Editing MAX Light Rail (section)

==History==
===Predecessors===

In the early 20th century, privately funded [[interurban]]s and [[streetcar]]s gave Portland one of the largest urban rail systems in the [[Western United States|American West]], with lines that once extended as far north as [[Vancouver, Washington]], south as [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], east as [[Troutdale, Oregon|Troutdale]], and west as [[Forest Grove, Oregon|Forest Grove]].<ref name="Selinger">{{cite web |title=Making History: 45 Years of Transit in the Portland Region |last=Selinger |first=Philip |date=2015 |publisher=TriMet |url=https://trimet.org/pdfs/history/making-history.pdf |oclc=919377348 |access-date=July 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509021212/https://trimet.org/pdfs/history/making-history.pdf |archive-date=May 9, 2018 |url-status=unfit}}</ref>{{rp|7–8}}<ref name="thompson2010">{{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Richard M. |date=2010 |title=Portland's Streetcar Lines |pages=7–8 |publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]] |isbn=978-0-7385-8126-2 |access-date=March 12, 2019 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rCD1zjOPXvMC&pg=PA71 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131050209/https://books.google.com/books?id=rCD1zjOPXvMC&pg=PA71 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|7–8}} Portland's first trolleys were brought over from [[San Francisco]] by [[Ben Holladay]] in 1872; they were drawn by [[horse]]s and [[mule]]s and operated by the [[Portland Street Railway Company]]. In 1890, the first electric streetcar opened in [[Albina, Oregon|Albina]] while the first [[cable car (railway)|cable car]] began serving 5th Avenue; these marked the start of an era of major rail expansion.<ref name="History of Public Transit">{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/history/transitinportland.htm |title=A History of Public Transit in Portland |publisher=TriMet |access-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207154617/https://trimet.org/history/transitinportland.htm |archive-date=December 7, 2018}}</ref> In 1892, the [[East Side Railway Company]] opened the first long-distance interurban line—a {{convert|16|mi|km|1|adj=on|abbr=out}} route from Portland to [[Oregon City, Oregon|Oregon City]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Portland's Interurban Years |publisher=TriMet |access-date=December 5, 2018 |url=https://trimet.org/history/newinterurban.htm |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206000542/https://trimet.org/history/newinterurban.htm}}</ref> The [[Portland Railway, Light and Power Company]] had taken over all local streetcars by 1906,<ref>{{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Richard |title=Portland's Streetcars |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=piI9fw4I5i8C&pg=PT9 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |date=2006 |isbn=978-1-4396-3109-6 |pages=9–17 |access-date=March 11, 2019 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131050204/https://books.google.com/books?id=piI9fw4I5i8C&pg=PT9 |url-status=live }}</ref> and interurbans by 1908.<ref name="thompson-interurban">{{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Richard M. |title=Portland's Interurban Railway |year=2012 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=978-0-7385-9617-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UzNzsC23VvgC&q=%22last%20two%22%20interurban%20Bellrose&pg=PA61 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005210816/https://books.google.com/books?id=UzNzsC23VvgC&q=%22last%20two%22%20interurban%20Bellrose&pg=PA61 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|93}} In 1912, as Portland's population exceeded 250,000, transit ridership stood at 70&nbsp;million passengers annually.<ref name="Selinger"/>{{rp|8}} Passenger rail services had started to decline by the 1920s with the rise of the automobile and [[suburb]]an and [[controlled-access highway|freeway]] development.<ref name="Selinger"/>{{rp|9}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Killen |first=John |title=Past Tense Oregon: New MAX line recalls of Portland's first - and last - interurban route |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=June 22, 2015 |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/history/2015/06/past_tense_oregon_new_max_line.html |access-date=May 22, 2023 |archive-date=May 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522170557/https://www.oregonlive.com/history/2015/06/past_tense_oregon_new_max_line.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Portland's original streetcar lines had ceased operating by 1950,<ref name="thompson2010"/>{{rp|33}} replaced by [[bus]]es until 2001,<ref>{{cite news |last=Turnquist |first=Kristi |title=Traveling through the history of Portland's streetcars |newspaper=[[The Oregonian]] |date=February 24, 2011 |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2011/02/traveling_through_the_history.html |access-date=March 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326145051/https://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2011/02/traveling_through_the_history.html |archive-date=March 26, 2019}}</ref> when the modern [[Portland Streetcar]] opened in [[Downtown Portland, Oregon|downtown Portland]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Portland streetcars--something old, something new |newspaper=[[Portland Business Journal]] |date=July 19, 2001 |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2001/07/16/daily30.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014011545/http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2001/07/16/daily30.html |access-date=July 1, 2019 |archive-date=October 14, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Maves | first1=Norm Jr. |last2=Stewart |first2=Bill |title=Trolley's late scribe was 'delighted' at new line |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=July 20, 2001 |page=32}}</ref> The region's last two interurban lines, which traveled to Oregon City and Bellrose (Southeast 136th Avenue), permanently closed in 1958.<ref name="thompson-interurban"/>{{rp|61, 93}}<ref>{{cite news |last=David |first=Ken |title=Company Surprises Customers: Firm Abandons Passenger Run after Sundown |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=January 26, 1958 |page=1}}</ref>

===Early beginnings===
{{Main|MAX Blue Line}}
[[File:Portland Bombardier LRV turning at 11th & Morrison (1987).jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|An original [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]] light rail train entering the [[Library/Southwest 9th Avenue and Galleria/Southwest 10th Avenue stations#11th Avenue loop tracks|11th Avenue turnaround loop]] in downtown Portland in 1987]]

