Trimet Green Line Opening

Today was the opening day for the Green Line train in Portland, OR public transportation system.

It is a big deal here. Especially for anyone who rides the 72 bus on a regular basis.
The 72 is the bus line that services 82nd Ave. 82nd is a very busy shopping and business route, and even with the buses running every 15 minutes, it has been over crowed for a long time.

The Green Line is an electric train which will run on brand new tracks parallel to both 82nd Ave and highway 205, from the Clackamas Town Center Mall. At the Gateway Transit center the new track connects with the old and the Green Line will be on the same route with the Red and Blue lines running into downtown. At the transit Center downtown, the Green will again pick up on new tracks running over to Portland State University. They have included plenty of free parking at each stop, which is really great.
Portland is a city never to shy away from a reason to party, and today was no exception. Trimet offered free rides all day. There were big organized events all day at five of the stops along the route. the biggest being held at the Clackamas Town Center,

and at Pioneer Square.

We went to Clackamas Town Center, enjoyed the music

and the many booths,

and rode the Green Line downtown. Trimet has estimated that over 40,000 people rode the Green Line today, and I have to say a good time was had by all.

More of my photographs from today can be seen here. Spidersart Studio