Tri-Met Travels, Part 1

We were looking for something to do this Sunday and decided to ride the Portland tram. We also decided to get to and from the tram station on Portland's mass transit system, Tri-Met. So as it ended up we rode on 3 of the 4 legs of Tri-Met's system. Tri-Met has buses, light rail, streetcars and the tramway. We started on the bus, then rode the tram, moved on to the streetcar and finished up on the bus. 

Riding the bus always affords some great people watching opportunities and our trip to downtown was no exception. Living in the Dekum neighborhood we have access to really good bus service. We rode the #8 to downtown and then on up to OHSU, which is at the high point of the tram. 

This is where the bus dropped us off at OHSU. The bus driver was very nice and very helpful, making sure people knew where they needed  get off the bus. With all the construction at the VA hospital and at OHSU there are a lot of temporary bus stops and it is pretty confusing. You can see him standing just to the left of the bus, taking a break so the bus would be back on schedule. 

On to the tram, which would take us to the South Waterfront. 

 The picture above is the tram coming into the station at OHSU. It was put in to get people from the main OHSU campus to their new buildings on the South Waterfront. Below are the massive pulleys that keep the cables turning to move it up and down the hill.

Here are some of the views. On a clear day Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helen's are visible as well as some great views of downtown Portland and East Portland. 

The lower end of the tram. 

East Portland with Mt. Hood in the distance.

Tram approaching the upper terminus.The tram goes over some residential areas which was a privacy concern when it was being planned. 

I-5 crossing the Willamette River. 

Downtown Portland.