by Julie Thomas-Zucker

Created on: November 23, 2011   Last Updated: November 24, 2011

The Portland, Oregon Aerial Tram travels 3,300 feet between Portland's South Waterfront and OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University). The tram makes it more feasible for visitors to reach the University's hospital and research facilities. Everyone is welcome on the Tram even pets and animals as long as they are in carriers, even bikes, strollers, and carriages, wheelchairs and mobility devices with brakes have access to the Tram. It has convenient access to public transportation.

The three minute trip crosses 500 feet above Interstate 5, the Lair Hill neighborhood, and Southwest Terweilliger Parkway. For those wanting a quick easy way to get from the South Waterfront to Marquam Hill, the tram provides that. Riders cannot smoke, eat or drink on the tram. Fold out seats are for the elderly and disabled only. Children cannot ride alone until they reach the age of thirteen. Children under six do not pay any fee.

Round trip tickets which all riders must have in their possession are $4. Annual tram passes cost $100. Riders can use their monthly TriMet and C-Tran passes. They also honor annual Portland Streetcar passes. Riders obtain the tickets either at machines on the lower deck with their credit or debit cards or with quarters. The machines will not accept paper bills or other coins.

Another alternative way to obtain the tickets is at the Pharmacy in the Center for Health on the OHSU campus. Patients of OHSU and its hospitals can get the tickets from their doctors in most cases. Employees and students of OHSU receive free access with their ID cards.

Trams run every six minutes from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM Monday through Friday. On Saturday hours are 9 to 5 and Sunday 1 - 5 only June to September. The final tram departs the terminal ten minutes before closing. Weather can delay the tram but not stop it. High wind especially, and ice,  can cause delays in the tram service.

Connections for the Portland Streetcar are across the street from the Tram at S.W. Moody and S.W. Gibbs. Reach the Portland Street by way of the MAX, bus, or TriMet.

The tram is extremely safe. Its design is from Switzerland and Los Angeles. Earthquakes should not disrupt the operation, or the safety, of the ride. It exceeds the U.S. earthquake standards. It has backup drivers and generators to keep power coming to the tram. This is the same type of tram they have in the Swiss Alps.

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