Increasing the attractiveness of active forms of transportation - walking, biking and transit - brings us closer to a seamless, safe, enjoyable and efficient transportation system. Metro is working with partners to improve the light rail system serving East County neighborhoods. Station areas along the Blue Line will see changes that enhance safety, as well as the look and feel of the stations themselves. Pedestrian crossing safety improvements will be included at all the stations, from Northeast 82nd Avenue to Cleveland Avenue. Many stations will be repainted and some will have lighting upgrades.
Metro and the Federal Transit Administration provided funds for the design and construction of a new light rail station at Civic Drive. This new station will serve Gresham's Civic Neighborhood, where Metro's transit-oriented development program has invested resources to ensure a transit-supportive plan for the area, higher-density housing and a mix of retail uses. The development supports homes and jobs, encourages walking and transit use, and has improved connections to other destinations within Gresham. The station will include enhanced security features, such as a fare zone demarked by a paving pattern that includes inset LED lighting at the "threshold" and across the platform boarding area. TriMet expects to break ground on May 17 and open the station in fall 2010.
Metro Councilor Rod Park is happy Metro can play a role in these community improvements. "Light rail is a critical part of our regional transportation system. I am pleased TriMet has employed additional security elements in the new station as MAX is a community amenity and these investments will help us make the most of what we have."