Max Station on Skidmore Fountain to Temporarily Close by TriMet
TriMet Announces Closure of Skidmore Fountain MAX Station
In a bid to improve efficiency and reduce travel times for MAX riders in downtown Portland, TriMet has decided to close the Skidmore Fountain MAX Station. The closure, scheduled for August 24, 2025, is part of TriMet's ongoing efforts to consolidate closely spaced stops along the Blue and Red MAX lines since 2018 [1][4].
The Skidmore Fountain MAX Station is located between the Old Town/Chinatown MAX Station, two blocks north, and the Oak Street/Southwest 1st Ave. MAX Station, four blocks south [2]. Historically, it has been one of the least used stations along the MAX lines in downtown Portland [3]. The station is only 500 feet from the nearest station, and a typical two-car MAX train is about 200 feet long [1].
Closing the Skidmore Fountain MAX Station will save riders approximately 45 seconds per trip [1][2][4]. This follows earlier closures of three other closely spaced stations in 2020, which saved riders roughly 90 seconds per trip [1][2][4]. Together, these changes have improved travel times on the Blue and Red lines by about 2 minutes and 15 seconds [1][2][4].
After the closure, MAX trains will run directly between the Old Town/Chinatown and Oak Street/Southwest 1st Avenue stations, which will remain open and continue to serve riders along 1st Avenue [1][3][4]. Riders who currently use Skidmore Fountain can use either of these stations as alternatives. Additionally, the Portland Saturday Market at nearby Tom McCall Waterfront Park is also accessible for those who need alternative transportation options [4].
The decision to close the Skidmore Fountain MAX Station was made after a year-long community engagement process [1][4]. TriMet initially proposed closing the station in 2018 and sought feedback from riders, the public, and local employers [4]. In January 2024, TriMet proposed closing the station again, which was approved in April 2024 [4].
Since the closure of three stations in 2020, trip times through downtown Portland on the MAX Blue and Red lines have been 90 seconds faster [1][2]. The average weekly ridership at the Skidmore Fountain Station is currently less than half of what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic [1]. Over the past five years, the station's ridership has not increased [1].
This closure will streamline travel through downtown Portland, improving overall efficiency and reducing travel times for MAX riders [1][2][3][4].
Key points:
- Skidmore Fountain MAX Station closes Aug 24, 2025.
- Goal: Speed up Blue and Red MAX trains by reducing stops.
- Station is 500 feet from nearest station; typical two-car MAX train is ~200 feet long.
- Previous similar closures in 2020 saved 90 seconds per trip.
- Closing Skidmore Fountain saves an additional 45 seconds per trip.
- Trains run directly now between Old Town/Chinatown and Oak Street stations.
- Riders redirected to adjacent stations nearby.
- Station's ridership has not increased over the past five years.
- Reduced travel times through downtown Portland since 2020 closures.
- The closure of the Skidmore Fountain MAX Station, scheduled for August 24, 2025, is a part of TriMet's strategy to employ rail technology in the public-transit industry, aimed at enhancing efficiency and accelerating transportation along the Blue and Red MAX lines.
- By reducing the number of stops along the lines, such as the closure of Skidmore Fountain MAX Station, the rail technology in the public-transit industry drives the finance sector towards more profitable operations, save time for travelers, and contribute to the overall development of transportation infrastructure.
- The forthcoming closure of Skidmore Fountain MAX Station and the previous closures of three other stations in 2020 were outcomes of TriMet's initiatives to consolidate closely spaced stops, improving travel times while upholding the reliability and affordability of the public-transit industry in Portland.
