-TRA]

Enjoy yourself!

[@jedendwatrzy4189]

I was in Portland in 2015 and was also very impressed with their system. I rode the blue line end to end, the yellow line to the end and the streetcars and the tram. I was there about a year before Tillikum Crossing and the Orange Line opened. The Washington Park Tunnel was fascinating, being the deepest transit station in North America. Another excellent video!

[@tims_builds]

I live out in Hillsboro and use the MAX to get into Portland all the time. The recent extra "safety officers" on MAX have definitely cut down on the unmitigated disruptive passengers which is a welcome change. The price has gone up, it's $5.60 for a day pass now but that's still super cheap by comparison to a lot of cities and importantly is still cheaper that driving my car into downtown

[@Thom-TRA]

That’s good that the experience has improved! And yeah, 5.60 is still a steal.

[@dennisforner6090]

As always a very in-depth, comprehensive & interesting review of an Ameican transit system - this time on Portland, Oregon (also on my bucket list). What I like about your uploads Thom is your candid comments - what I call (based on the old Spaghetti Western movie) - "The good, the bad, and the ugly'. Unfortunately, anti-social behavior is part & parcel of many public transport systems. They generally provide an efficient & effective option to get from point A to B but some people choose to be not only disrespectful to fellow passengers but also at times aggressive. I think many of us, who are also advocates for more public transport options, have experienced similar situations - hence why I worry when I see you traveling alone. So much looking forward to your upcoming Empire Builder video (I wonder who made the comment about your Elf-looking ears - was it the Lindsey input?). Stay safe & please be careful Thom.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’ve noticed that disruptive passengers are particularly a feature of US urban transit. The main exception that comes to mind is Boston. Don’t worry, Bear was always with me at night. We both grew up in the city so we’re pretty “street smart.” Glad you liked the tour of Portland’s public transit network! Definitely worth the spot on your bucket list. There’s a few things I want to go back and try. A heritage trolley and the aerial tram (which was only for medical professionals when i was there, to keep them from getting COVID. Excited to share the Empire Builder! next week we’re doing Portland’s commuter rail, in my opinion the weirdest in the US…

[@davidfreeman3083]

@@Thom-TRA 'I grew up in a city hence I'm "street smart" don't worry'... This is exactly the unfortunate part isn't it? I personally don't believe that cleaness and safety are naturally contradictory to urbanism or even things like public transit. We deserve clean, safe cities and clean, safe public transit systems. And I have to say as big of an advocate of urbanization and public transit I am, I totally understand when ppl oppose them on the grounds of safety

[@BetaD_]

@@Thom-TRA Yeah it really seems to be a US thing with aggressive passengers... never had any real problems in germany and austria, even in the middle of night...

[@BetaD_]

@@davidfreeman3083 yeah thats the ironic thing, because if more people would use it, then it would also be more safe for everybody....

[@davidburrow5895]

Nice video. The last time I was in Portland there was a long delay on the streetcar while we waited for a U-Haul truck that was blocking the tracks to move out of the way.

[@davidburrow5895]

I also completely agree with you about the questionable safety on MAX. This is an issue with lots of proof of payment systems, since there's no barrier to anyone hopping aboard. Portland is probably the second worst place I've seen for that, after Sacramento. I usually just tend to ignore rude people, but it's hard when there are so many of them.

[@katjamuller5503]

That submarine was the USS Blueback SS-581 it's famous for being in the movie "the hunt for red October"

[@karljohnson2201]

Great Video, When I was last in Portland I didn't have a chance to ride the whole system, your video and commentary are spot on. I was there just prior to the pandemic.

[@32bites]

Enjoyed the video, one thing though is willamette is pronounced closer to "wool-am-it". If you haven't been up to Seattle yet we also have separate street cars and light rail systems. There are two disconnected street car lines but it was (is?) planned to connect the two lines. The light rail currently is one long line from just past SeaTac Airport to Northgate. A line branching off taking the south bridge (I-90) across Lake Washington is just completing construction to connect the east side. The light rail is also going to expand south to Tacoma and absorb their streetcar that runs on 750 volt where the light rail runs on 1500 volt.

