Although the US is behind in this facet of urban planning, it is nice to see cities like Portland and Tacoma making strides. For example, Portland's first MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) line opened in 1986 and has been successful ever since. With lines out to the north (Interstate Avenue/Expo Center), the northeast (Portland International Airport), the east (Gresham), and the west (Hillsboro), the MAX light rail system has been a key part of the Portland metro area's crusade for urban and sustainable planning excellence. As if that wasn't enough, new lines and extensions are in the works, including one to Vancouver, WA, Clackamas Town Center, Wilsonville, and Forest Grove. In addition, Portland is revitalizing its downtown transit mall by putting in a MAX line that will run north and south in addition to the original line running east and west. In terms of improving on an already good system, the Portland Streetcar was introduced in 2001 as the first modern streetcar system in the US. This smaller version of MAX travels through downtown and makes stops at many locations, including Portland State University, the Pearl District, NW 23rd Avenue, and Riverplace. Opening towards the end of this year is the streetcar expansion to South Waterfront via Riverplace. This means that Portland will be getting 3 new streetcars (in colors such as lime green and bright yellow) from its supplier in the Czech Republic. Speaking of transit and South Waterfront, the Portland Aerial Tram is scheduled to open this December as the second aerial tramway in an urban setting in the US (the first and only other is NYC's Roosevelt Island Tramway). Carrying 70 people per car, the tram will take passengers from Oregon Health and Science University's Health and Healing Center at South Waterfront to the school's main campus up on Pill Hill (as it is known by locals). The funny thing about Portland's transportation developments is the fact that 2006 is the 20th Anniversary of MAX, the 5th Anniversary of the Portland Streetcar, and the grand opening of the Portland Aerial Tram. In terms of Tacoma, the streetcar system they have there is pretty much identical to the system that Portland has. I am under the impression that the cars for both are made by the same Czech company. In both cases, the streetcar systems have really helped to revitalize the downtown areas of both cities, especially Tacoma. This just goes to show the far-reaching effects of light rail transportation in cities of the Pacific Northwest.
