Portland's aerial tram, the most significant architectural statement in Portland since Graves' PoMo Portland Building opens to the public today. It absolutely redefines the way Portland looks at itself, both literally and in a philosophical sense. The tram is practical art and PORT takes you there. Guided by City of Portland's Transportation Project Manager, Art Pearce, and Project Assistant, Liz Mahon...

- Photography by Sarah Henderson -














































Though incredibly controversial it has won over most that have tried it. Also, check out PORT's a full review of Portland's new Aerial Tram.

My girlfriend is really confused about why I am so excited about the tram. And no matter how many times I tell her how important of a symbol this is for Portland, she remains indifferent. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

has no one noticed the poor color design of this tram.
as you drive down barbur its like a you are looking directly into the sun and your eyes are being burned out of their sockets.
i propose that someone hit the tram with flat black paint.

The tram will change how people travel from one tiny place in Portland to another tiny place in Portland. It is going to have no effect on how most people get around. Sure, it's cool, and it might make Portland look more interesting to someone who doesn't live here, and it'll cause some rear-end accidents at the I-5 on-ramp from John's Landing, but how functional is it really? Here's something that would change how people get around: MAX from downtown to Lake O transit center. The tram doesn't even come close to the impact that MAX line would have. And I bet it would be cheaper and less controversial.

Nothing about the colors are too exciting. Just clean steel. I actually don't mind it, but Ryan if you decide to somehow get a squad to paint the tram towers all black. Then I will be standing beside you. Worth spending a night in jail? Maybe not, but it would still be fantastic.

Love the photos! Glad to hear positive comments since most of you aren't that crazy about it.

I have to say shame on you to the people who want to paint it black. Perhaps you need to drive by it during sunrise or sunset and see the reflections. Or realize that it is steel b/c on the cloudy, Portland like days it just blends into the sky. And that is the point...regardless, I don't think we need to change it--we should be thankful that we have something unique to add to the urban fabric of our city.

Honestly, I had to laugh at the connection to Lake O. While obviously the suburbs are part of southwest traffic, the 15 year plan for the southwaterfront district will make the tram more valuable than we can all even know.

I agree with Calvin, this is going to be fantastic for our city. The only other monumental piece of architecture from an actual renowned architect in this town is the Graves building that was built in the 80's and, well, looks like it. Besides the Fox Tower, there havent been many developments of monumental proportion worthy of note and definately none that have changed or created a skyline worthy of a postcard.

I love to see all this buzz around the tram!