At the height of local [[Highway revolts in the United States|freeway revolts]] in the 1970s, studies for public transit began using funds made available by the [[Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973]].<ref name="Selinger"/>{{rp|20}} These funds had been intended for the [[Mount Hood Freeway]] and [[Interstate 505 (Oregon)|Interstate 505]] (I-505) projects,<ref name="Selinger"/>{{rp|30}} which were abandoned amid strong opposition from the Portland city government and neighborhood associations.<ref name="Hell">{{cite web |url=http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-4212-highway-to-hell.html |title=Highway to Hell |last=Young |first=Bob |date=March 8, 2005 |newspaper=[[Willamette Week]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917044251/https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-4212-highway-to-hell.html |archive-date=September 17, 2018 |access-date=July 26, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Effort to Stop">{{cite news |last=Paglin |first=Morton |title=Effort to stop freeway remembered |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=June 28, 2004 |page=B6}}</ref> In 1973, Governor [[Tom McCall]] assembled a task force that helped determine several alternative options, including a [[Bus rapid transit|busway]] and light rail.<ref>{{cite report |date=1975 |title=West Portland Park-and-ride, Pacific Hwy, I-5, Multnomah County: Environmental Impact Statement |publisher=Federal Highway Administration |page=11 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7qo1AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA11 |access-date=July 26, 2018 |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731220542/https://books.google.com/books?id=7qo1AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA11 |url-status=live }}</ref> Local jurisdictions originally favored the busway alternative but support for light rail prevailed following the mode's inclusion in a 1977 [[environmental impact statement]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Meetings on transit ideas slated |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=May 4, 1975 |page=C2}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Tri-Met board backs Banfield rail option |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=February 8, 1977 |page=1}}</ref> The proposal became known as the Banfield light rail project, named for the [[Banfield Freeway]], a segment of [[Interstate 84 in Oregon|I-84]] that part of the alignment followed. TriMet approved the project in September 1978.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hortsch |first=Dan |date=September 27, 1978 |title=Tri-Met board votes to back Banfield light-rail project |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=F1}}</ref> Construction of the {{convert|15.3|mi|km|adj=on|abbr=out}}, 27-station line between [[Library/Southwest 9th Avenue and Galleria/Southwest 10th Avenue stations|11th Avenue]] in downtown Portland and [[Cleveland Avenue station|Cleveland Avenue]] in Gresham began in March 1982.<ref>{{cite news |last=Federman |first=Stan |date=March 27, 1982 |title=At ground-breaking: Festivities herald transitway |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=A12}}</ref> Inaugural service commenced on September 5, 1986.<ref>{{cite news |last=Koberstein |first=Paul |date=September 7, 1986 |title=Riders swamp light rail as buses go half-full and schedules go by the way |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=A1}}</ref> Less than two months before opening, TriMet adopted the name "Metropolitan Area Express", or "MAX", following an employee contest.<ref>{{cite news |last=Austin |first=David |date=July 26, 1986 |title=MAX winning moniker for $214 million light-rail line |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=C2}}</ref><ref name="selinger-2019"/>{{rp|46}}

As the planning of a light rail line to the west side gained momentum in the mid-1980s, the original MAX line came to be referred to as the Eastside MAX to distinguish it from what would become the Westside MAX extension.<ref name="max-blue-line-eastside-factsheet-2016">{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/publications/pdf/factsheets/max-blueline-eastside.pdf |title=Banfield Light Rail Eastside MAX Blue Line |publisher=TriMet |date=July 2016 |access-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-date=May 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509045244/http://trimet.org/publications/pdf/factsheets/max-blueline-eastside.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Early proposals called for the extension to terminate just west of the [[Beaverton, Oregon|Beaverton]]–[[Hillsboro, Oregon|Hillsboro]] boundary on [[Willow Creek/Southwest 185th Avenue Transit Center|185th Avenue]] in [[Washington County, Oregon|Washington County]].<ref name="Washington County EIS">{{cite report |date=1994 |title=Hillsboro Extension of the Westside Corridor Project, Washington County: Environmental Impact Statement |publisher=[[Federal Transit Administration]] |page=P1–P5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ih03AQAAMAAJ |access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref> A dispute between TriMet and the [[Urban Mass Transportation Administration]] over a financing plan suspended the project for several years but planning resumed in 1988 and studies were completed in 1991.<ref name="Washington County EIS"/><ref name="Tri-Met heats up">{{cite news |last=Federman |first=Stan |title=Tri-Met heats up study for westside light rail |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=November 7, 1987 |page=E14}}</ref> Staunch lobbying by local and state officials led by Hillsboro Mayor [[Shirley Huffman]] forced an extension of the line further west to downtown Hillsboro in 1993.<ref name="Fiery">{{cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Don |title=Shirley Huffman, fiery lobbyist, earns praise; Hard work and a sharp phone call put light-rail trains into downtown Hillsboro |work=The Oregonian |date=February 23, 2000 |page=E2}}</ref> Construction of the 20-station, {{convert|18|mi|km|0|adj=on|abbr=out}} line began that August with the excavation of the [[Robertson Tunnel]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Groundbreaking ceremonies set to launch project |newspaper=The Sunday Oregonian |date=August 8, 1993 |at="Westside Light Rail: Making Tracks" (special section), p. R1}}</ref> The Westside MAX opened in two stages following delays in tunneling: the section from 11th Avenue to [[Kings Hill/Southwest Salmon Street station|Kings Hill/Southwest Salmon Street]] was opened in 1997 and the section to [[Hatfield Government Center station|Hatfield Government Center]]—the segment's current western terminus—was opened in 1998.<ref name="New MAX cars">{{cite news |last=O'Keefe |first=Mark |title=New MAX cars smooth the way for wheelchairs |work=The Oregonian |date=September 1, 1997 |page=B12}}</ref> The resulting {{convert|33|mi|km|0|adj=on}} MAX line began operating as a single, through service on September 12, 1998.<ref name="end">{{cite news |last1=Oliver |first1=Gordon |last2=Hamilton |first2=Don |title=Go west young MAX |work=The Oregonian |date=September 9, 1998 |page=C1}}</ref> This service was renamed the [[MAX Blue Line|Blue Line]] in 2001 after TriMet adopted color designations for its light rail routes.<ref name="taut-dec2000">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Systems News [regular news section] |magazine=[[Tramways & Urban Transit]] |publisher=[[Ian Allan Publishing]] |date=December 2000 |page=471 |location=UK |issn=1460-8324 |quote=With the light rail system due to expand to two services in September 2001, and three in 2004 (with all three using the same routing and stops in the city centre), Tri-Met has decided to assign route colours as follows ...}}</ref>

