w:MAX Red Line

In 1975, Multnomah County leaders negotiated reducing the number of car lanes along a future {{convert|9|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} section of the controversial Interstate 205 (I-205) freeway{{cite report |last=Kramer |first=George |title=The Interstate Highway System in Oregon, A Historic Overview |publisher=Oregon Department of Transportation |date=May 2004 |page=60 |oclc=57183445 |url=https://digital.osl.state.or.us/islandora/object/osl%3A10930/datastream/OBJ/view |via=State Library of Oregon Digital Collections |access-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831141223/https://digital.osl.state.or.us/islandora/object/osl%3A10930/datastream/OBJ/view |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |url-status=live }} and proposed a separated transit bus right-of-way instead.{{cite news |author= |title=Council backs I-205 if modified |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=April 24, 1975 |page=B4 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=EANX-NB&docref=image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40EANX-NB-131D522A92E26B2C%402442527-131D4D5BB11E8D52%4017-131D4D5BB11E8D52%40 |access-date=May 22, 2021 |url-access=registration |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915040609/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DEANX-NB%26docref%3Dimage/v2%253A11A73E5827618330%2540EANX-NB-131D522A92E26B2C%25402442527-131D4D5BB11E8D52%254017-131D4D5BB11E8D52%2540 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |author= |title=Agreement on I-205 plans cited |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=July 30, 1975 |page=F4 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=EANX-NB&docref=image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40EANX-NB-132ACF923639F565%402442624-132ACEA5D7614152%4071-132ACEA5D7614152%40 |access-date=May 22, 2021 |url-access=registration |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915040531/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DEANX-NB%26docref%3Dimage/v2%253A11A73E5827618330%2540EANX-NB-132ACF923639F565%25402442624-132ACEA5D7614152%254071-132ACEA5D7614152%2540 |url-status=live }} This segment was realized as the I-205 busway,{{cite news |author= |title=Tri-Met board okays I-205 busway concept |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=February 3, 1976 |page=A8 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=EANX-NB&docref=image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40EANX-NB-131D4FC4C37B79D4%402442812-131B47E4D732C143%407-131B47E4D732C143%40 |access-date=May 22, 2021 |url-access=registration |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915040531/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DEANX-NB%26docref%3Dimage/v2%253A11A73E5827618330%2540EANX-NB-131D4FC4C37B79D4%25402442812-131B47E4D732C143%25407-131B47E4D732C143%2540 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Hortsch |first=Dan |title=I-205 section passes tests for final approval |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=October 7, 1976 |page=E12 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=EANX-NB&docref=image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40EANX-NB-131FEE6295B43210%402443059-131FA1900F91F050%4064-131FA1900F91F050%40 |access-date=May 22, 2021 |url-access=registration |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915040531/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DEANX-NB%26docref%3Dimage/v2%253A11A73E5827618330%2540EANX-NB-131FEE6295B43210%25402443059-131FA1900F91F050%254064-131FA1900F91F050%2540 |url-status=live }} but it was never utilized by buses.{{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}} In 1985, the Portland metropolitan area's regional government, Metro, began a study for the Port of Portland and Clackamas County, who proposed a light rail line using the I-205 busway. They envisioned the line running from Portland International Airport to Clackamas Town Center and connecting with the then-nearly completed Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) line, which traveled perpendicularly between Portland and Gresham.{{cite news |last1=Cochran |first1=Wanda |last2=Kohler |first2=Vince |title=Light-rail study gets approval |date=December 14, 1984 |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=C7 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=EANX-NB&docref=image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40EANX-NB-1328874D54BE5910%402446049-13288559AECC599A%4074-13288559AECC599A%40 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |url-access=registration |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915040534/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DEANX-NB%26docref%3Dimage/v2%253A11A73E5827618330%2540EANX-NB-1328874D54BE5910%25402446049-13288559AECC599A%254074-13288559AECC599A%2540 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Kohler |first=Vince |title=Light-rail line study under way |date=July 11, 1985 |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=D4 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=EANX-NB&docref=image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40EANX-NB-132937A9D340F018%402446258-132929171B5BE0F6%4075-132929171B5BE0F6%40 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |url-access=registration |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915040613/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DEANX-NB%26docref%3Dimage/v2%253A11A73E5827618330%2540EANX-NB-132937A9D340F018%25402446258-132929171B5BE0F6%254075-132929171B5BE0F6%2540 |url-status=live }} Metro had recommended construction by 1995,{{cite news |last=Kohler |first=Vince |title=Panel calls for study of proposed I-205 light-rail link |date=April 23, 1987 |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=D19 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=EANX-NB&docref=image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40EANX-NB-132A904B5AE51DB6%402446909-132A828492D401C6%4054-132A828492D401C6%40 |access-date=April 9, 2022 |url-access=registration |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915041033/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DEANX-NB%26docref%3Dimage/v2%253A11A73E5827618330%2540EANX-NB-132A904B5AE51DB6%25402446909-132A828492D401C6%254054-132A828492D401C6%2540 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Kohler |first=Vince |title=Metro committee seeks funds to build I-205 light-rail link |date=May 17, 1987 |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=E2 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=EANX-NB&docref=image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40EANX-NB-132A91DA08E22949%402446933-132A8CFF34F581E9%40108-132A8CFF34F581E9%40 |access-date=April 9, 2022 |url-access=registration |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915041034/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DEANX-NB%26docref%3Dimage/v2%253A11A73E5827618330%2540EANX-NB-132A91DA08E22949%25402446933-132A8CFF34F581E9%2540108-132A8CFF34F581E9%2540 |url-status=live }} but in 1987, the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT) separately identified the Westside Corridor from downtown Portland to Washington County as the "next priority corridor for major investment".{{cite news |last=Bodine |first=Harry |title=Light-rail expansion backed by officials |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 30, 1987 |page=B12 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=EANX-NB&docref=image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40EANX-NB-13298BD05455A553%402447069-1328D7C5E0D9C800%4034-1328D7C5E0D9C800%40 |access-date=March 22, 2022 |url-access=registration |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915041034/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DEANX-NB%26docref%3Dimage/v2%253A11A73E5827618330%2540EANX-NB-13298BD05455A553%25402447069-1328D7C5E0D9C800%254034-1328D7C5E0D9C800%2540 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Bodine |first=Harry |title=Mass transit, major highway projects given priority |date=October 27, 1987 |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=B4 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=EANX-NB&docref=image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40EANX-NB-132AE72A5E888B78%402447096-132AE05E980C1D73%4028-132AE05E980C1D73%40 |access-date=April 9, 2022 |url-access=registration |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915041034/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DEANX-NB%26docref%3Dimage/v2%253A11A73E5827618330%2540EANX-NB-132AE72A5E888B78%25402447096-132AE05E980C1D73%254028-132AE05E980C1D73%2540 |url-status=live }}{{cite report |author1=United States. Department of Transportation |author2=United States. Urban Mass Transportation Administration |title=Westside Corridor Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement Alternatives Analysis |date=March 1982 |pages=2.1-3, 2.1-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QNc3AQAAMAAJ |access-date=December 14, 2020 |via=Google Books |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915035610/https://books.google.com/books?id=QNc3AQAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}

