The Portland Streetcar began service July 20, 2001, between NW 23rd Avenue and Portland State University. The construction of the streetcar catalyzed the development of the Pearl District, Oregon's densest residential neighborhood.
Expansion to the South Waterfront continued to grow housing and jobs in the central city, connecting major institutions like the Oregon Health Sciences University to Downtown Portland and other neighborhoods.
In 2015, the Tilikum Crossing opened and A and B Loop service began on the east side, continuing the central city's growth in the Lloyd District, Lower Albina and the Central Eastside.
Since 2001, 49 percent of the housing units built in Portland were along the streetcar system. 39 percent of the city's total affordable housing units are similarly along the streetcar system. Streetcar ridership peaked before the Covid-19 pandemic at more than 16,000 riders per day--and now is back to more than 10,000 riders per day.
Streetcar service begins through downtown, connecting NW 23rd Avenue to Portland State University.
Service expands to SW Moody & Gibbs.
Service begins to complete the current NS Line route to serve the entire South Waterfront district.
East side service begins across the Broadway Bridge to OMSI.
The Tilikum Crossing is completed, providing a full east side loop.
Planning begins for extension of the NS Line to Montgomery Park in NW Portland.
Portland Planning Commission approves Montgomery Park Area Plan to move forward zoning changes for streetcar extension project.