===South/North plan===

At the same time TriMet was planning the Westside MAX in the mid-1980s, [[Metro (Oregon regional government)|Metro]] regional government announced new light rail proposals for [[Clackamas County, Oregon|Clackamas County]]. Its planning committee—the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT)—proposed two separate routes that would have run between downtown Portland and [[Oregon City, Oregon|Oregon City]] via [[Milwaukie, Oregon|Milwaukie]] and between [[Portland International Airport]] and [[Clackamas Town Center]] via [[Interstate 205 (Oregon–Washington)|I-205]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Where's east side light rail going next? |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=April 3, 1986 |page=2}}</ref> Further planning led JPACT to favor the I-205 corridor due to an existing [[Right-of-way (property access)|right-of-way]] along the [[I-205 Transitway]], an unfinished mass transit component of the freeway that had been built to accommodate a busway.<ref>{{cite news |last=Briggs |first=Kara |title=Metro considers transit options along I-205 |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=July 24, 2002 |page=D2}}</ref><ref name="after-35-years">{{cite news |last=Redden |first=Jim |title=After 35 years of waiting, TriMet's Green Line hits all the parties: Thousands ride new I-205 line that was born of a '70s freeway rebellion |newspaper=Portland Tribune |date=September 10, 2009 |url=http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=125252833417516900 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608052643/http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=125252833417516900 |archive-date=June 8, 2011 |access-date=May 13, 2014}}</ref> TriMet, however, prioritized the Westside MAX during its bid for federal matching funds and the I-205 plans were put on hold.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kohler |first=Vince |title=Joint efforts of business, government could spur rail line; both groups need to finance, back line along I-205, panel says |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=May 23, 1988 |page=B5}}</ref> In 1989, studies for both I-205 and Milwaukie proposals received funding from the U.S. [[Senate Committee on Appropriations]] under the condition that they included potential route extensions to [[Clark County, Washington]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kohler |first1=Vince |last2=Stewart |first2=Bill |title=Light-rail proposals gain ground in Congress; senate panel approves transportation funding bill, aiding plans for new Oregon City, Vancouver lines |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 10, 1989 |page=C2}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=County light-rail project gains momentum |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=January 12, 1993 |page=B2}}</ref> Metro completed the studies in 1993, ultimately abandoning I-205 in favor of a route along the [[Interstate 5 (Oregon)|I-5]] and [[Willamette River]] corridors.<ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Citizens advisory committee endorses pair of light-rail routes |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=March 11, 1993 |page=B3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Decisions to be made soon on north–south light rail |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=March 7, 1993 |page=C4}}</ref> It finalized a single {{convert|25|mi|km|adj=on|abbr=out}} line from [[Hazel Dell, Washington]] south to Clackamas Town Center via Milwaukie,<ref>{{cite news |last=Leeson |first=Fred |title=Planners narrowing options for north–south light-rail line |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=February 13, 1994 |page=C5}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Dennis |title=Light-rail service? On to Oregon City! |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 15, 1994 |page=D2}}</ref> which Metro and TriMet formally named the South–North Line.<ref name="Selinger"/>{{rp|80}} Metro said it adopted the name "South/North" instead of the more conventional "North/South" word order, at the request of representatives in the southern part of the corridor after the southern leg, which had long been planned to be the next-priority MAX corridor after the Westside line, was merged with the northern leg as a single proposed project.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Ask the O (Q & A): Q:Why is the next phase of light rail being called 'South–North' instead of 'North–South', a more familiar use of the words? |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=December 1, 1994 }}</ref>