Metro and the regional transit agency, TriMet, subsequently called on local governments and businesses in Clackamas County to pursue alternative funding sources for the I-205 line,{{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 }} which Clackamas County officials disputed.{{cite news |last=Green |first=Ashbel S. |title=County officials debate light-rail routes |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=October 6, 1988 |page=W1 }} As a compromise, Metro published a transit plan in 1989 that reasserted the Westside Corridor's priority and commissioned preliminary work for the I-205 proposal.{{cite news |last=Bodine |first=Harry |title=Metro OKs $1.5 billion transit plan |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=January 14, 1989 |page=D1 }}{{cite news |last=Mayer |first=James |title=Tri-Met looks to the future: The success of MAX sparks dreams of expanding |date=April 9, 1989 |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=A1 }} Ensuing alternatives analyses eventually caused Metro planners to shift light rail plans away from the I-205 corridor in favor of another north–south route farther west closer to downtown Portland;{{cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Dennis |title=Light-rail service? On to Oregon City! |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 15, 1994 |page=D2}} this route, between Hazel Dell, Washington and Clackamas Town Center, became known as the "South/North Corridor".{{cite web |title=Making History: 50 Years of TriMet and Transit in the Portland Region |last=Selinger |first=Philip |date=2019 |publisher=TriMet |url=https://trimet.org/history/pdf/making-history.pdf |access-date=April 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225160919/https://trimet.org/history/pdf/making-history.pdf |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |url-status=live}}{{rp|80}} Voters rejected local funding proposals for the South/North project in 1995 and 1996. In December 1996, Metro proposed combining the South/North project with a locally and privately funded airport light rail extension, as doing so would allow Metro to ask for more federal matching funds.{{cite news |last1=Oliver |first1=Gordon |last2=Hunsberger |first2=Brent |title=Holding the line on light rail |date=December 9, 1996 |newspaper=The Oregonian }}{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Cost cuts map way to extend light rail |date=January 29, 1997 |newspaper=The Oregonian }} TriMet, however, opted to ask Portland-area voters for funding instead, who declined in a 1998 ballot measure.{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=South–North Line backers find themselves at a loss after election day defeat |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=November 7, 1998 |page=B1 }}

