What do you do when major transit track improvements mean two weeks of light rail line disruption?

In the case of Portland’s TriMet, help has come by way of a collaboration with micromobility providers like Lime.

From August 4 through August 17, the Rose City's MAX train service is suspended between N Interstate Ave and NE 11th Ave in order to complete scheduled track upgrades. To help minimize disruptions, Lime has stepped in during this two-week stretch to offer increased scooter deployment and discounted rides to Portlanders traveling to and from the affected areas. This includes the city's popular Lloyd District and Rose Quarter.

And so far, the response from MAX riders has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Last Monday alone we saw a 350% increase in trips and a 333% increase in ridership in the Lloyd District,” said Jeremy Nelson, Lime’s GM of Oregon. “Peak periods have been from 8-9 am and 4-6 pm, corresponding almost exactly with commuter travel patterns. This reinforces the strong interconnected relationship that exists between micromobility and mass transit here in Portland.”

Almost 400 Lime PDX riders took advantage of the LIME2MAX promo code in the first week alone, which offers 10 free unlocks to riders who begin or end their trip in the affected MAX closure areas. The code is available to all Lime riders through August 17.

Lime has also increased on-site outreach to TriMet’s “Honored Citizens” — transit riders that include senior citizens, people living on a low-income and people with disabilities. These expanded efforts include equipping Honored Citizens with free helmets and providing registration assistance for the Lime Access discount program.

The Portland Bureau Of Transportation (PBOT) has long been considered a national leader in bike and scooter infrastructure, and thanks to this fact the entire route between the closed transit stations has protected or buffered bike lanes to keep riders safe.

For more information on city collaborations and ride discounts in your area, subscribe to 2nd Street, or download the Lime app to take a carbon-free electric scooter ride in Portland today.