11:44 AM PST on Friday, February 13, 2004

Associated Press

TriMet has identified new ways to improve operation of its trains and buses in the ice and snow of occasional winter storms.

A Tri-Met bus spins out of control at 70th and East Burnside during a snowstorm in January. (kgw.com viewer photo//Elizabeth Currey

The transit agency suffered its worst weather problems in at least 20 years last month when wintry weather shut down the light-rail system for 27 hours. Buses struggled in snowbanks, and many TriMet drivers couldn't make it to work.

As a result, the agency studied the problems and came up with a list of solutions in a report presented Wednesday to its board of directors.

Fred Hansen, TriMet's general manager, said the recommendations included adding four snowplows, buying heavier-gauge tire chains for buses and running MAX trains continuously at night to keep the overhead electrical supply wire from icing up.

The report was based on talks with transit agencies in North American and European cities that deal with winter weather routinely.

Hansen said frequent train runs appear to be more effective than using ice-cutter devices that restrict the power of MAX cars and pose a risk for damaging the overhead supply wire.

In addition, Hansen recommended buying about $250,000 worth of plastic snap-on strips, which connect to the top of light-rail wires and might deter ice formation.

The agency also plans to use de-icing chemicals on steep grades such as the Steel Bridge approaches where MAX trains lost traction. Hansen said TriMet seeks to buy or build a special plow, based on a model used in Calgary, Alberta, that can clear the grooves of tracks inlaid in streets in Hillsboro and Portland.

The agency also plans to buy plowing devices that can be attached to four-wheel-drive trucks for use in and around TriMet's bus garages and park-and-ride lots. TriMet seeks to identify private companies with plowing and towing equipment that can be used on a rental basis, Hansen said.

TriMet is ordering heavier-duty tire chains to be used only in the most severe conditions. The agency has been using cable-type traction devices that restrict buses to 25 mph. The heavier chains would slow speeds even further, to about 20 mph, but would improve traction on severe ice.