File:Cascade Station shopping center entrance - Portland, Oregon.JPG

In 1991, the Port approved a master plan for Portland International Airport—a 20-year, $300 million phased expansion of the passenger terminal—to serve predicted passenger traffic growth through 2010. The plan included a long-term goal for an extension of light rail to the airport.{{cite news |last=Mayes |first=Steve |title=Portland's airport for the future only needs a $300 million ticket |date=April 11, 1991 |newspaper=The Oregonian |page=A1 }} Improvements to the southern portion of the terminal were announced in 1995 in response to unanticipated growth.{{cite news |last=Barnett |first=Jim |title=Port sees airport expansion |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=January 12, 1995 |page=E1 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/0EB088C51BB356A5 |access-date=December 23, 2024 |url-access=registration}} Designed by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF),{{cite book |last=Dietsch |first=Deborah K. |date=2003 |title=The Evolution of the Portland International Airport |location=New York |publisher=Edizioni Press, Inc. |pages=14–16 |isbn=1-931536-09-0 |lccn=2002101359}} Terminal Expansion South included a light rail station between the airport access road and the south concourse, {{convert|150|ft|m}} from the baggage claim area.{{cite news |last=Lynch |first=Jim |title=Airport lands help from airlines for south concourse expansion |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=March 12, 1998 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/0EB08ACEAA035C07 |access-date=December 23, 2024 |url-access=registration}}{{cite web |url=https://www.metroplanning.org/news/6378/Value-Capture-Case-Studies-Portlands-Cascade-Station-and-Light-Rail-to-PDX |last=Nichols |first=Chrissy Mancini |title=Value Capture Case Studies: Portland's Cascade Station and Light Rail to PDX |date=March 26, 2012 |publisher=Metropolitan Planning Council |access-date=February 10, 2022 |archive-date=February 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210230834/https://www.metroplanning.org/news/6378/Value-Capture-Case-Studies-Portlands-Cascade-Station-and-Light-Rail-to-PDX |url-status=live }}

In 1997, engineering firm Bechtel, wanting to acquire property near the airport, submitted an unsolicited proposal to develop the airport light rail line.{{rp|82}} The Port expressed its support of the proposal,{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Port wants MAX to run to airport |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=January 22, 1997 |page=A1}} and a preliminary engineering study commenced in December.{{cite news |last=Christ |first=Janet |title=Portland to help pay for study of airport rail line |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=January 1, 1998 |page=D2}} After long deliberations, agreements were made between Bechtel, the Port, TriMet, and local governments and agencies in October 1998.{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Tri-Met OKs rail line of 5.5 miles to airport |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 24, 1998 |page=B1}}{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Port of Portland OKs light-rail agreement |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=October 9, 1998 |page=C1}} A part of the agreements authorized Bechtel to design and build a {{convert|5.5|mi|km|1|adj=mid|-long}} light rail extension to the airport in exchange for development rights to the {{convert|120|acre|ha|1|adj=on}}, commercially zoned Portland International Center situated east of the airport. Bechtel later developed this property and renamed it Cascade Station.{{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}} The following month, the Associated Builders and Contractors filed a petition in Multnomah County Circuit Court claiming that the contract awarded to Bechtel may have violated Oregon procurement laws.{{cite news |last=Bjorhus |first=Jennifer |title=Contractors battle Tri-Met on bid laws |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=November 26, 1998 |page=C1}} The court ruled in favor of TriMet with the judge declaring that the contract was awarded fairly.{{cite news |last=Bjorhus |first=Jennifer |title=Court tosses out suit against Tri-Met, Bechtel |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=December 5, 1998 |page=B1}}

File:South portal of MAX Red Line's I-205 tunnel with southbound train (2015).jpg

The Airport MAX project's timeline was accelerated with the formation of a public–private partnership, which excluded Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding and thus eliminated a requirement for FTA approval.{{rp|82}}{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Light rail to airport gets closer to reality |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 10, 1998 |page=B1}} TriMet had estimated the extension would cost $125 million, but additional costs to purchase train sets and build related infrastructure raised the total to $182.7 million.{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Tri-Met puts price tag on airport line |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=July 17, 1998 |page=C1}} U.S. federal regulations and an authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limited the Port to funding only a {{convert|1.2|mi|km|1|adj=on}} stretch within airport property. To ensure funding for the entire project, the Port divided financing into three parts and assumed responsibility for that segment. The next {{convert|1.4|mi|km|1}} of track, which ran through Cascade Station, in turn went to private funding, while the final {{convert|2.9|mi|km|1}} along I-205 was covered by TriMet, Metro, and the City of Portland.{{cite report |last=Ernico |first=Sheri |title=Considering and Evaluating Airport Privatization |volume=66 |issn=1935-9802 |date=2012 |publisher=Transportation Research Board |page=36 |access-date=August 23, 2018 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WIzbwvL4nRIC&pg=PA36 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131045722/https://books.google.com/books?id=WIzbwvL4nRIC&pg=PA36 |url-status=live }}{{cite report |title=Airport Max: A Case Study |url=http://www.transportation-finance.org/pdf/funding_financing/funding/local_funding/Airport_Max_Case_Study.pdf |publisher=BATIC Institute |access-date=August 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035552/http://www.transportation-finance.org/pdf/funding_financing/funding/local_funding/Airport_Max_Case_Study.pdf |archive-date=August 28, 2018}}

