TriMet, Oregon’s regional public transit agency, has taken delivery of the final Type 6 MAX light-rail vehicle, marking a major milestone in the agency’s largest fleet modernisation effort in more than 20 years. The Siemens-built S700 train arrived at the Ruby Junction Rail Operations Facility on 20 November, completing the full order of 30 units.
The first Type 6 entered service in January 2025. With 22 trains already carrying passengers, the new vehicles now account for around 15% of the entire MAX fleet. The final unit will undergo several weeks of dynamic testing, including a requirement to log more than 3,000 miles out of service, before joining regular operations next year.
TriMet’s Chief Operations Officer, Inessa Vitko, called the delivery “a major step toward a new era for our MAX system,” adding: “These trains are an investment in our region’s shared future – one that will continue to move our riders to opportunities safely and reliably for years to come, all while saving TriMet time and money to maintain our equipment.”
Replacing ageing Type 1 vehicles
The new fleet replaces the original Type 1 vehicles, introduced in 1986 and now approaching 40 years in service. Many components for the Type 1s can no longer be sourced, forcing maintenance staff to manufacture parts in-house or salvage components from retired vehicles. Some of the units have accumulated more than 2 million miles.
By contrast, the Type 6 trains incorporate modern diagnostic systems that automatically alert technicians to emerging issues, helping to prevent failures and reduce maintenance costs. Other upgrades include LED lighting, digital passenger information screens and 360-degree internal CCTV coverage.
The trains also feature heated ice cutters fitted to their pantographs. These melt or remove ice from overhead wires during winter conditions, helping to protect operations during severe weather and reduce service disruptions.
Supporting long-term reliability
TriMet expects each Type 6 train to remain in service for approximately 30 years or longer. Their introduction coincides with a broader programme of infrastructure improvements across the network. In 2024, TriMet completed the multi-year Better Red MAX Red Line Extension and Improvements project, alongside upgrades to older parts of the system, including new tensioning systems for overhead wires and a full renovation of the NE 82nd Avenue MAX Station platform.
With the full Type 6 fleet now delivered, testing and commissioning will continue through next year. The final train, numbered 627, is expected to enter service across the Blue, Green, Orange, Red and Yellow lines once the testing period is complete. The transition to the new fleet is expected to boost overall reliability system-wide.
TriMet will continue operating the ageing Type 1s until all Type 6 vehicles are in service. Most of the retired units will be recycled, although car 101 has been donated to the Oregon Electric Railway Museum in Brooks, Oregon.
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