WES TRAIN ROLLS OUT FOR INAUGURAL RUN

One of TriMet's new Westside Express Service trains departs the Beaverton Transit Center for a ceremonial opening ride for dignitaries, journalists and others Wednesday. Full service begins Feb. 2.

BEAVERTON -- TriMet showed off its new commuter train Wednesday at a "first ride" for westside community leaders, the first public passengers on its route between Beaverton and Wilsonville.

The Westside Express Service started as a proposal to ease congestion along the Interstate 5 corridor. After 14 years of planning and troubles with its manufacturers, full service will begin Feb. 2. Trains will run about every 30 minutes Monday through Friday during morning and evening rush hours.

WES video

To see a video from Wednesday's run of the Westside Express Service commuter train, go to the Hard Drive commuter blog.

"This is not the silver bullet for congestion," Tom Brian, chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, said. "But it's silver buckshot: part of the transportation solution, in a way."

Transit officials estimate that WES will have 2,400 riders a day as soon as service begins. They expect it to reach 4,600 by 2020. Three self-propelled cars and one trailer will complete 32 round trips a day. Each car has about 80 seats, along with standing room and space for bicycles and wheelchairs.

In addition, WES will have free Wi-Fi onboard and interactive public art at each of its five stops. Parking for cars and bicycles will be available at most of the stops.

Fredrick D. Joe/The Oregonian WES conductors Tad Johnson (left) and Matt Koon check the time just before the train leaves the Beaverton center for Wilsonville.

"(We will provide) daily, reliable service and superior customer service," said Jeff Lowe, TriMet's director of commuter rail.

WES was supposed to start running last fall but was delayed because of trouble with the company contracted to build the train. TriMet had to take control of the company, Colorado Railcar Manufacturing, after it ran out of money to complete the vehicles.

Still, Brian said the final cost of the train would be comparable to building a new highway.

"It's another good day in Washington County," he said.

-- Megan Crepeau; megancrepeau@news.oregonian.com