If you normally hop on MAX to get to work, it's time to start thinking about your options for the next few weeks.

TriMet will close a stretch of track in downtown Portland for repairs May 8-21, and although the repairs affect just half a mile of track, impact from the closure will be felt throughout the system.

Here's your guide to riding out the disruption:

Don't take MAX

Do not take MAX. Don't do it. If you need convincing:

From the east side, on an average morning commute, 63 trains cross the Steel Bridge into downtown. During the disruption, the number will be 29.

From the west side, 32 Blue and Red Line trains normally arrive downtown. During the disruption, it'll be 18.

That means you'll have to wait longer for your train -- and it's not just about frequency. When that train finally arrives, it will probably be filled to capacity.

Seriously, if you can avoid it, don't take MAX.

If you must take MAX

If you decide to take MAX anyway, or if it's your only option, TriMet officials say you should plan an extra 30 to 45 minutes of commute time each direction.

You'll also need to carefully plan your trip to be sure you end up where you intended. The Green Line will end at the Rose Quarter, while the Red Line will divert to the transit mall. The Blue Line will be split in two, with trains running from Hillsboro to the Library/Galleria stops and from Gresham to Portland State University along the transit mall.

If your workday is flexible, consider shifting your commute to off-peak hours, when fewer people are jockeying for a spot on the train.

Avoid bringing your bike. Some MAX stations have secured bike-and-ride facilities, but to use them, you'll need to buy a $20 keycard with a $5 activation fee. Those keycards are also available at the TriMet Ticket Office at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Other options

Bus: Many MAX riders will have a bus option. Use TriMet's trip planner to find it.

Bike: It's National Bike Month, and if paying for parking isn't your game, this might be the time to try a bike commute on for size. Check out our beginners guide to biking to work.

Car2Go: The Daimler-owned car-sharing service is offering timely free memberships through June 12, and new members will get 15 minutes of free driving time. The door-to-door Smart car rental might be a good option to keep in your back pocket as long as you're staying within its home area.

Drive: If you don't often drive to work, scout out your parking options in advance. If you work in downtown Portland, the sticker shock might remind you why you take transit in the first place.

Work from home: Certain workplaces are increasingly open to employees doing the job remotely -- particularly if the alternative is workers who arrive late and stressed out. Check with your employer.

Call for help

TriMet says it has extended the hours for its customer service hotline, 503-238-RIDE, during the early days of the disruption. It will be staffed:

Sunday, May 8: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 10: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Automated services, like transit tracker and service alerts, are normally available 24 hours, while the hotline is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

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Have a commuting question? Contact Elliot Njus at enjus@oregonian.com or on Twitter @enjus