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Board adopts locally preferred alternative for 80 Second Avenue transit project
Summary
The Multnomah County Board adopted the locally preferred alternative (LPA) for upgrading TriMet Line 72 to FX bus rapid transit service along 80 Second Avenue, signaling county support for design and funding steps to follow.
The Multnomah County Board voted to adopt the locally preferred alternative (LPA) for the 80 Second Avenue transit project, endorsing plans to upgrade the high-ridership TriMet Line 72 to FX frequent-express service between Clackamas Town Center and the Killingsworth/Columbia Boulevard area.
County and Metro staff said the corridor is one of the region's highest-ridership and highest-delay bus routes, carrying about 10,000 boardings and serving neighborhoods, schools and businesses along a roughly 10-mile corridor. The LPA calls for higher-capacity, zero-emission articulated buses, upgraded stations (weather protection, seating, lighting and real-time arrival), accessible crossings at each stop, signal and roadway improvements, station repaving and about 68 upgraded stops spaced roughly a third of a mile apart.
Metro staff and the project steering committee emphasized extensive public engagement including focus groups, surveys and community conversations; Metro officials said the steering committee, which included county representation, recommended the LPA by consensus. Metro and TriMet representatives told the board the project aims to open in 2029, with design continuing through 2027 and funding commitments to be finalized ahead of construction.
County leaders and business representatives from the Jade District and the 80 Second Avenue Business Alliance supported the LPA at the meeting, citing safety improvements, reduced travel times and economic benefits for corridor businesses. Commissioners asked staff to continue strong language access and targeted outreach to people experiencing homelessness, business owners and East Portland communities during design and implementation.
The board adopted the resolution recommending the LPA by roll-call vote and staff said the project will next move through Metro Council and further design phases.