In November 1994, 63% of Portland area voters passed a $475{{nbsp}}million [[ballot measure]] to fund Oregon's portion of the project.<ref name="Selinger"/>{{rp|80}} The following February, however, Clark County residents defeated a tax measure that would have funded Washington's share.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Clark County turns down north–south light rail |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=February 8, 1995 |page=A1}}</ref> To move the project forward, TriMet downsized the plan and abandoned the line's Clark County and North Portland segments up to the [[Rose Quarter]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Oliver |first1=Gordon |last2=Stewart |first2=Bill |title=MAX may skip Clark County, N. Portland |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=March 1, 1995 |page=B1}}</ref> That July, the [[Oregon House of Representatives]] approved a $750{{nbsp}}million transportation package, which included $375&nbsp;million for the scaled-back line.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Ashbel S. |last2=Mapes |first2=Jeff |title=Legislature is finally working on the railroad |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=August 4, 1995 |page=A1}}</ref> The funding was annulled by the [[Oregon Supreme Court]] due to the inclusion of unrelated measures that violated the state's constitution.<ref name="light-rail-history">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Some light-rail history |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=October 7, 1996 |page=A8}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Spicer |first=Osker |title=Light-rail would be good for areas |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=January 31, 1996 |page=C2}}</ref> The legislature met again in February 1996 and passed a revised $375{{nbsp}}million package,<ref name="light-rail-history"/> but light rail opponents forced a statewide vote and defeated it the following November.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Oliver |first1=Gordon |last2=Hunsberger |first2=Brent |title=Tri-Met still wants that rail line to Clackamas County |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=November 7, 1996 |page=D1}}</ref> A third proposal between Lombard Street in North Portland and Clackamas Town Center followed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=South–north light-rail issue keeps on going |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=February 12, 1997 |page=A1}}</ref> This time, Metro and TriMet pursued the project without seeking contributions from either Clark County or the state, instead sourcing funds from Clackamas County and Portland. In 1998, TriMet placed a new ballot measure to reaffirm voter support for the $475{{nbsp}}million originally approved in 1994.<ref name="Selinger"/>{{rp|80}} The measure failed by 52% in November of that year, effectively canceling the proposed line.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Oliver |first1=Gordon |title=South–north line backers find themselves at a loss after election day defeat |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=November 7, 1998 |page=B1}}</ref>

===Airport and Interstate lines===
{{Main|MAX Red Line|MAX Yellow Line}}
[[File:SW 4th Avenue MAX station.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|A train stopped at Mall/Southwest 4th Avenue station in 2009, when it was served by the Blue, Red, and Yellow lines]]

Compelled by the rapid expansion of Portland International Airport in the 1990s, the [[Port of Portland (Oregon)|Port of Portland]] began exploring ways to alleviate worsening traffic congestion,<ref name="Airport struggles">{{cite news |last=Marks |first=Anita |title=Airport struggles with runaway growth |newspaper=Portland Business Journal |date=February 25, 1994 |page=1}}</ref> including the possibility of introducing MAX service,<ref name="Port wants MAX">{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Port wants MAX to run to airport |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=January 22, 1997 |page=A1}}</ref> which regional planners had not anticipated for at least another 20 years.<ref name="max-red-line-factsheet-2016">{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/publications/pdf/factsheets/max-redline.pdf |title=Airport MAX Red Line |publisher=TriMet |date=July 2016 |access-date=August 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035659/https://trimet.org/publications/pdf/factsheets/max-redline.pdf |archive-date=August 28, 2018}}</ref> In 1997, engineering firm [[Bechtel]] accelerated plans by submitting an [[unsolicited proposal]] to design and build an [[airport rail link]] in exchange for {{convert|120|acre|ha}} of Port property.<ref name="Port wants MAX"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Rose |first=Michael |title=PDX light rail may lead to south-north line |newspaper=Portland Business Journal |date=December 19, 1997 |page=1}}</ref> A [[public–private partnership]] between the company and local governments was negotiated and construction of the Airport MAX began in June 1999.<ref name="Selinger"/>{{rp|82}}<ref name="Take Shape">{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Light-rail line to PDX starting to take shape |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=June 17, 1999 |page=B1}}</ref> With no federal assistance requested and right-of-way already secured,<ref name="Selinger"/>{{rp|82}} it was completed in just under two years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Light rail to airport gets closer to reality |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 10, 1998 |page=B1}}</ref> The four-station, {{convert|5.5|mi|km|1|adj=on|abbr=out}} line between [[Gateway/Northeast 99th Avenue Transit Center]] and [[Portland International Airport station]] opened on September 10, 2001.<ref name="oreg-2001-city-that-moves">{{cite news|last1=Oliver|first1=Gordon|title=Portland now 'the city that moves', mayor says [opening of MAX Red Line]|newspaper=The Oregonian|date=September 11, 2001|page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Unknowns cloud PDX's future |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 21, 2001 |page=D1}}</ref> Celebrations scheduled for that weekend were canceled in the aftermath of the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=History cancels PDX party |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 15, 2001 |page=D8}}</ref> [[MAX Red Line|Red Line]] service originally ran between the airport and downtown, turning around at the loop tracks on 11th Avenue.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Airport MAX rolls out Monday |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 7, 2001 |page=B1}}</ref> On September 1, 2003, it was extended west along existing tracks to [[Beaverton Transit Center]] to relieve overcrowding on the Blue Line and to create a one-seat airport connection for the west side.<ref name="direct service Beaverton">{{cite news |last=Leeson |first=Fred |date=August 27, 2003 |title=MAX fares increase, direct service from Beaverton to PDX starts |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=D2}}</ref>