The Port contributed $28.3 million for construction and $20 million for terminal and road improvements; these funds were drawn from a $3 ticket fee levied on travelers. Delta Air Lines, Reno Air, and United Airlines had opposed the use of ticket fees, arguing that the extension would serve few airline passengers,{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=3 airlines oppose light-rail money |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=December 12, 1998 |page=C1}} but the FAA approved it in May 1999.{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Ruling: Port ticket fees can finance 'Air MAX' |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=May 29, 1999 |page=B1}} Additional funds came from Cascade Station Development, a private consortium of Bechtel and real estate developer Trammell Crow, who provided $28.2 million for the project and $13.1 million for the construction of an interchange over I-205 and Airport Way.{{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}} TriMet released $27.5 million for construction, which was funded by $30 million in bonds, and procured six new rail cars for $6 million each.{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/publications/pdf/factsheets/rail-fleet.pdf |title=TriMet's Rail Vehicle Fleet |date=July 2016 |publisher=TriMet |access-date=December 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230445/https://trimet.org/publications/pdf/factsheets/rail-fleet.pdf |archive-date=December 20, 2018}} Metro allocated $18 million from a regional transportation fund, and $23 million came from tax increment bonds issued by the City of Portland.{{rp|82}}

David Evans and Associates served as the prime engineer and lead designer.{{cite book |last=Yee |first=Roger |date=2005 |title=Public Transportation: On the Move |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f1i0GoqE3lUC&pg=PA43 |publisher=Visual Reference Publications |page=43 |volume=1 |isbn=1584710373 |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131045632/https://books.google.com/books?id=f1i0GoqE3lUC&pg=PA43 |url-status=live }} Much of the Airport MAX extension used public right-of-way already owned either by the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Port, or TriMet. This avoided displacing private property owners and limited the project's impact only to parking spaces at Gateway Transit Center and along Airport Way. Bechtel began construction in June 1999 on a segment next to I-205 near the Columbia Slough. Bridgework over the freeway commenced the following December.{{cite news |last=Tomlinson |first=Stuart |title=Construction detours bottleneck I-84 traffic |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=December 3, 1999 |page=C3}} To minimize lane closures, workers used a cast-in-place concrete pouring method to extend the bridges' spans in {{convert|16|ft|m|1|adj=on}} increments.{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Don't look up, but MAX bridge going in over I-205; strict safety measures are in place to protect motorists, and as the span is built, tracks will start going in on Airport Way |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=December 17, 1999 |page=A1}} Work progressed quickly along the freeway segment due to the existing I-205 busway right-of-way, which came with a tunnel from Gateway Transit Center to the freeway median. Bechtel contracted track installation to Stacy and Witbeck,{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Airport's MAX station will be special |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=July 10, 2000 |page=E4}} whose workers placed {{convert|3200|ft|m|1}} of rail per day to meet the project's deadline; tracks from Gateway Transit Center to the bridge over southbound I-205 were laid by July 2000.{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Workers are busy making tracks toward Airport MAX 2001 deadline |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=June 12, 2000 |page=E4}} Hoffman Construction built the $8.4 million Portland Airport station, and local architecture firm Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF) designed the station's glass-roofed shelter to complement the airport terminal's drop-off canopy, which ZGF also designed.{{cite news |last=Gragg |first=Randy |title=Airport canopy works, but not as it could; the structure signals an end to the worst phase of construction but it could – and should – have been done better |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=May 28, 2000 |page=F4}}{{cite web |author= |title=Portland International Airport, MAX Light Rail Line and Station, Portland, Oregon |url=https://www.zgf.com/project/port-of-portland-portland-international-airport/ |publisher=ZGF Architects LLP |access-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111183707/https://www.zgf.com/project/port-of-portland-portland-international-airport/ |archive-date=January 11, 2019}} Bechtel began the end-to-end testing of the power, trains, and signals in March 2001, and TriMet took over the project that July to continue system testing and verify scheduling.