[@yeetymcyeetersson1639]

Really appreciate that Portland has Spanish translations for their train announcements. I grew up in the area and my first nanny was a native spanish speaker. She said she loved hearing the translations when riding the MAX. Reminded me of a John Oliver quote: "It's like having hockey on in the corner of a bar: It's not hurting anyone and a couple of people are actually really into it!"

[@Thom-TRA]

People forget sometimes the US doesn’t have an official language!

[@Herowebcomics]

WOW! You got a front row seat to some crazy stuff while on those sweet trains! Also that bridge is amazing!

[@andrewinnj]

I think you're gracious when describing the passenger experience while riding Max service. I've lived in the city for 16 years and have had a number of scary/depressing experiences that don't deter me from using the service but that have made me feel very uncomfortable. I've landed on the mentality that everyone has a right to use the service, even if they behave in ways I never would, but that's really only something I can justify given the way I appear in public. No one bothers me, individually, because I look kind of mean and always have my headphones in (even if I'm not listening to anything). If I had a family, I'd be very apprehensive of using the service altogether. I also think the headways on the system are very poor for a city of this size.

[@lopoa126]

I always thought that the Streetcar was just an extension of the MAX instead of a separate entity. I have only used the MAX. Mental health services are sadly neglected in the area (big NIMBY crowd), so you do get interesting passengers.

[@Thom-TRA]

Based on my perceptions of the political climate in the city, I guess I was expecting an abundance of mental health services. It certainly was shocking arriving at PDX and getting on the train (and I live in Chicago lol). Still, I tried to treat people with as much respect as possible while making sure I was safe. The SC is totally separate. It’s a pretty weird sight to behold, honestly. But it’s a quirk that makes Portland a fun city to go to.

[@monkeytastix]

MAX and Streetcar are similar. MAX is ran entirely by TriMet whereas the Portland Streetcar is ran 50/50 between TriMet and the City.

[@dfor]

@@monkeytastixstreetcar is run by TriMet but owned by the city. The operations and maintenance is all TriMet personnel. Only thing is service schedules and ownership of the equipment and infrastructure is the city.

[@Rabbitrails315]

15:30 it's called the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. You were correct.

[@CameronLandels]

Thank you for the great video Thom. I really enjoyed learning about the MAX/Streetcar systems. Ive read that a new type 6 is under construction to replace the type 1 vehicles within the next few years. Am looking forward to the next video! :-)

[@Thom-TRA]

Yes, the Type 6s should be a newer iteration of the Siemens S700 product!

[@CMDModels1]

Another city for the transit bucket list. Only one life and so little time. Nice video

[@retrix_game]

if you want to see a lightrail network that has more respect given to it then the guy at 4:55, then you should look at salt lake city's TRAX network.

[@Thom-TRA]

Soon!

[@Newspeak.]

Great video on a system I use every day. Trimet really has been in a trendsetter in a lot of ways. They started the modern streetcar trend, they were the first partner google had when google maps got transit directions, and they are one of the first US cities to introduce fare capping. I have never ridden the WES but I do love that it’s the same exact fare as the MAX and it counts as a transfer rather then a separate fare. I am mostly happy with the system but I’d love a tunnel under downtown for the MAX to help speed things up rather then crawling over the ancient steel bridge like it does now. Also if you visit again maybe in June or July definitely grab one of the bike share ebikes and take a ride through the inner east side neighborhoods. The bike infrastructure that was put in with Tilikum crossing will feed you right to the SE Clinton greenway which is a perfect place to ride to get an idea of the bike network and see some of those neighborhoods. Generally the best coffee roasters, breweries, and restaurants, (and weed dispensaries) are on the east side of the river.

[@GtrekWay215]

I enjoyed riding both the TRI Max and the street cars (b line) to Powell books a few years ago

[@josephseverino674]

I am impressed, thats a type of system NYC and NJ should have.NJ Transit dose have similar light rail trains mainly in the northeast part of the state,If they could have a system that can ride for a $5 fare like Portland, that would be fantastic. I enjoyed the video.

