News Advisory: Mayor Hales, officials to preview Portland Streetcar’s full Central City service with first ride June 11 connecting downtown and OMSI over Tilikum Crossing

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(June 10, 2015) - Portland Mayor Charlie Hales will lead officials and community members in the Portland Streetcar’s first ride connecting the east and west sides of the city over Tilikum Crossing: Bridge of the People on June 11. 

This first ride, which travels from downtown to OMSI, previews full Central City loop service that will begin September 12, and which will create two complete loops that connect major east and west side destinations. Those destinations include OMSI, the Lloyd District, the Pearl District, Downtown Portland and the South Waterfront District.  The expansion also will mean more frequent streetcar service with  7 ½ minute wait times through downtown.

Mayor Hales will be joined by community members and business leaders as well as representatives of the offices of U.S. Congress members Earl Blumenauer and Kurt Schrader, PBOT Director Leah Treat and TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. This first ride kicks off a summer of preview rides for children’s groups, neighbors, businesses and organizations that surround Portland Streetcar. 

WHEN:  Thursday June 11, 2015

10:15  Arrive at SW 3rd and Harrison to prepare for boarding

10:30  Departure of first Portland Streetcar ride from SW 3rd and Harrison

10:45 Arrival at OMSI station with surprise entertainment and remarks by public officials and community members

11:10 Return trip

NOTE:  RSVP to julie.gustafson@portlandstreetcar.org to reserve a space on the streetcar- space is very limited.  Otherwise, media staging for the first streetcar arrival and program is at the OMSI streetcar platform, access at the SE corner of OMSI’s parking lot, 1945 SE Water Avenue.

WHERE: First ride begins at SW 3rd and Harrison (space is limited, RSVP required), crosses Tilikum Crossing: Bridge of the People and ends at OMSI, 1945 SE Water Avenue.

WHO:    Mayor Hales, PBOT Director Leah Treat, TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane, representatives of the offices of U.S. Congress members Earl Blumenauer and Kurt Schrader, and community members from OMSI, South Waterfront and other key destinations

WHY:  To kick off a summer of preview rides showcasing the Portland Streetcar’s full Central City service that for the first time will fully connect the east and west sides of the Central City in a complete loop and bring expanded, more frequent service with 7 ½ minute wait times for passengers traveling from the Pearl District through downtown to the west end of Tilikum Crossing.

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The Portland Streetcar is the nation’s first modern streetcar system. It is owned by the City of Portland and operated in partnership with TriMet and Portland Streetcar, Inc. www.portlandstreetcar.org  @pdxstreetcar

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation  @pbotinfo