Transportation in Oregon

The transportation system of Oregon is a cooperation of complex systems of infrastructure.

Steamboats and ferries were important early forms of transportation in early Oregon allowing trade along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

Wagon and stagecoach lines were another common method of transportation as the railways and roads began to develop.

The history of rail in Oregon predates the transcontinental railroad in 1869.

Early on, streetcars were pulled along rails using horse or mules.

As Oregon was aligned with the union states during the American Civil War, a railroad connection was proposed to help supply the Union and build morale.

With the introduction of hydroelectric power. Extensive interurban electric railway systems with trolley cars were developed primarily for passenger transport. They were used extensively for a period of time, however with the introduction of automobiles their popularity diminished.

Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) is a light rail system in the Portland metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is operated by TriMet and currently has five lines: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow, and Orange.