File:Beaverton Transit Center 8204809868.jpg

In 2000, TriMet named the new MAX service to the airport the "Red Line" to differentiate it from the established service between Hillsboro and Gresham, which it renamed the "Blue Line".{{cite news|author= |title=Systems News [regular news section] |magazine=Tramways & Urban Transit |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |date=December 2000 |page=471 |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 ...}}{{rp|83}} The Airport MAX extension opened on September 10, 2001.{{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}}{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Gordon |title=Unknowns cloud PDX's future |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 21, 2001 |page=D1}} Celebrations scheduled for September 15–16 were canceled in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks,{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Most Tri-Met fares rise Saturday, while route switches start Sept. 9 |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=August 31, 2001 |page=B1}}{{cite news |author= |title=History cancels PDX party |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 15, 2001 |page=D8}} with the airport itself closed for three days due to a nationwide ground stop.{{cite news |last=Rose |first=Joseph |title=Even anti-noise advocates happy to hear airplanes again |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 17, 2001 |page=E6}} Upon opening, the Red Line operated from the airport to the Library and Galleria stations in downtown Portland, where its trains turned around at the 11th Avenue loop tracks.{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Bill |title=Airport MAX rolls out Monday |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 7, 2001 |page=B1}} It replaced bus route 12–Sandy Boulevard as TriMet's only service to and from the airport,{{cite web |title=September 9th – Big Service Improvements |date=September 11, 2001 |publisher=TriMet |url=http://www.tri-met.org/sept2001changes.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011007142659/http://www.tri-met.org/sept2001changes.htm |archive-date=October 7, 2001 |access-date=November 26, 2018}} while the transit agency for Clark County, Washington, C-Tran, rerouted its bus service from its connection at Gateway Transit Center to Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center. Although tested during trial runs, TriMet opted to omit luggage racks from Red Line trains to maximize rider capacity.{{cite news |author= |title=MAX Red Line runs: Every 15 minutes, seven days a week |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 11, 2001 |page=A12}} By November 2001, ridership had averaged 2,300 riders and peaked at 3,800 riders a day before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. At the time, service had been using single light rail cars,{{cite news |author= |title=Systems News |date=November 2001 |magazine=Tramways & Urban Transit |page=430 |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |issn=1460-8324}} but the influx of riders prompted TriMet to temporarily deploy two-car consists, which it had not planned to do until 2006.{{cite news |author= |title=About town: Riders keep Airport MAX busy Thanksgiving weekend |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=November 27, 2001 |page=D2}}

On September 1, 2003, TriMet extended Red Line service farther west via the Westside MAX segment to Beaverton Transit Center. This was done in an effort to increase capacity between Gateway Transit Center and Beaverton and to provide a one-seat ride to the airport for the west side.{{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}} Regular use of two-car trains on the line began in September 2005, when overcrowding prompted TriMet to change most Yellow Line service from two-car consists to single cars in order to convert the Red Line to two-car trains.{{cite news |author= |title=Systems News |date=July 2006 |magazine=Tramways & Urban Transit |page=276 |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |issn=1460-8324}} In March 2008, three trips in each direction during the morning and evening rush hours began operating between the {{stn|Hatfield Government Center}} and Portland Airport stations to provide further capacity on the Blue Line.{{cite news |title=TriMet extends rush-hour MAX trains between Hillsboro, PDX |newspaper=Beaverton Valley Times |date=March 3, 2008 |url=http://www.beavertonvalleytimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=120457811698504200 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511082439/http://www.beavertonvalleytimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=120457811698504200 |archive-date=May 11, 2008 |access-date=November 1, 2015}}

{{multiple image

| align = left

| direction = vertical

| width = 220

| caption_align = left

| image1 = Red Line track and I-205 bike path, February 2018.jpg

| caption1 = A single-track segment of the Airport MAX along I-205 in 2018. Since January 2024, this formerly bidirectional section of track is used solely by Portland Airport-bound trains.

| alt1 = refer to caption

| image2 = Gateway North MAX station on its first day of service, March 2024.jpg

| caption2 = Gateway North station on opening day, March 2024

| alt2 = The platform of Gateway North station showing the station's shelter and a MAX train pulling in, facing north

}}

In October 2017,{{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}} TriMet, citing system-wide delays caused by two single-track segments on the Airport MAX, announced the MAX Red Line Improvements Project,{{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}} later renamed "A Better Red".{{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}} A Better Red proposed double-tracking a {{convert|2800|ft|m|adj=on}} section of track north of Gateway Transit Center and another {{convert|3800|ft|m|adj=on}} section next to Northeast Airport Way, just before the airport terminal.{{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 }} To qualify the project for federal funding, TriMet also announced extending Red Line service west to Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport station in Hillsboro, again using the Westside MAX segment; this would 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, 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.{{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 }}

Preliminary design work began in February 2018,{{cite web |author= |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}} and TriMet adopted a locally preferred alternative in April 2019.{{cite news |author= |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}} Final design was completed by engineering firm Parametrix in early 2021.{{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}}{{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}} The design included two new bridges north of Gateway Transit Center to accommodate the second track and a new MAX platform just north of Gateway Transit Center called "Gateway North". The project cost $215 million.{{cite news |last=Altstadt |first=Roberta |title=TriMet, FTA and partners celebrate a new era for the MAX Red Line |date=August 28, 2024 |publisher=TriMet |url=https://news.trimet.org/2024/08/trimet-fta-and-partners-celebrate-a-new-era-for-the-max-red-line/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-date=September 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906224508/https://news.trimet.org/2024/08/trimet-fta-and-partners-celebrate-a-new-era-for-the-max-red-line/ |url-status=live }} In May 2020, the FTA announced $99.99 million for the project through the Capital Investment Grants program.{{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}}{{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}} $104 million from TriMet, $8.9 million from Metro, and $2.2 million from the Port covered the local-matching funds.

