Hillsboro and Beaverton riders are on the fast track to new adventures as TriMet marks the completion of its largest light rail project in nearly a decade.
TriMet representatives, federal leaders and local partners came together for a ride to commemorate the MAX Red Line extension Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station.
Titled “A Better Red,” the three-year project has journeyed over two phases to increase the TriMet light rail system’s reliability, extending Red Line service west at 10 stations, including:
Beaverton CentralMillikan WayBeaverton CreekMerlo/SW 158thElmonica/S.W. 170th Ave
Willow Creek/S.W. 185th TC
QuatamaOrencoHawthorn FarmHillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds
“This project would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of so many individuals and organizations,” TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. said during the ceremony. “A Better Red isn’t just about extending the line — it’s about making our entire MAX system better. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we all come together, and together, we are building a brighter, more connected future for the people of this region.”
The project boasted a $215 million budget, with a large portion covered by a $99.9 million Small Starts grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA). TriMet spent $104 million, while Metro allocated around $9 million and the Port of Portland contributed $2.3 million.
“Congratulations to the people of Portland and the TriMet team for completing the ambitious ‘A Better Red’ project, which will improve service and result in smoother, faster travel, allowing people throughout the Portland region to leave their cars behind,” FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said.
Vanterpool highlighted how the transit project, completed on time and within budget, supported the local workforce. Led by construction manager and general contractor Stacy Witbeck, and designed by Parametrix, the project created over 1,000 jobs and paid out more than $18.9 million in salaries.
“In fact, 44% of the subcontracting firms are certified disadvantaged business enterprises in Oregon, demonstrating our shared commitment to equity and ensuring everyone has a chance to benefit from federal transit investment,” Vanterpool said.
On track to provide a one-seat ride for passengers to and from the Portland International Airport, the expansion of the Red Line steers transit toward the growing job center of Washington County.
“Smart transit infrastructure does more than reduce traffic congestion; it drives economic growth by making our region more attractive for investment,” Westside Economic Alliance Executive Director Elizabeth Mazzara Myers said. “By investing in projects like A Better Red, TriMet, the Federal Transit Administration and the jurisdictional partners are not just placing track and adding stops — they are laying the groundwork for economic prosperity, community resilience and long-term sustainability.”
Although not all community members have access to reliable transportation, local leaders emphasized how the project increases opportunities for people to get around the Portland metro — while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by private vehicles.
“A Better Red demonstrates and fulfills our collective regional commitment to providing reliable, convenient access to jobs, homes recreation and services,” Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai said. “It also supports our regional commitment to climate-friendly initiatives by allowing more people to reach their destinations without cars.”
“I’m thrilled to celebrate A Better Red today, because it offers Beaverton residents a reliable, climate-friendly alternative to driving, connecting them to Portland, Hillsboro, and beyond,” Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty said. “Good transit is essential to our community’s growth, and this project will make life easier for so many, especially the 30% of our residents who can’t drive.”
“MAX light rail does more than just move people; it moves people closer to their dreams,” Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway said. “This extension is another rung helping individuals climb the socioeconomic ladder. Each trip — whether it be for education, healthcare, or employment — carries people on their journey towards a better purposeful life.”
Going the extra mile
Before the project, the MAX Red Line ended service at the Beaverton Transit Center; now, MAX light rail service has doubled between Beaverton and the Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds station.
Reliability improvements were also made on the east side of the line, which went into operation in March. Those included installing a second set of tracks in two sections near the Portland International Airport and Gateway Transit Center, improving train movement and keeping lines running on time.
As part of the improvements, TriMet added its new Gateway North stop to serve trains coming from Portland toward downtown and Washington County — marking the first new MAX station in nearly a decade.
That work also involved building two new bridges and pathways to support the new track sections, enhancing connections for pedestrians, cyclists and those using mobility devices.
More information about “A Better Red” is available at trimet.org/betterred/ .
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