Skidmore Fountain station closure to improve MAX efficiency

TriMet will permanently close the Skidmore Fountain station on August 24, aiming to shorten travel times for MAX Blue and Red line passengers in downtown Portland and improve overall system reliability. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Skidmore Fountain station closure part of long-term plan

TriMet has confirmed the decision to close the Skidmore Fountain station as part of a broader effort to streamline operations in downtown Portland. The agency announced the move after its board approved the change last year.

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Currently, three stations sit closely along 1st Avenue, forcing MAX trains to slow down in the city’s core. By removing this stop, trains will travel directly between Old Town/Chinatown and Oak St/SW 1st Avenue, cutting delays.

The closure is the final step in a plan introduced in 2018, when TriMet proposed eliminating four closely spaced downtown stations. Three were closed in 2020, saving riders ninety seconds per trip.

Skidmore Fountain station change expected to save time

With the upcoming closure, riders can expect to save an additional forty-five seconds on their journeys. Although the gain may seem small, it adds up during peak commuting hours and helps improve schedule consistency.

TriMet emphasizes that accessibility will remain intact because nearby stations are within walking distance. This ensures that the surrounding cultural and market districts stay connected to the city’s light-rail network.

The agency notes that no further closures in downtown are currently planned. However, TriMet continues to assess stop spacing in other high-density areas to increase service speed and efficiency.

FAQ

Why is the Skidmore Fountain station closing?

TriMet is closing the station to reduce travel times and improve reliability on the MAX Blue and Red lines. More details are available at TriMet’s official page.

When will the Skidmore Fountain station close?

The closure will take place on August 24, as part of TriMet’s ongoing system improvement plan.

How much time will the closure save riders?

Riders will save about forty-five seconds per trip, which, combined with earlier closures, results in over two minutes of reduced travel time.

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