Portland Aerial Tram

PortlandTramCar3

== Portland Aerial Tram ==

The Portland Aerial Tram is an aerial tramway in Portland, Oregon, United States. It connects the city's South Waterfront district with the main Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) campus, located on Marquam Hill. The tram is one of only two commuter aerial tramways in the United States, the other being the Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York City.

History[edit | edit source]

The Portland Aerial Tram was conceived as part of the development of the South Waterfront district, which was previously an industrial area. The tram was intended to provide a direct and efficient transportation link between the South Waterfront and the OHSU campus, which is situated on a hill and difficult to access by road.

Construction of the tram began in 2005, and it officially opened to the public on December 15, 2006. The project faced several challenges, including cost overruns and opposition from local residents concerned about privacy and noise.

Design and Operation[edit | edit source]

The tram consists of two stations: the lower station, located in the South Waterfront district, and the upper station, located at OHSU. The tramway is approximately 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) long and rises 500 feet (152 meters) over its course. The tram cars are supported by a single tower and travel along two parallel cables.

The tram operates daily, with a frequency of every few minutes during peak hours. It can carry up to 79 passengers per trip and has a maximum speed of 22 miles per hour (35 kilometers per hour). The journey between the two stations takes about three minutes.

Impact and Reception[edit | edit source]

The Portland Aerial Tram has become an iconic part of the city's skyline and a popular attraction for both residents and visitors. It has been praised for its efficiency and the stunning views it offers of the city and the surrounding landscape. However, it has also faced criticism for its high construction costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.