[@Thom-TRA]

New York is about to get some light rail!

[@rmazocar]

I've ridden MAX hundreds of times over the past 17 years and never knew it stood for Metropolitan Area Express

[@Thom-TRA]

Trying to boost the educational level of my videos to the MAX over here… Bad jokes aside, as a frequent MAX rider, how would you rate my assessment of the system?

[@rmazocar]

@@Thom-TRA Your assessment is spot on. MAX is a great system but since the pandemic it is much more sketchy. I know at least one formerly daily rider that won't get on at all now.

[@fomfom9779]

The other day, a Streetcar, and a Max train collided in the Lloyd Center area of Portland. It was a T-bone type crash. Thankfully, only minor injuries.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m glad the injuries weren’t severe

[@GeminiTwinsofLove]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a32xXpZ_g7eUq7Msi=9XjbeYCG7gAdgDix

[@kassarc16]

Public transit can't exist without enforced public safety and order: discomfort, harassment, assault, and violence are not acceptable tradeoffs.

[@edwardvd54]

Another great and very interesting video. I know very little about American rail systems and this is a great way to get to know them!

[@Thom-TRA]

Glad it was educational and entertaining! Thanks

[@KenanTurkiye]

Don't you love trains, trams, aren't they all beautiful :) come take a ride! (at folder 2, look my way)

[@gabrielschroll3824]

Great video! I lived in the Portland area (Tigard, pronounced "Tye-Gurd") for a few months back in late 2015 and didn't own a car. I had to ride my bike about 5 miles to the bus stop, but they had an incredibly accurate "next bus" system that never failed me. And being such a bike-friendly place, I loved being able to throw my bike on the front of the bus. As for the street cars and light rail, I used it only a few times, as I didn't live close to downtown, but I did use it to get to the airport on my final exit, and I used it to get to the Portland Zoo, as well as the Portland Timbers MLS stadium. Also, upon my arriving to Portland, I had flown into Seattle, and I rode a train from downtown Seattle - or a few blocks outside, I suppose) to Portland's Union Station. It was only a couple of hours and quite good. I think Portland is doing a lot right. I'd definitely live there again, but from what you said about the unruly and misbehaved passengers, it'd do the city good to add more security to the train cars. That was sad to hear, quite frankly. Thanks so much for the video and the channel! It's clear that you're very passionate about this, and you've earned my subscription!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you! It’s good to hear about your experiences!

[@MattStMarie-bm5sq]

He also mispronounced "Willamette"

[@Rabbitrails315]

Pros of the Max system: it's fare cost is not bad, top speeds are good, and it has a wide range, meaning it spreads out a lot around the metropolitan area. Cons: 2 cars means not many people per train, pretty long wait time per train, and not enough security. But it's still, in my opinion, a pretty solid transit system.

[@robertcartwright4374]

It sounds like the Max is the more useful of the two. Consolation prize goes to the streetcar, for being much cuter!

[@LordLaroyalty]

Agreed. In some areas around America, especially in the city, it is hard to find a place to park, and it is EXTREMELY hard to find a free place to park. Plus, you might get a ticket, your car could be towed, your car could be vandalized and something stolen from it, you could get into an accident while driving and it might be your fault, etc. This is why I prefer passenger rail, especially in urban areas like downtown. I'd rather not have to worry about anything. Trains have the right-of-way and if the train hits something while I'm riding, it won't be my fault. This is just a huge win in my book. But of course, as you said, some have unruly passengers, very little to no surveillance for security, and crazy people doing....extremely crazy, psychotic things. Also, yes some of those are very old and need to be updated.

[@realquadmoo]

Seattle has also got a streetcar and light rail. I would love to see a similar style video on those at some point but maybe not for a while because every few years the Link Light Rail is opening more stops.

[@Thom-TRA]

Seattle is very high on my bucket list of places to go so hopefully I can make that video soon!

