Transit Options

The Columbia River Crossing project is studying two high capacity transit (HCT) options to reduce congestion on I-5 :

1) Bus rapid transit paired with express bus service

2) Light rail paired with express bus service

These options are recommended for more analysis because, when compared to other public transit options, they have the best potential to reduce congestion on I-5, meet future transit needs and address the issues identified in the project’s Purpose and Need Statement.

For either HCT option, express bus service would be combined with both bus rapid transit and light rail to better serve transit needs in and beyond the project area. Express bus service would serve long distance commuter markets by providing direct access between Clark County and downtown Portland during morning and evening peak commute hours.

Currently, several different alignments are being considered for high capacity transit between Vancouver and Portland. The choices focus on three areas – Hayden Island, downtown Vancouver and north of downtown Vancouver. There are several route options within each of these areas. All alignments connect to the MAX station at the Expo Center in North Portland, cross the Columbia River on a new replacement or supplemental bridge and travel through downtown Vancouver. North of downtown, transit would either operate along I-5 with a park and ride lot at Kiggins Bowl or on the streets of Vancouver with a transit station and park and ride lot at 39th Street. All the options are being studied, refined and discussed with the community and sponsor agencies on an ongoing basis.