The 5.8-mile Interstate MAX Yellow Line light rail service turns five years old this week. Since opening May 1, 2004, the line has seen 20.5 million rides taken and more than 50 new businesses sprout up around the alignment.

In its first year of service, weekday ridership on MAX had doubled that of the former bus line that served the same corridor. Last year, Interstate MAX weekday ridership was 13,600, a 16 percent increase since the line first opened in 2004.

The area has also seen significant growth since the MAX Yellow Line started operating on Interstate Avenue. New businesses and housing, coupled with the access provided by light rail, have opened up the corridor as an attractive area to live and work.

"There has been tremendous transformation along the Interstate MAX line since we built and opened five years ago," said TriMet GM Fred Hansen. "We have seen, firsthand, transit's role in enhancing neighborhoods and connecting communities. It's exciting to watch this area grow and see riders using our expanding system to connect to work, school and other activities."