In 1999, Portland business leaders and residents who were opposed to the cancellation of the South–North Line urged TriMet to revive the project.<ref name="oreg-1999mar16">{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=New light-rail plan rises from the ashes |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=March 16, 1999 |page=1}}</ref><ref name="oreg-1999mar25">{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Tri-Met involvement urged in north light-rail line |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=March 25, 1999 |page=B3}}</ref> TriMet responded with a new proposal that would expand MAX solely to North Portland via North Interstate Avenue.<ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Tri-Met adds detail to proposal to build light rail in the north |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=May 3, 1999 |page=C2}}</ref> The agency moved forward with this plan and the Interstate MAX broke ground in February 2001.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Interstate MAX work will begin with Monday ceremony |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=February 16, 2001 |page=D3}}</ref> To minimize costs to taxpayers, the city created an [[urban renewal|urban renewal district]] and federal matching funds were allocated from the Airport MAX and [[NS Line|Portland Streetcar]] projects, since these projects were locally funded.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Interstate MAX on track but not final |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=August 26, 1999 |page=D2}}</ref><ref name="clinton-money">{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=NW prominent in Clinton money plan. MAX: The North Portland Interstate |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=February 5, 2000 |page=A1}}</ref> The 10-station, {{convert|5.8|mi|km|1|adj=on}} extension from the Rose Quarter to the [[Expo Center station|Expo Center]] opened on May 1, 2004, with its new service designated the [[MAX Yellow Line|Yellow Line]].<ref name="open-for-business">{{cite news |last=Leeson |first=Fred |title=The Yellow Line: Open for business |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=April 25, 2004 |page=B5}}</ref> From 2004 to 2009, the Yellow Line ran from [[Expo Center station]] in North Portland to 11th Avenue in downtown Portland, following the Blue and Red lines' downtown alignment from the [[Steel Bridge]]. On August 30, 2009, it was rerouted to terminate at the [[PSU Urban Center stations]] with the addition of light rail to the [[Portland Transit Mall]].<ref name="tribune2009-0828">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=New MAX line opens downtown |newspaper=Portland Tribune |date=August 28, 2009 |url=http://pamplinmedia.com/component/content/article?id=54413 |access-date=May 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103091415/http://pamplinmedia.com/component/content/article?id=54413 |archive-date=January 3, 2015}}</ref> In September 2012, this was extended further south to the [[PSU South stations]], which had not been built due to the construction of nearby [[transit-oriented development]].<ref name="lastpiece">{{cite news |last=Redden |first=Jim |title=Line's last piece stirs money questions |newspaper=Portland Tribune |date=September 24, 2009 |url=http://thetribonline.net/news/story.php?story_id=125373697936164200 |access-date=September 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222054826/http://thetribonline.net/news/story.php?story_id=125373697936164200 |archive-date=February 22, 2013 |url-status=usurped }}</ref><ref name="oreg-2012aug31">{{cite news|last=Bailey|first=Everton Jr.|title=TriMet boosts most fares starting Saturday; some routes changing|newspaper=The Oregonian|date=August 30, 2012 <!--print edition date Aug. 31, 2012, page 1-->|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/roadreport/index.ssf/2012/08/trimet_boosts_most_fares_start.html|access-date=September 2, 2012|archive-date=September 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902193556/http://www.oregonlive.com/roadreport/index.ssf/2012/08/trimet_boosts_most_fares_start.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Yellow Line became [[Through train|interlined]] with the [[MAX Orange Line|Orange Line]] in 2015; it now only operates the northbound segment of the transit mall.<ref name="you-asked-orange-downtown">{{cite web |url=http://howweroll.trimet.org/2015/06/19/you-asked-how-will-max-orange-line-work-in-downtown-portland/ |last=Lum |first=Brian |title=You asked: How will the Orange Line work in downtown Portland? |publisher=TriMet |date=June 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026140806/http://howweroll.trimet.org/2015/06/19/you-asked-how-will-max-orange-line-work-in-downtown-portland/ |archive-date=October 26, 2015 |url-status=unfit}}</ref>

===South Corridor extensions===
{{Main|MAX Green Line|MAX Orange Line}}
[[File:MAX Orange Line Opening Day (21259084049).jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Crowds at [[South Waterfront/Southwest Moody station]] and Tilikum Crossing during the Orange Line's opening in 2015]]

In 2001, Metro revisited its former light rail plans for Clackamas County and reconsidered proposals similar to those of the canceled South/North project, with two routes extending to Clackamas and Milwaukie.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rose |first=Joseph |title=New MAX plan tries the double-team approach |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=May 8, 2001 |page=D1 |author-link=Joseph Rose (journalist)}}</ref> This resulted in a new study, which Metro referred to as the South Corridor transportation project,<ref>{{cite news |last=Rose |first=Joseph |title=Metro planners will study two south light-rail lines |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=June 6, 2001 |page=E3}}</ref> that evaluated light rail among other alternatives.<ref name="new-max-plans-arrive">{{cite news |last=Oppenheimer |first=Laura |title=New MAX plans arrive for input; a revived bid to expand light rail to Milwaukie, one of five transit proposals, may fare better now that former critics are on board |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=January 27, 2003 |page=E1}}</ref> The study's task force recommend both light rail options in 2003 and suggested splitting the project into two phases.<ref>{{cite news |last=Leeson |first=Fred |title=TriMet board agrees to plan for southeast light-rail lines |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=March 27, 2003 |page=C2}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Oppenheimer |first=Laura |title=Metro gives final OK to MAX lines |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=April 18, 2003 |page=D6}}</ref> The first phase planned for the addition of light rail to I-205, between Gateway Transit Center and Clackamas Town Center. In October of that year, the first phase plans were amended to include adding light rail to the Portland Transit Mall following a petition from Portland business leaders.<ref name="likely-addition">{{cite news |last=Leeson |first=Fred |title=Light-rail line likely addition to transit mall |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=April 15, 2003 |page=B1}}</ref> The combined project was approved for federal funding in 2006 and work began in January 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mayer |first=James |title=Metro rail projects hit funding fast track |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=February 8, 2006 |page=A1}}</ref><ref name="bushs-2008-budget">{{cite news |last=Mayer |first=James |title=Light rail in Bush's 2008 budget |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=February 8, 2007 |page=C5}}</ref> Light rail commenced service along the 14-station, {{convert|1.8|mi|km|1|adj=on|abbr=out}} Portland Transit Mall on August 30, 2009, first served by the Yellow Line.<ref name="tribune2009-0828"/> The opening of the eight-station, {{convert|6.5|mi|km|1|adj=on|abbr=out}} I-205 MAX and [[MAX Green Line|Green Line]] service followed on September 12.<ref name="green-festivities">{{cite news |last=Rivera |first=Dylan |title=Thousands on MAX go Green Festivities and free rides draw takers for the new downtown–Clackamas Town Center line |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 13, 2009}}</ref>