[@realquadmoo]

@@Thom-TRA eee I am so excited

[@realquadmoo]

Oh yeah and I almost forgot about the T line down in Tacoma as well

[@Thom-TRA]

@@realquadmoo I’ve wanted to go to Seattle ever since I was a kid and was addicted to iCarly lol

[@onesob13]

Yeah don't skip the T Line, Tacoma's rad

[@trackrat440]

Portland used to have a much larger streetcar system in the early 1900s

[@LordLaroyalty]

Dallas is my favorite city because of the different types of passenger rail they have. Please do a video or videos on the DART trains (blue, red, green, and orange lines) and the TRE train. In my opinion, the DART trains are all very old and need to be replaced with new ones. Other than that, everything is basically perfect, or as perfect as it can get anyway.

[@TacoAndy99]

3:22 at this moment you have captured some history. The Type 1 MAX train, the Bombardier, the original MAX train delivered in 1984 and began service when the Blue Line opened in 1986. They are now starting to be phased out as they have outlived their life expectancy and are starting to cause some hiccups on the alignment. Within the next year or so TriMet will begin to introduce a new Type 6 MAX Train made by Siemens. The Type 6s are currently in Testing phase and can be seen on the main line after service hours between Ruby Jct E 197th Ave and Washington Park, doing testing in the Robertson Tunnel.

[@Merle1987]

Considering how slow and low capacity the streetcars and the Maxx are, they need to quadruple the network. Then it would be a good network.

[@lizmyers3650]

Based on your excellent advice, i am taking the streetcar frim downtown this afternoon out for tacos. Thank you!!

[@Thom-TRA]

Have a great trip!

[@chrisransdell8110]

You don't need to validate most tickets. As the ticket machine said 'Tickets are ready for immediate use'. I think validation is for bulk tickets distributed by conventions or other places that buy tickets in advance of the use.

[@Evan-cu7kp]

You are supposed to scan the ticket at every boarding point technically now that hop is in place, but this is to help TriMet collect usage data so they know which lines to prioritize for express service, re-alignments, etc.

[@mellowmerryman7607]

Always great content, Thanks for the video

[@MattStMarie-bm5sq]

Next time check out the rail museum Oregon Rail

[@michaelformaini7053]

This is my second look at your channel since discovering you yesterday. Very comprehensive coverage of public transit in a city that has developed so much in the last 20-30 years. Well done! I think you'd love checking out the public transport network in my part of the world if you were to visit Melbourne in Australia. I visited Portland Oregon in September 1989 and stayed out on the eastside about halfway to Gresham. I recognised several city locations during your coverage. Had to chuckle as you passed the Cannabis outlet. Perhaps that's why antisocial behaviour on the TriMet service from the airport may have caused you alarm - people getting high, confrontational and aggressive due to an unhealthy habit. Looking forward to viewing more of your channel when time allows. Cheers from Michael.🙂

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks for giving my channel not one but two shots! Glad you liked the video. Your assessment may be pretty accurate. It’s a smell that’s almost unavoidable in any city anymore sadly. Going back to Portland this summer!

[@Cupertinorail]

I own office in the Portland suburban hoods and MAX and the streetcar are pretty much how a great majority of people get around. I have a car in Oregon but I drive it very sparingly because the TriMet bus and tram is so much better. Some suburban hoods are very transit friendly, there are a very minimal amount of cars near where the tram goes. Hop is also now the main ticket for TriMet. Before 2019 there were separate paper tickets for $2.5 fare and day pass. Most residents use the hop monthly pass. The frequency is great especially at suburban stations. Hillsboro is a suburban hood. Trimet has an extensive bus network too. Just recently we just got a big green bus as a BRT

[@peterd788]

Being from London I had always assumed that the difference between light rail and trams is that light rail is grade separated from road traffic.

[@conorgilles81]

You're right about yellow and orange being the same line. The orange line is really just an extension of the yellow line and should have been named as such. Because there is no fare barrier to get on MAX, it can get a little harry at times, really any time of day. In fact, two people were murdered and a third badly wounded by a right-wing extremist during rush hour on MAX in 2017. It pays to stay alert. Most of the time, people are not dangerous.

