The Portland Aerial Tram is set to temporarily halt its operation starting from May 23 at 7 p.m. due to scheduled maintenance work and will not resume service until 5:30 a.m. on May 27. As reported by the City of Portland, the shutdown coincides with the Memorial Day weekend, a period known traditionally for lower ridership and is part of regular six-year checks necessary to ensure the tram's continuous safe operation.
The main focus of the maintenance work will be to replace the trams' carriages - the essential wheeled mechanisms tasked to support and push forward the tram cabins on the cables strung between the two stations. To partly accommodate travelers during the downtime, shuttle services have been arranged to operate on a modified schedule. Noteworthy to highlight is that these alternatives do not plan to run on Sunday, nor the actual Memorial Day, following the standard holiday schedule, as reported by the City of Portland.
There will be no requirement for fares on the shuttles. Commuters should, however, be prepared for extended travel times, potentially adding up to 30 minutes on top of the usual travelling duration, with the expectation of 10-15 minute wait times at pickup locations. Shuttle hours and other specifics can be accessed via the information provided on the Portland Bureau of Transportation website.
For those relying on ADA accessibility, arrangements will be in place to coordinate the needed assistance, with shuttle vehicles fully equipped to accommodate such requirements. The Portland Bureau of Transportation clearly states that interested parties should "speak to an attendant to coordinate assistance." Meanwhile, those looking to take alternative routes can do so by visiting the tram's website for guidance. For further assistance or queries, users are encouraged to email [email protected].
