TriMet Introduces New Type 6 MAX Trains in Portland

Two of TriMet’s newest Type 6 MAX trains have entered regular service, marking a significant step in modernising Portland’s light rail network.

These units are part of a fleet of 30 Type 6 trains that will gradually join the MAX network, operating across all five lines.

The first of these vehicles began its debut journey at 6:06 a.m. from the Ruby Junction Rail Operating Facility on Thursday, 16 January.

The Type 6 trains, manufactured by Siemens Mobility, maintain the familiar blue and orange design of the previous Type 5 series but offer substantial upgrades. This includes:

• Enhanced Displays: Ceiling-mounted digital screens provide station updates, accessibility information, and additional messages.
• Improved Door Indicators: LED lighting around the doors signals when they are open (green), closed (red), or in operation (flashing yellow).
• Comfort Upgrades: Advanced temperature controls aim to improve passenger comfort in both summer and winter conditions.
• Predictive Maintenance: Integrated sensors allow maintenance teams to monitor the trains in real-time, addressing potential issues proactively.
• Security Enhancements: New cameras with wireless capabilities enable clearer footage and faster access for security teams.

Passengers can easily identify the new trains by their numbering system, with all Type 6 vehicles featuring a three-digit number starting with “6.”

The arrival of the Type 6 trains coincides with the planned retirement of the Type 1 vehicles, which have been in service since 1986. The older trains have surpassed their expected lifespan, with some travelling over 2 million miles. TriMet plans to donate one of these original vehicles to the Oregon Electric Railway Museum in Brooks for preservation.

This rollout represents a departure from tradition, as the new vehicles are not being introduced alongside a system extension – a first since the MAX system began in 1986.