[@chrissimmons9743]

"there is no fare barrier to get on MAX" If you're talking about how there's no way for Trimet to make sure people pay to use MAX, i have personal experience with this because i once rode from Rose Quarter to Hollywood TC without having paid (I got off at Hollywood TC specifically to pay because i would be paying $2.50 to earn a day pass, so it didn't make any difference as far as the amount of money i paid compared to if i remembered to pay when i first got on.

[@1e1001]

i don't think i've ever seen anybody use the yellow door buttons before, lol

[@edwardmiessner6502]

I heard that the travel of the MAX light rail lines in downtown Portland is so slow, people are considering replacing the surface lines with tunnels (then I assume the streetcar will take over the surface lines).

[@Thom-TRA]

I don’t know how serious those plans are, but they wouldn’t be a bad idea. If the lines become fully grade-separated, you could also start running bigger trains with higher capacity.

[@joenuts5167]

It’s a serious consideration that’s gaining ground. The most in need areas for improvement are the downtown leg of all lines, and the entire yellow line. It’s SOOOOO slow, almost uselessly slow, as it has to go along a busy 4 lane road with constant intersection at grade.

[@losh330]

@@Thom-TRA it's a serious plan that's being studied currently but probably at least 5 years away from shovels in the ground, definitely won't be done before 2030. Also, a referendum about bringing the green line MAX south to Tualatin, meeting with the WES, failed in 2020. Hopefully the tunnel is built first though, since it is necessary to keep the system growing.

[@morganlopez0214]

Good job 👍

[@Nam3y123]

Portland resident here! I have a lot of opinions, lol - The yellow/orange line doesn't make sense to me either. My guess is that it was a PR move, so they could paint the extension of the line to Milwaukee as a brand new line. In my head it's always just the Yellow. - I have a very negative view on the streetcar livery, mostly because it is confusing. It is very common to see streetcars with a livery in the color of a different line; for example, I once accidentally got on a B-loop streetcar thinking it was a NW streetcar, since the train was painted in the same bright green as the NW line on the map. - Safety is a really touchy subject around here, for me especially. We are in the middle of a massive housing crisis, and we can't build affordable housing fast enough, leading to issues with homelessness. However, this has also resulted in a very far-right anti-homeless campaign, and I don't want to join that stampede if I can help it. It has come around to hurting transit substantially, with both a streetcar extension to Lake Oswego and a MAX extension to Tualatin being shot down due to concerns about homelessness. We definitely need to build more density to deal with this issue. Edit: I also want to state, your experiences were abnormally bad. I think I have only ever had one experience on that level ever, and I commute by transit four days a week.

[@Thom-TRA]

I appreciate your nuanced, insightful commentary. I have a lot of compassion for homeless people and I hate the rhetoric around the subject in this country. I actually returned to Portland this spring and am going to make a video about the yellow/orange line! “Keep Portland weird,” TriMet must have thought. Lol.

[@RevivalPortland]

And the cost for construction, operation, maintenance, per ride is higher than an UBER ride by hundreds of dollars, but who cares?

[@gyrozeppeli4862]

Local tip for riding the MAX- get on the front car. Most shenanigans only happen on the back car, and towards Old Towne and Chinatown. The city and TriMet aren't perfect, but they're definitely not too bad if you aren't too unlucky The problems are a tradeoff with the convenience and low price, in my opinion

[@reversedotty]

Keep in mind is that this video is from 2022, when the situation was still almost as bad as in 2021. Which is not to say that it is all solved now, but the difference is tangible at least. So I think stating that it's "not too bad" adds up a lot better now than it would have then

[@londonwhaley8690]

I enjoy that video👍👍

[@warrenwarner6157]

A good way to go!

[@lazrseagull54]

If the subway tunnel under Washington Park is extended through downtown to the Lloyd Centre as proposed, would the current downtown street running Max tracks on that route become part of the Portland streetcar system, or would they just be abandoned? I hope it's the former.