The project broke ground on September 28, 2021.{{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 }} From April 2–9, 2022,{{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 }}{{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}} Red Line service was suspended to make way for construction, and shuttle buses operated between Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport.{{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 }}{{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 }} The project was completed in March 2024.{{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}}{{cite news |author= |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}}

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 Ave.{{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 }}{{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 }}

From January 14 to March 3, 2024, TriMet suspended MAX Red, Blue and Green Line service between NE 7th and Gateway Transit Center.{{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 }} Inbound Red Line trains from PDX began serving Gateway North on March 4, 2024.{{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 }} These projects eliminated the last bidirectional single-track sections on the MAX system.{{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}}

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.{{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 |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827082406/https://www.koin.com/news/trimet-max-a-better-red-line-expansion-beaverton-hillsboro-airport/ |url-status=live }}{{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}} On the destination signs of westbound trains, where space is limited, the new destination is shown as "HIO/Fairgnd", HIO being the International Air Transport Association code for Hillsboro Airport.{{Cite news |last=McKinney |first=Kevin |date=November 2024 |title=Rush Hour [transit news section] |volume=48 |pages=67–68 |work=Passenger Train Journal |publisher=White River Productions, Inc. |issue=4 – Fourth quarter 2024 |issn=0160-6913}} The opposite end of the Red Line continues to be shown simply as "Airport" (referring to Portland International) on the trains' destination signs.

{{See also|MAX Blue Line#Route}}

File:MAX Around The Curve (6161753154).jpg

The Red Line serves the {{convert|5.5|mi|km|1|adj=mid|-long}} Airport MAX segment.{{efn|name=length}} This segment begins just south of Gateway Transit Center where it branches from the Eastside MAX segment, makes a 180-degree loop, and heads north along the east side of the I-205 freeway. Near Rocky Butte, it enters a tunnel beneath the northbound lanes of the freeway and emerges along the median. The line then crosses over the southbound lanes of I-205 just south of the Columbia Slough and proceeds northwest along the south side of Cascade Parkway.{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/ride/stop.html?stop_id=10575 |title=Stop ID 10575 – Cascades MAX Station |publisher=TriMet |access-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907221245/https://trimet.org/ride/stop.html?stop_id=10575 |archive-date=September 7, 2018}} It follows this road then crosses it just before Mount Hood Ave station.{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/ride/stop.html?stop_id=10577 |title=Stop ID 10577 – Mt Hood MAX Station |publisher=TriMet |access-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509082611/http://trimet.org/ride/stop.html?stop_id=10577 |archive-date=May 9, 2018}} The line then continues northwest along the south side of Airport Way until it reaches its terminus at Portland Airport station.{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/ride/stop.html?stop_id=10579 |title=Stop ID 10579 – Portland Int'l Airport MAX Station |publisher=TriMet |access-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509053711/http://trimet.org/ride/stop.html?stop_id=10579 |archive-date=May 9, 2018}}

Beyond the Airport MAX, the Red Line serves parts of the Westside and Eastside MAX segments, where it interlines with the Blue Line from Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds station to Gateway Transit Center and the Green Line from Rose Quarter Transit Center to Gateway Transit Center.{{cite map |url=https://trimet.org/maps/pdf/trimetsystem.pdf |title=TriMet System map |publisher=TriMet |access-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210194105/https://trimet.org/maps/pdf/trimetsystem.pdf |archive-date=February 10, 2019}}

{{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=900|frame-height=450|frame-lat=45.520|frame-long=-122.708|zoom=11|type=line|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/Wikipedia KML/MAX Light Rail/Red Line}}|text=A geographic map of the MAX Red Line (in red) relative to the rest of the network (in black) with icons marking the line's termini.{{efn|The official system schematic can be viewed on the TriMet website.{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/maps/img/railsystem.png |title=TriMet Rail System |publisher=TriMet |access-date=2024-05-05 |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729002419/https://trimet.org/maps/img/railsystem.png |url-status=live }}}}}}

{{Further|topic=the stations, including TriMet bus connections|List of MAX Light Rail stations}}

File:Portland Airport MAX station May 2024.jpg

The Airport MAX project added four stations to the MAX system: Portland Airport, Mount Hood Ave, {{stn|Cascades}}, and Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center. In March 2024, Gateway North station was added as part of A Better Red.{{cite news |last=Graf |first=Tyler |title=TriMet celebrates first new MAX station in 9 years following A Better Red construction near Gateway |date=March 4, 2024 |publisher=TriMet |url=https://news.trimet.org/2024/03/trimet-celebrates-first-new-max-station-in-9-years-following-a-better-red-construction-near-gateway/ |access-date=July 2, 2024}} The Red Line serves these five stations in addition to 32 others, a total of 37 stations. It shares the 32 stations, from Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds station to Gateway Transit Center, with the Blue Line, of which eight stations, from Rose Quarter Transit Center to Gateway Transit Center, are additionally shared with the Green Line.