The South Corridor project's second phase initially proposed the extension of MAX between downtown Portland and Milwaukie via the [[Hawthorne Bridge]].<ref>{{cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Dennis |title=Milwaukie group poses surprise light-rail option |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=December 20, 2001 |page=C3}}</ref> Studies showed that this alignment would cause severe traffic bottlenecks in downtown.<ref name="likely-addition"/> As a result, Portland businesses pushed for the construction of a new bridge further upstream that led to the southern end of the Portland Transit Mall.<ref name="new-max-plans-arrive"/> The locally preferred alignment was finalized in mid-2008; a new bridge would carry light rail across the Willamette River from the [[South Waterfront]] to just south of the [[Oregon Museum of Science and Industry]] (OMSI).<ref name=oreg-2008may2>{{cite news |last=Mortenson |first=Eric |date=May 2, 2008 |title=Panel realigns route of new light-rail span |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=D1}}</ref> TriMet designed this bridge, which was eventually inaugurated as [[Tilikum Crossing]], to be "car-free" and to accommodate only transit vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.<ref name=Libby2015>{{Cite journal |last=Libby |first=Brian |date=October 2015 |title=Bridge to the Future (The Bridge that Bans Cars) |journal=[[The Atlantic]] |volume=316 |issue=3 |pages=42–43 |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/10/the-bridge-that-bans-cars/403234/ |access-date=September 27, 2015 |archive-date=April 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429180250/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/10/the-bridge-that-bans-cars/403234/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Construction of the line began in June 2011.<ref name="piece by piece">{{cite news |last=Rose |first=Joseph |author-link=Joseph Rose (journalist) |title=Construction begins on new light-rail bridge in Portland that will go up 'piece by piece' |date=June 29, 2011 |newspaper=The Oregonian |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/06/construction_begins_thursday_o.html |access-date=July 27, 2013 |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105083403/https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2011/06/construction_begins_thursday_o.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2012, opponents passed a ballot initiative—with 60% of the vote—requiring all Clackamas County spending on light rail to be approved by voters.<ref>{{cite news |last=Theriault |first=Denis C. |title=Checkpoint Clackamas! Keeping Portland Out—to Let More Republicans In? |url=http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/checkpoint-clackamas/Content?oid=6165483 |newspaper=[[The Portland Mercury]] |access-date=February 22, 2016 |date=May 31, 2012 |archive-date=January 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103011344/http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/checkpoint-clackamas/Content?oid=6165483 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Zheng |first=Yuxing |title=Clackamas County anti-rail measure passes comfortably; effect could resonate for decades |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2012/09/clackamas_county_anti-rail_mea.html |newspaper=The Oregonian |access-date=February 22, 2016 |date=September 18, 2012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083522/http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2012/09/clackamas_county_anti-rail_mea.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the county's attempt to end its involvement and a suit filed by TriMet, a [[circuit court]] upheld the project's continuation.<ref name="selinger-2019">{{cite web |title=Making History: 50 Years of Transit in the Portland Region |last=Selinger |first=Philip |date=October 2019 |publisher=TriMet |url=https://trimet.org/history/pdf/making-history.pdf |access-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225160919/https://trimet.org/history/pdf/making-history.pdf |archive-date=February 25, 2020}}</ref>{{rp|95–96}} The 17-station, {{convert|7.3|mi|km|1|adj=on|abbr=out}} Portland–Milwaukie segment and Orange Line service opened on September 12, 2015.<ref name="wait's over">{{cite news |last=Njus |first=Elliot |date=September 12, 2015<!--(print edition September 13, p. A12)--> |title=The wait's over: TriMet's Orange Line, Tilikum Crossing up and running |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/index.ssf/2015/09/orange_line_tilikum_crossing_o_1.html |newspaper=The Oregonian |access-date=September 18, 2015 |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801190516/https://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/index.ssf/2015/09/orange_line_tilikum_crossing_o_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Orange Line, operating along the Portland Transit Mall's southbound segment, became the third service to serve this corridor.<ref name="you-asked-orange-downtown"/>

===Red Line track improvements and extension to Hillsboro===
[[File:Red Line track and I-205 bike path, February 2018.jpg|thumb|left|alt=refer to caption|A single-track segment of the Airport MAX along I-205 in 2018. Since January 2024, this formerly [[single-track railway|bidirectional section of track]] is used solely by outbound trains.]]