[@car_tar3882]

IMHO I understand why people misbehave on transit but I think it’s important they are removed from transit because many of the hardships that cause such behavior are perpetuated by bad transit and if people don’t feel safe on transit they won’t support new transit.

[@rleeAZ]

Two years later Trimet has moved from feeling dangerous to just uncomfortable on occasion. I'm noticing significantly more security, and fewer incidents as you described. Some platforms reek of urine, the Union Station MAX platforms intermittently become tent encampments, city clears them but they cycle back. Plenty of the unhoused still find refuge on the trains. I know many folks who refuse to ride due to these conditions. I've not encountered any real problem, on two occasions I've gotten off to wait for the next train to avoid malodorous passengers.

[@Cupertinorail]

The PDX streetcar is more for natives and business owners like me because it actually save us time walking between two different points. It's also not a good idea to cross Tilikum crossing on an empty stomach by food because you will be scrambling for food and it's really scarce in areas with heavy gentrification because of the price.

[@Deutscher256]

17:57 Yes. The jig is up. :)

[@oscardaone]

4:55 almost became a highlight for me.🤭

[@Cupertinorail]

Also in terms of unruly passengers, 60% you should see a TriMet PD cop or TSS (TriMet Security Service) officer on trams or station but they tend to be a rarity due to rain at times

[@vapour_xs9235]

I know I just commented on your Capitol subway video (very cool, had no idea that existed). But, I am completely with you on the unsafe feeling of being on the MAX train. I used to use it as my way of travel too-and-from middle/high school before I moved. Since fares are so cheap, it's very accessible to the public. So much so that very disruptive people (mostly those who are homeless or abusing drugs and such) travel very frequently on the train, and cause a bunch of issues. I've had multiple counts of people causing issues with other passengers for no reason, including upon myself. It's also possible to use the train WITHOUT a ticket! There is little to no monitoring of passengers using ticket fares for travel, so you can essentially just hop on the train without paying. Other than those gripes, the system is a very well rounded piece of urban infrastructure that has more or less molded around the city, instead of the city building around IT.

[@MattStMarie-bm5sq]

They are going to be adding officers soon. This problem is mainly a result of cuts made during the pandemic and defund the police episodes

[@maas1208]

I would like to see something similar to this in chicago

[@DB-fd6ho]

Nice review. You did pronounce Tillicum correctly. Will am et & Or a gun. You are not alone on the pronunciation nor your trepidation about Max. Edit, if there is anything hampering the middle of the city all lines are essentially shutdown. We had this happen when the proud boys had a protest that shut the system down once we crossed the river into downtown. We ended up walking up to 14th, which took a while. My suggestion is find out what might turn your fun train ride into an hour walk and two bus rides.

[@shawn.m.schmidt]

"Look a submarine". =) That is docked outside of OMSI which a well worthwhile experience.

[@jordansean18]

Did you get to see the SP 4449 in the Oregon rail heritage museum?

[@Thom-TRA]

Unfortunately I didn’t! But I’m thinking of maybe going to Portland again this year.

[@danielueblacker9118]

Unruly passengers devalue the trip and people leaving dirty items in the train, with a possible lack of cleaning is also sad. Thom I love you, however do miss the Wife and Bear. I Respect your reviews and wish the people in charge would listen to your words carefully to improve service for all.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you! Your words are very kind. Bear will be back soon. Lindsey and I are out filming together this week, so you'll see more of our crew soon! Take care!

[@Cupertinorail]

Last time I went see Oregon rail it had like very old GO train single level cab cars there. Word on the street is that the old coaches got chewed up for spare parts

[@Sivah_Akash]

Fortunately I never felt unsafe, but I've heard from several other people about these issues. Also even though it rains a lot, most of the time it just drizzles and you don't get wet. It feels so nice to bike at those times personally. :)

[@nyxie_wolf]

you should look in to portlands old trolley system as well as it's interurban system. portland has pretty good transportation but the systems used to be absolutely huge.