Riders can transfer from the Pioneer Square stations to the Green, Orange, and Yellow lines at the Pioneer Courthouse and Pioneer Place stations. Riders can also transfer from Rose Quarter Transit Center to the Yellow Line at Interstate/Rose Quarter station. The Library and Galleria, Convention Center, and {{stn|NE 7th Ave}} stations connect with the Portland Streetcar,{{cite web |url=https://portlandstreetcar.org/schedules |title=Maps + Schedules – Portland Streetcar |publisher=Portland Streetcar |access-date=October 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210194359/https://portlandstreetcar.org/schedules |archive-date=February 10, 2019}} and Beaverton Transit Center connects with WES Commuter Rail.{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/wes/index.htm |title=WES Commuter Rail |publisher=TriMet |access-date=September 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210194435/https://trimet.org/wes/index.htm |archive-date=February 10, 2019}} Some stations provide connections with local and intercity bus services.

TriMet designates the Red Line as a "Frequent Service" route.{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/schedules/frequentservice.htm |title=Frequent Service |publisher=TriMet |access-date=August 6, 2018 |archive-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109065214/https://trimet.org/schedules/frequentservice.htm}} Red Line trains operate from 3:20 am to 1:40 am the next day with headways ranging from 30 minutes during the early mornings and late evenings to 15 minutes during peak hours. End-to-end travel from Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds station to Portland Airport station takes just over one hour.MAX Red Line schedules:

• For weekday, to Portland City Center and Hillsboro: {{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/schedules/w/t1090_1.pdf |title=MAX Red Line, Weekday To Portland City Center and Hillsboro |publisher=TriMet |access-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121043412/https://trimet.org/schedules/w/t1090_1.pdf |url-status=live }}
• For weekday, to Portland City Center and Airport: {{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/schedules/w/t1090_0.pdf |title=MAX Red Line, Weekday To Portland City Center and Airport |publisher=TriMet |access-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121043523/https://trimet.org/schedules/w/t1090_0.pdf |url-status=live }}
• For Saturday, to Portland City Center and Hillsboro: {{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/schedules/s/t1090_1.pdf |title=MAX Red Line, Saturday To Portland City Center and Hillsboro |publisher=TriMet |access-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121043815/https://trimet.org/schedules/s/t1090_1.pdf |url-status=live }}
• For Saturday, to Portland City Center and Airport: {{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/schedules/s/t1090_0.pdf |title=MAX Red Line, Saturday To Portland City Center and Airport |publisher=TriMet |access-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121043905/https://trimet.org/schedules/s/t1090_0.pdf |url-status=live }}
• For Sunday, to Portland City Center and Hillsboro: {{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/schedules/h/t1090_1.pdf |title=MAX Red Line, Sunday To Portland City Center and Hillsboro |publisher=TriMet |access-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121044016/https://trimet.org/schedules/h/t1090_1.pdf |url-status=live }}
• For Sunday, to Portland City Center and Airport: {{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/schedules/h/t1090_0.pdf |title=MAX Red Line, Sunday To Portland City Center and Airport |publisher=TriMet |access-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121044108/https://trimet.org/schedules/h/t1090_0.pdf |url-status=live }}

On September 2, 2018, TriMet reintroduced bus service to the airport, which had been replaced by the Red Line in 2001, with route 272–PDX Night Bus. Service ran in the late night and early morning hours when the Red Line was not operating. It traveled from the airport via Airport Way and 82nd Avenue to a local bus stop near Southeast 80th and Washington streets.{{cite news |last=Theen |first=Andrew |title=New TriMet bus, MAX additions create all-night service to PDX |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=August 30, 2018 |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/08/7c26bc6c725773/trimet-brings-24-hour-transit.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916190508/https://www.oregonlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/08/7c26bc6c725773/trimet-brings-24-hour-transit.html |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/schedules/r272.htm |title=272–PDX Night Bus |publisher=TriMet |access-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111172354/https://trimet.org/schedules/r272.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2019}} Route 272 was suspended on April 5, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last=Hanson |first=Nate |title=TriMet to alter schedules for buses, trains after ridership drops 47% during coronavirus pandemic |publisher=KGW |date=March 27, 2020 |url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/trimet-to-alter-schedule-for-buses-trains-after-ridership-drops-47-during-coronavirus-pandemic/283-e896fc8c-0ff9-453d-a3e7-72e3d097b870 |access-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425200316/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/trimet-to-alter-schedule-for-buses-trains-after-ridership-drops-47-during-coronavirus-pandemic/283-e896fc8c-0ff9-453d-a3e7-72e3d097b870 |url-status=live }} It was reinstated on August 25, 2024, as route 292–Red Bus.{{cite news |last1=Kish |first1=Matthew |title=TriMet announces sweeping changes to light rail, bus service |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/2024/08/trimet-announces-sweeping-changes-to-light-rail-bus-service.html |access-date=November 2, 2024 |work=The Oregonian |date=August 26, 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/betterbus/servicechanges-fy25august.htm |title=August ’24 Transit Service Changes |publisher=TriMet |access-date=August 28, 2024 |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828154041/https://trimet.org/betterbus/servicechanges-fy25august.htm |url-status=live }} Route 292 travels a longer route than its predecessor with service through Southeast Portland and downtown, terminating at Goose Hollow/SW Jefferson St station.{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/schedules/r292.htm |title=292–Red Bus |publisher=TriMet |access-date=November 20, 2024 |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004083425/https://trimet.org/schedules/r292.htm |url-status=live }}

