Portland, Oregon by Rail

Filed in archive En Route on February 13, 2008

I've decided to continue with the train theme today. Last time, I profiled Tokyo's mammoth Metro system. This time I want to give you a taste of some above ground rail riding.

Portland, Oregon is a much smaller metropolis than Tokyo, but it has taken advantage of trains as a form of public transit. Many medium-sized cities are clamping on to the idea of light rail. Portland was one of the first. It therefore has one of the best systems.

Light rail is basically a modern day street car system. Most, like Portland's, are not very extensive, but, because of the size of the cities, they don't need to be. Buses and mini-buses can get people from most areas to the rail stations.

Portland's train, know as the Tri Met, has conveniences that would simply be impossible on a larger system. For example, there is an on board bike rack, meaning people can ride their bikes to the station and then bring their bike onto the train and simply hop back on and pedal when the reach their desired station. There are also park and ride lots. Here's a video of a trip on Portland's Tri Met.



It's as easy as that.