Welcome, Change-Makers, to the City of Roses!

By Sam Desue, Jr. | 4/28/2024

BY SAM DESUE, JR.
General Manager
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet)
Portland, OR

Portland is the “City of Roses” and you’ll see why when you arrive in the Great Pacific Northwest for APTA’s 2024 Mobility Conference!

Portland comes alive in spring. As our cool, wet winter weather begins to fade, the city bursts into bloom. Gray skies give way to brilliant hues that wash the region in beauty and a sense of renewal and hope for a fresh start.

New beginnings start with TriMet, where our transit service is a change-maker. We have 75 bus lines, five MAX light rail lines, LIFT paratransit service, and WES commuter rail, but all our buses and trains have one destination: opportunity.

Every time someone comes on board, they move toward something better. Ride with our diverse community as you access transit during your stay. Our buses and trains can take you anywhere you need to go to ­maximize your APTA Mobility Conference experience!

Our city is on the road to revival, and TriMet is helping lead the way. As we build back rider­ship from the COVID-19 pandemic, we play a vital role in the region’s resilience, connecting people with economic opportunities, reducing traffic congestion, and taking action on ­climate change.

We’ve been serving the Portland region for more than 50 years, and today we’re improving our service, sprucing up our system and making major investments in safety and security, including a 24-hour support team to address non-emergency issues reported by riders via text, call, or click of a button.

With your central location at the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center, you’ll have easy access to TriMet and our partner service, Portland Streetcar. Here are some tips to connect with don’t-miss destinations, such as:

  • Powell’s City of Books: There are several ways to get there by public transit, but we recommend taking Line 6 and connecting with Line 20 to ride past the Portland, Oregon sign, VooDoo Donuts, and the Chinatown Gate.
  • Tilikum Crossing: Take Portland Streetcar’s A-Loop from NE Oregon and Grand to SE Water/OMSI. Walk across the bridge or hop on transit at the OMSI/SE Water MAX Station. As you cross, look up and to the south to spot cars from the Portland Aerial Tram.
  • Washington Park MAX Station: From the Convention Center MAX Station, take a MAX Blue or Red Line train west to reach the deepest transit station in North America! The Washington Park MAX Station is also a gateway to attractions such as the Oregon Zoo and the International Rose Test Garden.
  • Food carts: Taste flavors from around the globe at Portland’s famous food cart pods! Get your start at Pioneer Courthouse Square via westbound MAX Blue or Red lines.
  • Brews, wines, and more: Many other amazing restaurants, brew pubs, and wine bars are conveniently located near public transit! Easily plan your ride at trimet.org.

We’re excited to welcome you and the APTA Mobility Conference to our ­little corner of the public transit universe! Come ride with us! Come learn with us! Get ready to be inspired, energized, and empowered! And bring an umbrella: There’s a good chance you’ll see some of our “liquid sunshine” while you are here!