[@Thom-TRA]

The good old days… at least, in terms of transit lol

[@nyxie_wolf]

@@Thom-TRA haha yeah definitely Just in terms of transit. Personally I'm glad i live in this time period. And heck we get to see a bunch of new systems pop up over the next few decades I'm sure and experiencing those systems is going to be a lot of fun

[@Thom-TRA]

@@nyxie_wolf good old days doesn’t have to mean we can’t have good new days!

[@MattStMarie-bm5sq]

then gentrafication and big oil happened

[@Rabbitrails315]

I believe the Tillikum crossing bridge is also known as the bridge of the people. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@Rabbitrails315]

@@pXnTilde okay

[@Robbi496]

Wasn't the San Diego Trolley opened in the 1990's?

[@elefante8572]

Yep but it's light rail like MAX, not a streetcar (for whatever those definitions are worth :) )

[@joshvaughan3403]

Is that background music from Transport Fever 2?

[@Thom-TRA]

No it’s just from the KZbin Audio Library

[@CABOOSEBOB]

What a clear example of the wrong transit mode being used for a given corridor

[@jeremynkelley]

I LOVE RAIN!!! ☔️

[@joshc2650]

1:59 That looks like a wave card machine from Grand Rapids

[@ericbruun9020]

I suggest using the definitions from Prof. Vukan Vuchic to better define the differences between streetcars and light rail

[@katjamuller5503]

Your experience on max is pretty typical and Trimet has it's own security now

[@MeTheOneth]

For years, I've taken Trimet busses, MAX, and Streetcar every day to get to work or school, and I can't say I've run into as much conflict as in this video, though I've heard other people complaining. Maybe I'm lucky, or you're unlucky, or some combination?

[@Thom-TRA]

I try not to bring it up in videos because it fuels the rhetoric of the anti-transit crowd, but I was just astonished at how uncomfortable the atmosphere on TriMet was compared to most other places.

[@RRW359]

As someone who needs to transfer at Beaverton TC twice a day, don't ever go to Beaverton TC willingly. Sometimes it's fine and sometimes you have the experience you had. Also you pronounced Tikikum so well and then blew it when pronouncing Willamette.

[@Thom-TRA]

At least I can spell

[@mh-ld2yg]

Take a shot everytime you see a Subaru 😂 only the north west and east

[@Thom-TRA]

Lol we used to have one. Rest in peace Subie…

[@ericbruun9020]

I should have added that he is retired but Penn has an internet course where he is the lecturer and it is free. He was my dissertation supervisor and I have books too, but not the two transit bibles he wrote.

[@Thom-TRA]

I will definitely look him up

[@davidlilly3514]

I like the wes train.

[@Thom-TRA]

Me too!

[@joshc2650]

14:38 That submarine isnt going on your bridge lol

[@Thom-TRA]

Nope it’s a submarine-free bridge. And airplanes too I believe. And UFOs. It said nothing about camels or elephants though.

[@joshc2650]

@@Thom-TRA I'm glad

[@simonsv9449]

Ironical that the deepest subway station in the United States isn’t even a subway station but a Light Rail station lol

[@josephpadula2283]

Amtrak Union station is not directly served by light rail or street car. Stop is a bit far with luggage!

[@drdewott9154]

Honestly I still don't get how the US justifies putting trams in mixed traffic. Heck the argument about cost doesn't even add up, as you already need to dig up the whole right of way to lay the tracks and it's foundation anyway, meaning you should be able to make it a dedicated lane much more easily than a lane suitable for cars. Heck even the signals could be reprogrammed very easily for streetcar priority, so basically having a super expensive bus on rails just seems flat out stupid to build. Then again systems like the Portland streetcar seem to have the interest of property value in mind rather than actual transit service. I mean it's clear from that with its very sloe speed, winding route, and poor frequency of just every 15 minutes for a vehicle the size of a bus.

[@DannyManny98]

I originally thought they were the same thing. I had no idea they were so alike. I still don’t understand though. Anybody please explain?

[@Thom-TRA]

What do you need help understanding?