In October 2017,<ref name="trimet-considering-expansion">{{cite news |last=Howard |first=John William |title=TriMet considering expansion of MAX Red Line to county fairgrounds |newspaper=[[Hillsboro Tribune]] |date=October 25, 2017 |url=https://pamplinmedia.com/ht/117-hillsboro-tribune-news/376594-262316-trimet-considering-expansion-of-max-red-line-to-county-fairgrounds |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010164324/https://pamplinmedia.com/ht/117-hillsboro-tribune-news/376594-262316-trimet-considering-expansion-of-max-red-line-to-county-fairgrounds |archive-date=October 10, 2018 |access-date=August 22, 2018}}</ref> TriMet, citing system-wide delays caused by two [[single-track railway|single-track]] segments along the Airport MAX, announced the MAX Red Line Improvements Project,<ref name="red-line-imp-fs-mar20">{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/redlineimprovements/pdf/fact-sheet-english.pdf |title=MAX Red Line Improvements Project |publisher=TriMet |access-date=Mar 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302143604/https://trimet.org/redlineimprovements/pdf/fact-sheet-english.pdf |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> later renamed "A Better Red".<ref name="better-red-factsheet-sep2021">{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/betterred/pdf/fact-sheet-english.pdf |title=A Better Red |publisher=TriMet |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928180252/https://trimet.org/betterred/pdf/fact-sheet-english.pdf |archive-date=September 28, 2021}}</ref> ''A Better Red'' sought double-tracking a {{convert|2800|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} section of track north of Gateway Transit Center and another {{convert|3800|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} section alongside Northeast Airport Way just before the airport terminal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/betterred/pdf/better-red-JPACT-1-18-18.pdf |title=MAX Red Line Extension and Reliability Improvements Project, Project Briefing to JPACT |date=January 18, 2017 |publisher=TriMet |access-date=June 11, 2024 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023205033/http://trimet.org/betterred/pdf/better-red-JPACT-1-18-18.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> To qualify the project for federal funding, TriMet included extending Red Line service farther west to [[Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds station|Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport station]] in Hillsboro;<ref name="trimet-considering-expansion"/> this extension would use existing Westside MAX tracks and create a one-seat option from 10 additional stations to Portland International Airport. Additionally, TriMet had announced it would procure up to eight new light rail vehicles to accommodate the improvements,<ref name="red-line-imp-fs-mar20"/> but later purchased 30 new trains overall; four were part of ''A Better Red'', while the remaining 26 were replacements for the original MAX fleet, which are gradually being retired.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/max6/ |title=Meet the New MAX |publisher=TriMet |access-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-date=June 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606163816/https://trimet.org/max6/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Preliminary design work began in February 2018.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |url=https://www.parametrix.com/who-we-are/news/2018/02/12/02.12.18-parametrix-to-complete-preliminary-design-for-max-red-line-extension |title=Parametrix to complete preliminary design for MAX Red Line extension |publisher=Parametrix |date=February 18, 2018 |access-date=September 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913142552/https://www.parametrix.com/who-we-are/news/2018/02/12/02.12.18-parametrix-to-complete-preliminary-design-for-max-red-line-extension |archive-date=September 13, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> TriMet adopted a locally preferred alternative in April 2019,<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=TriMet moves forward with plan to extend MAX Red Line into Hillsboro |publisher=[[KPTV]] |date=April 24, 2019 |url=https://www.kptv.com/news/trimet-moves-forward-with-plan-to-extend-max-red-line/article_31d325ec-66dd-11e9-b120-9fe435c6ad2d.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425062828/https://www.kptv.com/news/trimet-moves-forward-with-plan-to-extend-max-red-line/article_31d325ec-66dd-11e9-b120-9fe435c6ad2d.html |archive-date=April 25, 2019}}</ref> and the FTA announced $99.99&nbsp;million for the project through the Capital Investment Grants program in May 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last=Corselli |first=Andrew |title=FTA Announces $891MM in Funding |magazine=[[Railway Age]] |date=May 29, 2020 |url=https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/fta-announces-891mm-in-funding/ |access-date=May 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529190443/https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/fta-announces-891mm-in-funding/ |archive-date=May 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2020/05/29/trimet-gets-100m-from-feds-for-red-line-extension.html |last=Danko |first=Pete |title=TriMet gets $100M from feds for MAX Red Line project |newspaper=Portland Business Journal |date=May 29, 2020 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529190834/https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2020/05/29/trimet-gets-100m-from-feds-for-red-line-extension.html |archive-date=May 29, 2020}}</ref> Final design was completed by engineering firm [[Parametrix (company)|Parametrix]] in early 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Corselli |first=Andrew |title=TriMet Selects Parametrix to Finish 'A Better Red' |magazine=Railway Age |date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=February 13, 2020 |url=https://railwayage.com/passenger/light-rail/trimet-selects-parametrix-to-finish-a-better-red/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310160256/https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/light-rail/trimet-selects-parametrix-to-finish-a-better-red/ |archive-date=March 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/betterred/design.htm |title=Design – A Better Red |publisher=TriMet |access-date=May 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526213644/https://trimet.org/betterred/design.htm |archive-date=May 26, 2021}}</ref> The design includes two new bridges north of Gateway Transit Center to accommodate the second track and a new MAX platform called "[[Gateway North station|Gateway North]]".<ref name="better-red-factsheet-sep2021"/> TriMet broke ground on September 28, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Altstadt |first=Roberta |title=(VIDEO) FTA, TriMet and partners officially break ground on 'A Better Red' MAX extension and improvement project |date=September 29, 2021 |publisher=TriMet |url=https://news.trimet.org/2021/09/fta-trimet-and-partners-officially-break-ground-on-a-better-red-max-extension-and-improvement-project/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607214007/https://news.trimet.org/2021/09/fta-trimet-and-partners-officially-break-ground-on-a-better-red-max-extension-and-improvement-project/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

