Light Rail Extension

Map depicting the Light Rail alignment and project area

CRC will expand travel options by extending an existing 52-mile regional light rail system an additional 2.9 miles across the Columbia River
to Vancouver.

Light rail will be extended to Vancouver

CRC will expand travel options by extending an existing 52-mile regional light rail system an additional 2.9 miles across the Columbia River to Vancouver. The new extension will end near Clark College in the Central Park Neighborhood and include a station on Hayden Island, four stations in Vancouver and three new park and rides. In addition, the project will provide transit connections to C-TRAN and TriMet bus routes and the region’s streetcar lines.

More information about light rail in Vancouver.

Light rail improves commute and regional connections

Light rail will provide a reliable alternative to automobile travel and help relieve congested conditions across the Columbia River. Trains will link many key regional destinations:

Downtown Vancouver
Portland International Airport
Downtown Portland
Clackamas
Gresham
Hillsboro
Milwaukie (Portland to Milwaukie project to be completed in 2015)

Light rail adds new stop in Portland

On Hayden Island there are designs for a new, elevated light rail station that integrates with the vision of the Hayden Island community.

More information about light rail in Hayden Island.

Light rail service will be efficient and safe

At opening, light rail service will provide a dedicated transit alternative with frequent service. Weekday peak service will provide trains every 7.5 minutes, with 15-minute service during off-peak periods by 2030.

Light rail station design will result in a safe, user-friendly system that is integrated into the community near residential and commercial buildings.
Design features include:

Light rail by the numbers

2.9 miles of rail in the CRC extension

52 miles of existing light rail network

7.5 minutes between trains during weekday peak service (15 minutes during off-peak periods) in 2030

18,700 trips per day crossing the Columbia River on light rail expected by 2030

6 million boardings per year expected
by 2030

Managed pedestrian access to stations through thoughtful placement of entrances and exits, fencing, lighting and landscaping
Visual and audible warning devices to alert users of approaching trains
Open and visible waiting areas to allow all activity to be seen
Clearly-defined fare zone for maximum enforcement

In addition, CRC is working closely with the City of Vancouver and City of Portland police, and C-TRAN and TriMet security to maximize passenger safety at stations and park and ride facilities, as well as on light rail trains. The security plan will include:

Monitoring stations and trains by transit security and local police officers
Enforcement of fare payment
Programs to remove graffiti, pick-up litter and maintain landscaping
Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)

How the community has shaped light rail design

The Vancouver Working Group, Portland Working Group and Vancouver Transit Advisory Committee were formed to advise CRC staff and project partners on transit issues. Each of these advisory groups has made recommendations that were incorporated into the current plan, including:

Design guidelines for the Hayden Island station
Route for the Vancouver portion of the line
Design and locations of Vancouver stations
Guidance on traffic and parking along the Vancouver route
Park and ride design

What are the next steps in designing light rail?

As the project moves toward construction, CRC will continue to work with the community and local project sponsors on light rail design details.