[@DannyManny98]

I am still confused

[@Thom-TRA]

@@DannyManny98 I am offering to help you but I need to know what is confusing you

[@DannyManny98]

@@Thom-TRA The trains

[@Thom-TRA]

@@DannyManny98 alright. So Portland has two similar but separate systems. First there is MAX: -opened in the 1980s -lines named after colors -lines run to other cities around Portland -street-running only in downtown Portland -larger, longer, faster trains It’s kind of like a metro, with some street running. Then there’s the streetcar: -opened in 2001 -runs only in downtown -runs only on the street -3 lines (A, B, and NS) -smaller, shorter, slower trains They share tracks just at bridges and they share the same fare system. Other than that they are separate networks with separate routes and trains.

[@socracat148]

Milwaukee’s streetcar, also know as the Hop is free.

[@Thom-TRA]

I know, I’ve been on it a few times

[@Jarekthegamingdragon]

The safety thing is a little overblown. The worst you get is uncomfortable because of homeless, never unsafe. It's also not as common as people say it is.

[@Thom-TRA]

I would normally agree with you, having traveled on almost every transit system in the US. I’m not bothered on any of them. Homeless people don’t make me uncomfortable, in fact, I work with them. Portland was the only place where people consistently yelled at me. Got into my face. Tried to touch me. In just two days I experienced at least 6 incidents that directly involved me, despite me minding my own business. It is probably the only city nationwide where I would consider the public transportation unsafe. Let’s not forget that on 100% of seats tested they found traces of meth.

[@Jarekthegamingdragon]

@@Thom-TRA As someone that uses public transit here every day, that is either extremely bad luck or an exaggeration. I go all over the city, take people in from out of town that way. It's seriously no where near as dangerous as implied.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@Jarekthegamingdragon once again, i am a massive transportation fan and advocate. I tell people all the time to take transit, that it’s not nearly as unsafe as the media makes it seem, that you’re a lot safer on transit than driving. Weighing Portland against the systems I’ve taken around the world, Portland’s was just objectively the least safe. Notice how I still rode it and enjoyed it. Notice how I came back a year later and rode it again. If you don’t know who I am and what I do, then it’s just best to sit this one out. Because invalidating my experience because it makes you uncomfortable is not a good look.

[@guinessbeer]

Don’t belittle people’s personal experiences. And it is dangerous. There have been stabbings, shootings and murders on max. Although things appear to be getting better now.

[@Jarekthegamingdragon]

@@guinessbeer Oh please. Being afraid of getting stabbed or shot on the max is just paranoia from someone who literally doesn't take the max. Same energy as people that are afraid of the city while living in the suburbs and never going into the city. I take public transit every where and have my entire life. You're exaggerating 2 isolated incidents over the last 10 years in a city metro of 2.5 million. Do you know how safe that is for a large city?

[@nicelol5241]

the only thing i don’t really like is how old they are.

[@brunhildevalkyrie]

Was that a real submarine?

[@aaronboren5851]

As a Portlander I certainly agree with your safety assessment. I’ve used the Chicago L, SF BART, LA subway, NYC subway/PATH systems countless times both day night when traveling, yet the most unsettling ride is always my MAX journey to and from the airport.

[@MrSquareart]

Very very nice video!!!!!!!!!!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!!

[@LeoUrquhartRoundDance]

Why does he always use the door buttons on trains. Does he not realize that the doors open automatically on their own? He doesn’t need to push the button every time it at all

[@Thom-TRA]

Because it’s fun. Loosen up a little, geez.

[@MegaChallanger]

Max trains (I hear) are too heavy to be used on the streetcar tracks.

[@ShoeTheGreyCat]

From 05 to about 2013, my friends and I would ride the MAX all over the place, and it was one of the nicest and easiest systems to be on. We saw one altercation ever, which was quickly dealt with. There was even a fareless square where the train was free to ride within. After that though, when the gronks and tweakers took over, now things are as you saw, violent people, fentanyl smoking, trash, and filth. It's a sad decline of an excellent overall transit system.