Trimet Says Max Line Is Disrupted

Portland, Ore. – Update – Here is the latest update from Trimet Friday Morning 5am – on the Max delays and damaged lines near the Hollywood Transit Center –

MAX Blue, Green and Red lines remain disrupted this morning, with shuttle buses serving stations between NE 7th Ave Station and Gateway Transit Center. Riders should plan extra time if traveling through the disrupted area, and consider using regular bus service if possible to avoid the disruption. MAX riders in other areas should plan a little extra time as well.

Throughout the day, riders should check trimet.org/alerts before they head out for any updates.

TriMet crews remain on the scene *west* of Hollywood Transit Center making repairs. The damage they are repairing was extensive and we have no estimated time on just when today the repairs will be completed.

Background: MAX experienced a major issue just west of the Hollywood Transit Center about 4:30 p.m. yesterday when a train lost power. On inspection, the pantographs were heavily damaged. Those are the arms that extend up from the roof of the train to the overhead wire to get power to the train. The overhead wire in the area was also damaged. When the damage to the wire occurred, it put tension on some of the poles that hold up the overhead wire. Those poles must also be repaired.

Once the operator of the incident train could determine there was no threat to safety from other trains or the damaged overhead wire, the operator directed passengers evacuating the train to walk east toward Hollywood Transit Center so they could get out of the trackway. A few people with mobility issues, including one in a mobility device, had to be evacuated by fire bureau personnel.

We have no word yet on the cause of this incident at this time. Crews were able to remove the incident train from the area overnight.

We apologize to our riders and appreciate their patience as our crews work to return MAX trains to regular service as soon as possible.

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The MAX Blue, Green, and red lines have been affected from an earlier incident.

Roberta Altstadt with Trimet tells KXL the lines are disrupted between the North east 7th avenue station and the Gateway Transit Center. Trimet is using shuttle buses.

She hopes the repairs will be done by morning, but suggests you check schedules to see if your line is delayed.

An overhead electrical connection problem is to blame.