91ÊÓƵ

When I first arrived in Portland, I rode the red line MAX from the airport to Pioneer Courthouse Square. I remember the tasting the dewy air and awing at the tall buildings around me – as someone from Montana, the Meier & Frank Building was impressive. The red line has delivered me and millions more from the airport to our respective first impressions of Stumptown. TriMet officials today the red line’s 10 million riders in 10 years mark.

While I can wistfully go back to that moment at the drop of a hat, I am now a seven-year resident of the city and know full well that the construction costs of a light-rail system are large, far-reaching and inflammatory. Whether it be taxes, Transportation System Development Charges (subscription required) or other costs, residents often are pulling their hair out at added fees.

Though taxpayers and even developers may be incensed, something tells me that some fresh-faced traveler to Milwaukie will appreciate when it is complete: the newcomer didn’t fund the thing, but he will reap the benefits of transit-based development.