Trimet opens new MAX Orange line

Trimet opened the new Portland-Milwaukie MAX Orange line on Sept. 12, 2015.

(Randy L. Rasmussen/Staff)

Metro staff say light rail would be the best choice for a future rapid-transit connection between downtown Portland and Bridgeport Village, which lies on the edge of Tigard and Tualatin.

The new line would likely operate as an extension of the existing Green Line. It's expected to cost about $2 billion as currently imagined.

Planners had considered using "bus rapid transit," where extra-large buses serve more distant stops than traditional bus service, sometimes traveling on transit-only lanes. Passengers usually pay fares on the platform, like light rail, to speed boarding.

But in a report released Monday, they said the buses wouldn't be able to accommodate projected growth in ridership. While light-rail would have a higher construction cost, it would be faster and more cost-effective after it starts operating.

Planners also recommended dropping a proposal to build a tunnel to provide service to Portland Community College's Sylvania campus, saying it would increase the project's costs by 21 percent.

A steering committee will hear the findings at a hearing on Wednesday and is expected to vote on the recommendations May 9. Wednesday's hearing will be held at the Southwest Community Center, 6820 SW 45th Ave. in Portland.

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com

503-294-5034

@enjus