How to Ride in Portland
How to Ride MAX
- You can catch MAX at 64 stations throughout the metro area. Trains run every 5-15 minutes every day roughly between 4:30 a.m. and midnight.
- You must have a validated ticket, bus transfer receipt or monthly pass before boarding MAX. Ticket machines are located at each station. If you are riding only within Fareless Square, you do not need to pay a fare.
- Signs at the station indicate where to wait and when the next train is due. Signs on the front of each train identify the line (Blue, Red or Yellow) and destination.
- As MAX approaches, stay behind the white bumpy tiles and wait for the train to come to a complete stop. The doors will open automatically and you can board the train.
- MAX stops at every station. The station name is announced before each stop and appears on a reader board overhead.
- Gather all your personal items and exit the train. Be sure to look both ways before crossing the MAX tracks.
How to Ride the Bus
- Arrive at your stop a few minutes early. Wait on the sidewalk where the operator can see you. Frequent Service buses run every 15 minutes or better during the day
- As the bus approaches, check the sign above the front window to make sure it's the line and destination you want. If it is, signal the operator that you wish to board.
- Be ready with exact change or a valid ticket, transfer receipt or monthly pass. If you are riding only within Fareless Square, you do not need to pay a fare.
- Stay back from the curb and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop. Then, board and pay your fare.
- The operator will announce major stops and intersections. If you are not familiar with the area, you can ask the operator to call out your destination.
- When you want to get off, pull the bell cord or push the plastic strip near the window to request the next stop.
How to Ride the Portland Streetcar
- The Portland Streetcar runs on a three-mile loop connecting NW 23rd Avenue, Portland City Center and River Place. Stations are located every 2-3 blocks and trains run until about 11:30 p.m. (10:30 on Sundays). The Streetcar runs about every 13 minutes during the day (less frequently evenings and weekends).
- You can buy a ticket on board or validate your previously purchased ticket on board the Streetcar. If you are riding only within Fareless Square, you do not need to pay a fare.
- Reader boards at each station show when the next train is due. Signs on the front of each train display the Streetcar's destination.
- Stay behind the white bumpy tiles and wait for the train to come to a complete stop. The doors will open automatically and you can board the train.
- The Streetcar does not stop at every station automatically. When you want to get off, push the yellow strip on the wall or the button by the door. The station name is announced before each stop and appears on a reader board overhead.
- Gather all your personal items and exit the Streetcar. Be sure to look both ways before crossing the tracks.
For your safety
- Stop and look both ways before crossing the tracks.
- Always use the designated pedestrian crossings.
- Never walk or ride your bike on the tracks.
- Never ride your bike on the MAX platform.
- To report an emergency or a suspicious package or behavior, tell the operator right away using the intercom or call 9-1-1.
Some many MAX stops have connections with the Bus and the Streetcar, so the Portland mass transit system allows easy access to anyone in the Portland metro area.