How many substations are involved in the first phase of the upgrade?

The first phase involves the design of six traction power substations along the Banfield corridor.

Who is leading the design and project management for the substation upgrades?

STV is leading the structural, civil, electrical, and systems design for the substations and providing overall project management, working with a team of eight consultants.

When were the original traction power substations installed?

The original traction power substations along the MAX Blue Line were installed in 1983.

What approval did STV recently receive for the substation project?

STV received Issued for Construction (IFC) approval for the design of the first six traction power substations.

STV Finalizes Design for First Phase of TriMet MAX Blue Line Substation Upgrades

The milestone is a significant step toward modernizing the MAX Blue Line’s power infrastructure, one of the oldest components of the region’s light rail system.

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February 24, 2026

A TriMet MAX Light Rail vehicle overhead shot — Originally installed in 1983, TriMet’s 12 Type 1 traction power substations along the MAX Blue Line are nearing the end of their service life.

Credit:
TriMet

2 min to read

STV completed the design for the first six traction power substations in TriMet's Banfield Type 1 Substation Replacement Project, which has been approved for construction.
The upgrade aims to modernize the aging power infrastructure of the MAX Blue Line, initially installed in 1983, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Over the last 18 months, STV managed structural, civil, electrical, and systems design tasks for this project, collaborating with a team of eight consultants.

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STV announced the completion of design for the first six traction power substations under TriMet’s Banfield Type 1 Substation Replacement Project, which also received Issued for Construction (IFC) approval.

The milestone is a significant step toward modernizing the MAX Blue Line’s power infrastructure, one of the oldest components of the region’s light rail system.

TriMet’s Upgraded Substations

Originally installed in 1983, TriMet’s 12 Type 1 traction power substations along the MAX Blue Line are nearing the end of their service life.

The 12-year replacement program will introduce state-of-the-art traction power equipment, improve equipment access and safety, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and minimize the risk of service disruptions for riders.

Over the past 18 months, STV led the structural, civil, electrical, and systems design for six substations along the Banfield corridor and is providing overall project management, leading a team of eight consultants.

“This is a foundational investment in the reliability and resilience of the region’s transit system,” said Ja-Mie Luey, PE, VP/West Coast rail and transit systems lead at STV. “STV is modernizing the critical infrastructure upgrades that strengthen the backbone of MAX service today while building capacity for future improvements that directly benefit riders and the communities they connect.”

The MAX Blue Line’s Next Phase

The MAX Blue Line is TriMet’s longest light rail route, spanning approximately 33 miles and serving 48 stations between Hillsboro and Gresham.

“Maintaining our transit system in a state of good repair is one of TriMet’s top priorities,” said Jamie Snook, executive director, capital project delivery, at TriMet. “Through our partnership with STV, we’ve advanced the replacement of our original light rail substations that are more than 40 years old, which is vital to keeping our region and our world-class light rail system moving and reliable for our riders and the Portland metro area.”

Construction of the first six substations is anticipated to begin in 2026 and continue through 2028.

STV is also scheduled to begin designing four additional Banfield substation sites in July 2026.

Q&A

The purpose is to modernize the MAX Blue Line’s power infrastructure, introduce state-of-the-art traction power equipment, improve equipment access and safety, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and minimize the risk of service disruptions for riders.