The Red Line averaged 17,390 riders on weekdays in September 2024, the second busiest after the Blue Line. One year after opening, the line averaged 2,800 daily riders at the airport, ahead of TriMet's first-year projections of 2,300.{{cite news |last=Leeson |first=Fred |title=Air travelers find MAX a deal |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 9, 2002 |page=E1}} The Red Line's extension to Beaverton Transit Center in 2003 increased weekday ridership by 49 percent along the Westside MAX corridor and six percent systemwide.{{cite news |last=Rivera |first=Dylan |title=MAX: More than the sum of its parts |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 6, 2009}}

IKEA's opening in July 2007 helped attract more riders to Cascade Station shopping center, which had been considered a failed planned development following the economic recession caused by the September 11 attacks.{{cite news |last=Mayer |first=James |title=Portland blinked and Ikea came |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=July 19, 2007 |page=B1}} In 2008, Cascades MAX station recorded an eight-fold increase in traffic, from 250 passengers per week to 2,000,{{cite news |last=Ballenger |first=Tara |title=Cascade Station: Ikea to the rescue |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=July 27, 2008 |page=S5}} and this figure had further grown to 6,000 by 2010.{{cite news |last=Griffin |first=Anna |title=At Cascade Station, it takes a mall, not a village, to thrive |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=May 19, 2010}} The Red Line's annual ridership peaked at just over nine million passengers in 2009,{{cite web |url=http://bipartisanpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/BPC-Infrastructure-Portland-MAX-Red-Line.pdf |title=Infrastructure Case Study: Portland Airport MAX Red Line |publisher=Bipartisan Policy Center |date=October 2016 |access-date=September 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913223621/http://bipartisanpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/BPC-Infrastructure-Portland-MAX-Red-Line.pdf |archive-date=September 13, 2018}} and it continued to fall over the next decade as part of a system-wide decline attributed to crime and rising housing costs in the Portland area.{{cite news |last=Keizur |first=Christopher |title=Safe travels? |work=Portland Tribune |url=https://portlandtribune.com/go/42-news/362854-242841-safe-travels |date=June 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804050017/https://portlandtribune.com/go/42-news/362854-242841-safe-travels |archive-date=August 4, 2018 |access-date=August 3, 2018}}{{cite web |last=Zielinski |first=Alex |title=You Know Portland's Transportation Woes Have Reached a Breaking Point When... |work=Portland Mercury |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2018/05/18/19925551/you-know-portlands-transportation-woes-have-reached-a-breaking-point-when |date=May 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804045911/https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2018/05/18/19925551/you-know-portlands-transportation-woes-have-reached-a-breaking-point-when |archive-date=August 4, 2018 |access-date=August 3, 2018}} From 8.2 million boardings in 2012, 7.4 million boardings were recorded in 2015.{{cite web |url=https://trimet.org/pdfs/history/railfactsheetairport.pdf |title=Airport MAX: Red Line |date=August 2012 |publisher=TriMet |access-date=September 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914022235/https://trimet.org/pdfs/history/railfactsheetairport.pdf |archive-date=September 14, 2018}}

The COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted public transit ridership globally, further exacerbated the line's—and TriMet's overall—ridership decline. From an average 22,530 weekday riders in September 2019,{{cite web |title=September 2019 Monthly Performance Report |url=https://trimet.org/about/pdf/2019/2019-09.pdf |publisher=TriMet |access-date=January 9, 2020 |archive-date=April 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426205623/https://trimet.org/about/pdf/2019/2019-09.pdf |url-status=live }} TriMet recorded just 6,500 riders in April 2020 following local stay-at-home orders.{{cite web |title=April 2020 Monthly Performance Report |url=https://trimet.org/about/pdf/2020/Apr20%20MPR.pdf |publisher=TriMet |access-date=November 20, 2024}}

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