From April 2–9, 2022,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/alerts/redline/index.htm |title=A Better Red MAX disruption April 2–9 |publisher=TriMet |access-date=April 4, 2022 |archive-date=April 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405000813/http://trimet.org/alerts/redline/index.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=TriMet |user=trimet |number=1513172850596724743 |title=MAX Red Line has resumed normal service. Thank you for your patience while we completed this necessary work for the Better Red project. Here are some photos from our work over the past week. |access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref> Red Line service was suspended to make way for construction, and [[shuttle bus]]es operated between Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport.<ref>{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Sam |title=MAX Red Line service halted during weeklong construction |publisher=[[KOIN]] |date=April 1, 2022 |url=https://www.koin.com/news/traffic/max-red-line-service-to-halt-during-weeklong-construction/ |access-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403003408/https://www.koin.com/news/traffic/max-red-line-service-to-halt-during-weeklong-construction/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Villanueva |first=Mia |title=Temporary MAX Red Line closure starts Saturday |publisher=KPTV |date=April 1, 2022 |url=https://www.kptv.com/2022/04/01/temporary-max-red-line-closure-starts-saturday/ |access-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401203923/https://www.kptv.com/2022/04/01/temporary-max-red-line-closure-starts-saturday/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The project was completed in March 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last=Luczak |first=Marybeth |title=TriMet's 'A Better Red' Receiving $99.1MM CIG Grant |magazine=Railway Age |date=September 27, 2021 |url=https://www.railwayage.com/regulatory/trimets-a-better-red-receiving-99-1mm-cig-grant/ |access-date=December 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929213423/https://www.railwayage.com/regulatory/trimets-a-better-red-receiving-99-1mm-cig-grant/ |archive-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--no by line; staff writer(s)--> |title=FTA, TriMet and partners officially break ground on 'A Better Red' MAX extension and improvement project |magazine=Mass Transit |date=September 29, 2021 |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/press-release/21240284/trimet-fta-trimet-and-partners-officially-break-ground-on-a-better-red-max-extension-and-improvement-project |access-date=December 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930170321/https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/press-release/21240284/trimet-fta-trimet-and-partners-officially-break-ground-on-a-better-red-max-extension-and-improvement-project |archive-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref>

From June 18 to October 21, 2023, TriMet suspended MAX service between Gateway Transit Center and the airport to allow for construction of the second track between the airport and Mount Hood Avenue.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stein |first=Rosemarie |title=TriMet shuts down MAX Red Line to PDX for more than 4 months beginning Sunday |date=June 14, 2023 |newspaper=The Oregonian |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/2023/06/trimet-shuts-down-max-red-line-to-pdx-for-more-than-4-months-beginning-sunday.html |access-date=June 14, 2023 |archive-date=June 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614170346/https://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/2023/06/trimet-shuts-down-max-red-line-to-pdx-for-more-than-4-months-beginning-sunday.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Graf |first=Tyler |title=TriMet's A Better Red project requires 126-day shutdown of MAX Red Line starting this weekend |date=June 12, 2023 |publisher=TriMet |url=https://news.trimet.org/2023/06/trimets-a-better-red-project-requires-126-day-shutdown-of-max-red-line-starting-this-weekend/ |access-date=June 14, 2023 |archive-date=June 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614164833/https://news.trimet.org/2023/06/trimets-a-better-red-project-requires-126-day-shutdown-of-max-red-line-starting-this-weekend/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

From January 14 to March 3, 2024, TriMet suspended MAX Red, Blue and Green Line service between NE 7th and Gateway Transit Center.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MAX Improvements Project |url=https://trimet.org/alerts/2024/index.htm |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=trimet.org |language=en-US |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225092309/https://trimet.org/alerts/2024/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Inbound Red Line trains from PDX began serving Gateway North on March 4, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLawhorn |first=Jennifer |date=February 16, 2024 |title=TriMet Gateway North MAX Station Opens in March |url=https://www.rtands.com/passenger/trimet-gateway-north-max-station-opens-in-march/ |access-date=25 February 2024 |website=Railway Track & Structures |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225092309/https://www.rtands.com/passenger/trimet-gateway-north-max-station-opens-in-march/ |url-status=live }}</ref> These projects eliminated the last bidirectional single-track sections on the MAX system.<ref name="ptj2024-2">{{Cite news |last=McKinney |first=Kevin |date=May 2024 |title=Rush Hour [transit news section] |volume=48 |pages=68–69 |work=[[Passenger Train Journal]] |publisher=White River Productions, Inc. |issue=2 – Second quarter 2024 |issn=0160-6913}}</ref>

The Red Line extension to Hillsboro began service on August 25, 2024 with a soft launch, with the full launch beginning on August 28. Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport station was also renamed to [[Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds station]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Plante |first1=Amiee |last2=Salk |first2=Ariel |title=Major changes coming to MAX, bus service as TriMet completes Hillsboro Airport expansion |url=https://www.koin.com/news/trimet-max-a-better-red-line-expansion-beaverton-hillsboro-airport/ |access-date=August 28, 2024 |publisher=[[KOIN]] |date=August 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Luisa |title=TriMet's MAX Red Line from PDX airport to Hillsboro officially opens |url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/trimet-max-red-line-extension-pdx-hillsboro/283-2e35985c-a21b-405f-9198-8068178cc446 |access-date=August 28, 2024 |publisher=[[KGW]] |date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>