The Portland Aerial Tram Executive Management Committee recently approved a four-month test of operating the Tram on Sundays during the summer months.
The Tram opened for public rides on January 27, running six days a week. Since then, more than 300,000 rides have occurred on the popular conveyance from South Waterfront to the OHSU campus on top of Marquam Hill. During the winter months, the Tram did not operate for riders on Sundays to allow for maintenance during daylight hours.
However, there have been an increasing number of requests for Sunday service, particularly during the busy summer season. The committee approved operating the Tram for four hours on Sunday afternoons to accommodate the expected increased summer traffic. Beginning May 20, until September 16, the Tram will be open between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Fares are $4, with children 6 years and younger free.
“The Tram is still proving to be very interesting to people, and with the good weather and stunning views of summer, we thought it may prove viable to open for Sunday afternoon rides during this time,” said Steve Stadum, Executive Vice President of Oregon Health & Science University and Chair of the Portland Aerial Tram Executive Management Committee.
Following this test period, the committee will review the rider statistics to determine if the Tram will be open next summer in the same way.
The City-OHSU Executive Management Committee provides oversight and policy guidance for the Portland Aerial Tram. Its membership consists of three city representatives, three OHSU representatives and an independent third party representative jointly selected by OHSU and the city.